HC Deb 16 January 1991 vol 183 cc526-7W
Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received about the level of funding of community care loans and grants at his Department's office in Great Ancoats, Manchester; what has been his response; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Scott

We have received representations from the director of public health for Manchester health authority about the level of the social fund budget at the Department's Manchester Central local office. This is currently under consideration.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what change there has been in the numbers and time involved in waiting for a claim to be dealt with following the introduction of the computer system at Chorlton.

Miss Widdecombe

Before introduction of the computer system to Chorlton, five days were ascribed for dealing with income support claims. This target is unchanged.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what efforts he makes to ensure consistency between the granting of loans and grants by his Department's different offices.

Mr. Scott

My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State issues directions and guidance to social fund officers; however, we believe that flexibility and the exercise of discretion are important features of the social fund.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the level of funding of his Department's Great Ancoats office in the light of changing demand.

Miss Widdecombe

The Department monitors workloads on a monthly basis and conducts an annual review of resource allocations. Allocations to offices each year take account of forecast workloads, and the in year monitoring examines the distribution of staff resources at local level.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the frequency and nature of errors on the computer system used to calculate benefit at his Department's Chorlton, Manchester office.

Miss Widdecombe

There have been a number of system faults reported since the computer system was installed on 29 May 1989 at DSS Chorlton. They have been corrected as they arose.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many items of post are outstanding presently at Chorlton.

Miss Widdecombe

At 14 December 1990, the latest available date, the number of unlinked items of post was 47.

Mr. Tony Lloyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to alter the structure and staffing levels at his Department's Chorlton office.

Miss Widdecombe

In April 1991, the Chorlton, Rusholme and Wythenshawe offices will come together to form the South Manchester district service and will be managed as a single unit, but no offices will be closed to the public. District managers will be responsible for drawing up detailed plans to provide the best possible service to local customers in the most effective way. These will be prepared in consultation with interested parties, including constituency MPs.