§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many representations he has received expressing opposition to the new incapacity benefit; and what plans he has to review the working of this benefit. [20371]
§ Mr. HagueI have received a number of letters about incapacity benefit since the changes were announced in December 1993. We will closely monitor the effects of the changes but we have no plans to review the benefit.
§ Mr. StephenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the revised charter for national insurance payers will be published. [20757]
§ Mr. ArbuthnotI have today published the revised contributor's charter. It highlights the progress the Contributions Agency has made since its launch four years ago. It demonstrates the agency's continuing commitment to providing a quality service. I am particularly pleased to see that the charter's complaints section has been revised. Customers now have access to an independent adjudicator and are clearly directed to other sources of independent advice. The agency is now better placed to deal with customers dissatisfaction effectively and positively.