HL Deb 20 October 1994 vol 558 cc16-8WA
Lord Mancroft

asked Her Majesty's Government: What are their plans to review the Social Security Agency in Northern Ireland.

Baroness Denton of Wakefield

It is the Government's policy that the status and organisation of all Next Step agencies should be reviewed periodically to ensure that the organisational arrangements continue to be appropriate. The Department of Health and Social Services in Northern Ireland has started work on a review of the Social Security Agency. As well as evaluating the performance of the agency since it was established in 1991, the review will consider what future organisation of the work of the agency will best support the cost-effective delivery of social security operations within Northern Ireland. The review will pay particular attention to improvements in service to the customer, value for money, accuracy and fraud prevention.

Comments and contributions from those with an interest in the Social Security Agency and its work will be most welcome. Anyone who would like to comment is asked to make contact as soon as possible with:

Mr. Peter Small

Principal Establishment & Finance Officer

Department of Health & Social Services

Castle Buildings

Stormont

Belfast BT4 3TL

The closing date for contributions is Friday 18 November 1994. I will inform the House of the results of the review.