§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is the current budget for the Benefits Agency's freeline benefit advice line service; and what are the proposed budgets for the next two financial years; [23847]
(2) if he will make a statement on the future of the Benefits Agency's freeline benefit advice line; and if he will make a statement; [23848]
223W(3) how many Benefits Agency staff are employed to run the Benefits Agency's freeline benefit advice line. [23849]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Ursula Brennan to Mr. Frank Field, dated 1 April 1996:
As Peter Mathison is on leave at the moment, the Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions asking what is the current budget for the Benefits Agency's (BA's) freeline benefit advice line service; and what are the proposed budgets for the next two financial years; if he will make a statement on the future of the BA's freeline benefit advice line; and how many Benefits Agency (BA) staff are employed to run the benefits Agency's freeline benefit advice line.The budget for the BA Freeline Benefit Advice Line was £6.3 million for 1995/96 and the planned budget for 1996/97 is £6.6 million, which cover staff and running costs including telecomms costs. A review of the service provided is currently being undertaken. Until the results of the review are known I am unable to indicate what the proposed budgets might be for the following financial year.The review will be looking at options for handling these types of enquiries within our overall benefit advice services.The BA Freeline Benefit Advice Line has 192 full time and 77 part time staff in post as at 18 March 1996.I hope you find this reply helpful.