14. Mr. Andy StewartTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how he anticipates his Department's computerisation programme will benefit social security claimants.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardComputerisation has improved the speed and accuracy with which benefit claims are handled. It provides a better service to the public on inquiries. It has enabled us to move benefit processing work out of London to areas where it is easier to recruit and retain good staff—and so provide a better service to our London customers.
§ 57. Dr. TwinnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made in implementing his Department's operational strategy.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardThe Department's highly complex £1.7 billion strategy for the computerisation of the social security payment system is proceeding as planned. The pilot exercise in 23 local offices has been 73W completed and the systems are being introduced nationally office by office. By 4 May 1990, 226 offices had received the departmental central index (DCI) system; 225 the retirement pensions system; and 119 the income support system—out of an eventual target of 440 offices.