§ Mr. LeightonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps have been taken to restructure the Stratford Benefits Agency office, Jubilee house; and on what date the work will be completed.
§ Mr. BurtThe planning for the restructuring or refurbishment of local DSS offices is a matter for Mr. Michael Bichard, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member and a copy will be placed in the Library.
Letter from Michael Bichard to Mr. Ron Leighton, dated 4 December 1992:
As Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, it is my responsibility to answer questions about relevant operational matters. I am therefore replying to the points raised in your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security asking what steps have been taken to restructure the Benefits Agency Office at Jubilee House, Stratford, and on what date the work will be completed.
Following on from a feasibility study undertaken by the Property Services Agency and in view of the current workloads and operational needs of the office, proposals have been made to refurbish the customer area in Jubilee House rather than to completely restructure the whole building. Plans are already in hand and it is envisaged that, once full consultation has taken place, work should be complete by summer 1993.
I hope you find this reply helpful. A copy will appear in the Official Report. Copies are also being placed in the Library.