§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are his plans for the future of Great Ancoats street Benefits Agency office. [1958]
§ 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 Peter Mathison to Mr. Tony Lloyd, dated 1 November 1996:
383WThe Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking what are his plans for the future of Great Ancoats Street Benefit Agency (BA) Office.To enable BA to achieve improvements in customer service and further efficiency improvements as part of the Change Programme, Area Directors are looking critically at their estate in an effort to reduce running costs, whilst maintaining the service delivery to their customers.The need for a customer outlet at Bishopgate House, Great Ancoats Street, Manchester is currently under review. The number of callers to this office has decreased over recent months leading to a close examination of the cost effectiveness of providing a service from this office. A further reduction in callers is expected with the introduction of Job Seekers Allowance.No firm decisions have yet been made and a full consultation exercise with customer liaison groups and representatives has yet to be undertaken. I will ensure that you will be afforded the opportunity to comment on any more detailed proposals at that stage.I hope you find this reply helpful.