§ Mrs. Helen JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the Benefits Agency offices which are scheduled for closure in South Yorkshire under the change programme.[2138]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is an operational matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mrs. Helen Jackson, dated 4 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list the Benefits Agency offices which are scheduled for closure in South Yorkshire under the change programme.Yorkshire Area Directorate (AD), along with the rest of the BA and the Department of Social Security, is currently undertaking a radical reappraisal of its services and the way they are delivered. The Change Programme aims to restructure the way we deliver our business, producing administrative efficiencies whilst maintaining our quality of service. We are directing our resources to where they needed most. However, Yorkshire AD remains committed to providing a high level of service to its customers and equal access to the benefit system for all members of the public.The Benefits Agency offices in South Yorkshire which are currently under consideration for closure are Wath, Maltby, Dinnington and Stocksbridge. Closure of the first three offices is awaiting Ministerial decision, the proposals for Stocksbridge are still in the consultation stage.455WWith the advent of Job Seekers Allowance, unemployed customers have access to enquiry facilities throughout South Yorkshire, including six Employment Services Job Centres in the Sheffield area, as well as in Wath, Maltby and Dinnington.Should you require any additional information please contact Mr Vince Gaskell, Benefit Agency Yorkshire Directorate, 19th Floor, Royal Exchange House, Boar Lane. Leeds, LS1 5NS.I hope you find this reply helpful.