§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many complaints he has received about social security form AG1; and if he will list the general sources of complaint.
§ Mr. ScottSince April 1988 when form AG1 first came into use, some 100 letters have been received from right hon. and hon. Members, mainly about the length and complexity of the form. The letters have referred to representations made by outside organisations, including some professional organisations as well as by individuals. In addition a few complaints have been made direct to the Department.
§ Mr. PawseyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to simplify form AG1.
§ Mr. ScottA revised version of form AG1 came into use last month. The new version reflects a major overhaul of the form and incorporates improvements to avoid particular difficulties identified from experience of the form in use. Several national organisations concerned with potential users of the form were consulted about the redesign and it was also tested in independent research arranged by the Central Office of Information. Although the dimensions of the form have been slightly reduced, the442W new version still has the same number of pages since the content is largely governed by the amount of information required to assess claims in accordance with the legislation. Nevertheless, the improvements should make the form easier to complete and more likely to produce all the relevant information and so minimise the need for additional inquiries.
The form will be kept under review with a view to further improvements in the design and content.