§ Mr. KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he intends(a) to publish the results of the further study of the options for relocating some headquarters work and (b) to make a decision regarding relocation of further offices.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardI refer the hon. Member to the reply given on 14 November 1989, concerning relocation of headquarters work, to my hon. Friend the Member for Colne Valley (Mr. Riddick) at column170. A copy of the review team's report was placed in the Library.
798WThere are no further central plans to relocate work from any social security local offices other than the 21 local offices in London, the details of which were announced to the House by the then Secretary of State for Social Security on 16 January 1989 at column 46–47.
All regions are currently reviewing their network of local offices in consultation with local management to take account of the changes flowing from the introduction of the operational strategy, the creation of the Contributions Unit/Agency, the creation of the Benefits Agency, and other related issues. Regions will be producing proposals for consideration at the end of March 1990. Any proposals for further relocation of work will be considered on their merits as part of this exercise.