HC Deb 26 June 1996 vol 280 cc171-2W
Mr. Frank Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security who initially evaluates the matches produced by the housing benefit data matching exercise; and if he will make a statement. [33780]

Mr. Heald

During the current development phase of the project, the initial evaluation of the matches produced by the housing benefit matching service is being undertaken by the local authorities involved.

Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security which local authorities have had housing benefit data matched by the housing benefit matching system; and if he will make a statement. [33779]

Mr. Heald

The London boroughs of Westminster, Hounslow and Richmond have had housing benefit data matched as part of the development phase of the housing benefit matching service project.

Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many local authorities' data it is planned will be matched by(a) 1 October, (b) 1 January 1997, (c) 1 April 1997 and (d) 1 June 1997. [33781]

Mr. Heald

The housing benefit matching service project is being taken forward in two phases. Phase 1 will involve eight London boroughs and will be complete by October 1996. Phase 2 will commence in October 1996 and is national implementation. The detailed schedule 2 is in preparation.

Mr. Field

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what data matching exercises have been carried out between Benefits Agency staff and those claiming benefit; and if he will place the results in the Library. [33784]

Mr. Heald

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for Rochdale (Ms Lynne) on 18 March,Official Report, columns 15–16.