§ Mr. KhabraTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what targets his Department has set to measure the success of the welfare state. [14759]
§ Mr. BurtThe Government's social security programme aims to provide a fair and efficient system of help for beneficiaries which also gives the best possible value for money for taxpayers.
A large range of indicators are used to measure the Government's success. For example, recent reforms have ensured that the social security system continues to be affordable by reducing projected expenditure by £3.5 billion this year, while at the same time continuing to maintain the value of benefits for those in most need.
The targets and achievements of the Department and its agencies are published each year in the departmental report. Copies of the report are available from the Library.