§ Mr. PikeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if he will publish a report on the progress of the integrated benefit information system; when the transition to the new integrated benefit information system will take place; and if he will make a statement;
(2) what is the estimated cost of introducing the integrated benefit information system computer system into all agencies.
§ Mr. BurtIn September 1993, my right hon. Friend, the Secretary of State announced the introduction of a one-stop service to Benefits Agency offices and that as part of that service, a new computer system, the integrated benefit information system—IBIS—would be available by July 1994.
The IBIS is now available to all Benefits Agency offices. Offices are starting to use it alongside existing systems and other initiatives to support their transition to the business goals of one stop. There are, however, no plans to publish a report on its progress.
Each agency has a different business focus so it would not be appropriate to introduce the same computer system to them all. The IBIS was designed specifically for the Benefits Agency; however, other agencies are considering using the IBIS concept to deliver systems that will generate greater efficiencies in their own business. Detailed proposals and costings are not currently available.