§ 36. Mr. Jacques ArnoldTo ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will make a statement on the reorganisation and development of the social security administration.
§ Mr. NeedhamOver the next few years the administration of social security will be improved through the introduction of a sophisticated new computerisation programme known as operational strategy. A major new system for the payment of income support was introduced last month and will be extended to cover all 34 social security offices by January 1991. Further systems for other benefits will be introduced later. This programme will mean a better service to the public, improved jobs and working conditions for staff and increased value for money for the taxpayer. It will cost £45 million and will break even in 1994–95.
With the same aims of improving service quality and efficiency the Department of Health and Social Services is conducting a feasibility study to consider whether social 334W security operations in Northern Ireland should become an executive agency in line with the next steps initiative. The report of the study will be considered by Ministers shortly.