§ Mr. WigleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many people working as dedicated customer service staff, on an outreach basis, under Benefits Agency officers in Wales have recently been, or are to be, redeployed; and if he will make a statement on the provision of information to potential beneficiaries under the disability living allowance scheme in rural areas. [27149]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe administration of the Benefits Agency is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Dafydd Wigley, dated 1 May 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking how many people working as dedicated customer service staff, on an outreach basis, under Benefit Agency (BA) officers in Wales have recently been, or are to be, redeployed; and if he will make a statement on the provision of information to potential beneficiaries under the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) Scheme in rural areas.
Customer service staff are located in all BA Districts in Wales, where outreach work forms an integral part of their duties. Staff are not dedicated solely to outreach work, however there are currently 317.47 fulltime equivalent posts employed in customer services in Wales. No decisions have been made as yet to the possible redeployment of any customer service staff.
There are seventy-five Benefits Agency outlets in Wales. Customers may obtain benefit advice, including advice on the DLA Scheme, by telephone, face-to-face interview or by post. Benefit information in the form of leaflets, is available in Post Offices and the option of a home visit by a Benefits Agency officer is available if required.
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