HC Deb 04 April 1990 vol 170 cc682-3W
Mr. Rowe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the fifth annual report of the chief adjudication officer.

Mr. Newton

The report is being published today. It reflects considerable variation in standards of adjudication. While the report is critical of the Department of Social Security local office standards it recognises that initiatives such as the creation of social security centres should lead to improvement through greater specialisation. I am pleased that the report highlights the high standard achieved by Newcastle central office and a marked improvement in most benefits administered by North Fylde central office. While adjudication in the Department of Employment remains unsatisfactory, it is recognised that the monitoring initiatives introduced since the previous report have not yet had a chance to take effect, and these, together with changes this year in staffing and training, are noted as offering hope for future improvements. We shall respond formally to the chief adjudication officer's specific recommendations in due course.