§ Mr. HunterTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when he will publish the eighth report of the Chief Adjudication Officer; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LilleyThe report is being published today. Its findings point to encouraging improvements in some areas of adjudication in Benefits Agency districts, particularly in review action in income support cases. The CAO has also reported good standards of adjudication within the Newcastle and Fylde benefits directorates.
The CAO acknowledges the commitment of the Benefits Agency and Employment Service to better standards of adjudication and the increased emphasis in quality in agency business plans for 1992–93. Both he and I look forward to progress in coming years, particularly in those areas where the CAO found some room for improvement.
The CAO also welcomes the positive responses made to the majority of the recommendations he made in his 1990–91 report and makes further recommendations to build upon the progress made so far.
76WThese recommendations are being considered and we will respond in due course.