HC Deb 19 July 1996 vol 281 cc714-5W
Mrs. Roe

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what further measures he is planning to improve the efficient running of his Department. [38987]

Mr. Lilley

In February, I launched the change programme to achieve a step change in the effectiveness of the Department of Social Security and all its agencies. It will involve streamlining benefit processes, introducing new information technology and greater involvement of the private sector.

I have today approved three initiatives involving greater collaboration with the private sector as the next stage of the Department's drive to review and improve the delivery of social security.

The first initiative will involve an invitation to the private sector to submit proposals for taking over the operation of the child benefit centre in Washington, Tyne and Wear. This will involve the administration of child benefit, one-parent benefit and guardian's allowance. The intention is that staff working in these areas will be taken on by the appointed contractor.

The second initiative will involve three private companies, or consortiums, appointed following open competition to work in conjunction with the Benefits Agency in running benefit delivery in three of its 13 areas—Yorkshire, west country and east London and Anglia area directorates—for 12 months. All three companies will assist the Benefits Agency with the development of new business processes and information technology. They will be invited during the 12 month period to submit proposals for any elements of the agency's business which could be run differently, including the possibility of further parts of the operation being run by the private sector.

The third initiative is to launch the procurement process for an information systems/information technology strategy to enable greater sharing of data between benefit systems, working closely with the private sector to provide the most up-to-date technologies, expertise and funding.

These initiatives are designed to improve the administration of the benefit system. They will not change any individual's benefit entitlement.