§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans he has to restrict support for departmental employees in establishing claimants' benefit entitlements;[3341]
(2)what plans he has to remove independent adjudication of claims from the social security system; [3342]
(3) what proposals he has to change current regulations governing claimants' rights and service levels. [3344]
§ Mr. Roger EvansFull details of the Government's proposals for new decision making and appeals processes are set out in the Green Paper, "Improving decision making and appeals in Social Security", Cm 3328, which was published on July 23. The Green Paper was issued to a wide range of organisations with an interest in social security matters. Comments on the proposals were invited by 18 October.
The responses received—around 440—are currently being independently analysed. We plan to publish the results of the consultation exercise early in the new year 271W and we will ensure that a copy is placed in the Library. Final decisions on the best way forward will be taken in the light of all the representations received.