HC Deb 28 April 1994 vol 242 cc278-80W
Mr. Rowe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security for how many regular publications he was responsible in 1993–94; what was their circulation; and how many were obtainable by subscription.

Mr. Scott

This Department, including its agencies, produces an extensive range of printed and other materials each year which could be interpreted as publications. In addition to those listed, a catalogue of leaflets, posters and audio cassettes available to the public—CAT 1—is available in the Library.

Social Security HQ produced in 1993–94: Two newspapers—Benefit News for Jobhunters and New Start (Disability Working Allowance). Both had a circulation of about 60,000 and are available by free subscription. The Social Security Annual Report is published annually and is available through HMSO to the public. Subscription/sold copies of the report stand at: subscription 238/sets 191.

Statistical publications—II regular publications:

  1. a. The Abstract of Statistics for Social Security Benefits and Contributions and the Indices of Retail Prices and Average Earnings. Annual publication; circulation 300.
  2. b. Disability Working Allowance. Quarterly publication; circulation 120.
  3. c. Family Credit. Quarterly publication; circulation 120.
  4. d. Households Below Average Income Statistics. Annual publication; circulation 700.
  5. e. Income Related Benefits—Estimates of Take-up. Annual publication; circulation 400.
  6. f. Income Support Annual Statistical Enquiry. Annual publication; circulation 200.
  7. g. Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry. Quarterly publication; circulation 200.
  8. h. Income Support Residential Care and Nursing Home Report. quarterly publication; circulation 150.
  9. i. Personal Pensions. Annual publication; circulation 400.
    10. 279
  10. j. Social Security Statistics. Annual publication; circulation 1,240.
  11. k. Tax Benefit Model Tables. Annual publication; circulation 400.

Research publications are produced on a regular basis covering a variety of issues. Twelve publications have been produced in the period 1993–94. The circulation of these is entirely handled by HMSO. No research publications are available by subscription.

The latest social security research yearbook, which gives details of research published up to 1993 is available in the Library. The 1994 yearbook is not yet available.

Publications issued by the Department's agencies are listed separately:

Benefits Agency

  1. (a) Benefits Agency Annual Report—This is published annually (July) and is available to all staff, local representative and Welfare groups, DSS senior management and Members of Parliament. The print run is approximately 10,000.
  2. (b) Benefits Agency Business Plan (including Who we are and What we do)—This is an annual publication (April) with broadly the same distribution as the Annual Report. Copies are also distributed on request to various individuals and organisations. The print run this year was 15,000.
  3. (c) Benefits Agency Customer Charter—This is a document monitored by Customer Service Branch with a print run of 250,000. It is available to anyone on request but whilst the content is reviewed and monitored regularly the publication is as and when required. The Agency has issued two versions so far.
  4. (d) Annual National Customer Satisfaction Survey—This is commissioned annually by the Agency and the results are issued April/May. 3,000 copies are produced.
  5. (e) Local Business Plans—Produced by each local business unit for distribution to its customers. They are produced annually and are in place in each district (159). Print runs and distribution size will vary according to individual unit/district.
  6. (f) Local Charter Standard Statements—Produced by each local business unit for distribution to its customers. They are produced annually and are in place in each district. Print runs and distribution size will vary according to individual unit/district. Minimum print run is 2,000 per district.
  7. (g) Staff Charter—This is a twice yearly publication issued to all staff. Print runs varies dependant on demand—usually 70–80,000.

All the above publications are available without charge to the recipients.

Child Support Agency

The Child Support Agency produced 56 publications in various printed or audio tape editions during 1993–94. None was a priced publication. They were available to the public and staff alike to outlets such as agency or social security offices, post offices, advice agencies or mailing houses.

Contribution Agency

  1. (a) The Business Plan, Annual Report and Accounts.
  2. (b) Code for Enforcement and Useful Contacts leaflet.
  3. (c) Contributions Charter.

None of the above is a priced publication and all are freely available upon request from local social security offices.

Resettlement Agency

  1. (a) Annual report 1992–93 published September 1993; circulation 1,000.
  2. (b) Business Plan 1994–95 published March 1994; circulation 500.

Both publications were circulated to Parliament and grant recipients.

Information Technology Services Agency

  1. (a) Annual Report and Accounts 1992–93—circulation through HMSO; quantity 210.
  2. (b) Annual Business Plan 1993–94—this is not a period publication and is circulated internally. It is, however, available on request.

Neither publication is on subscription.