§ 16. Mr. Teddy TaylorTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he intends to take to increase the availability of staff at DSS offices in response to the increase in applications for benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Miss WiddecombeThe staff resource allocation to DSS offices is based on a system which takes account of workload forecasts. The benefit agency monitors these forecasts and the staffing allocation and determines what action is necessary in respect of any changes. Account is taken of both increases and decreases in benefit workloads as some changes can be partly or wholly offset against others.