§ Mr. MeacherTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what policies he is bringing forward in the current parliamentary session to develop and enhance the social security system.
§ Mr. JackWe intend to continue this Government's programme of developing the social security system in line with our priorities and of ensuring that it is effectively delivered.
In addition to the measures that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced to the House on 21 October, we expect to publish a discussion paper on the options for the equalisation of state pension age; to establish a new child support unit and to introduce, after the consultation now under way, detailed regulations under the Child Support Act passed in the last Session; to bring into operation the two new benefits for disabled people; to implement the changes to income-related benefits already announced which will help families with children, and particularly lone parents, to work if they wish to do so; to implement the citizens charter and, in particular, to introduce a charter for the customers of the Benefits Agency; and to improve further the quality and effectiveness of the delivery of services to customers through the development of the Department's executive agencies.