§ Mr. EnrightTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what extra charter safeguards he envisages to protect the dignity of those who receive state benefits.
§ Miss WiddecombeWe do not plan any extra charter safeguards. The Benefits Agency customer charter gives a commitment to treat all customers courteously and with respect as well as delivering benefits speedily and accurately. A refurbishment programme to upgrade public caller areas to provide increased privacy, comfort and convenience is under way. More than half of the offices will have been upgraded by the spring.