§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the future of the Seaham and Peterlee Benefits Agency offices; and what changes in provision of services have taken place in the previous 12 months in respect of these offices. [3389]
§ 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. John Cummings, dated 15 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will make a statement on the future of the Seaham and Peterlee Benefits Agency offices; and what changes in provision of services have taken place in the previous 12 months in respect of these offices.As with other Districts, North Durham District, which includes the offices at Peterlee and Seaham, is required to review the services it provides to ensure that the most effective service is given within the resources available. There are no current plans to close either Peterlee or Seaham offices.Management responsibility for Seaham Branch Office will transfer from North Durham District to Wearside District with effect from 1st April 1997. It is proposed that a number of claims processing staff will transfer from Seaham Branch Office to the new purpose-built Sunderland District Office. The service to customers at Seaham Branch Office will, however, remain unchanged. Customers will continue to receive the full benefit service.The provision of service to our customers has changed in the last 12 months to accommodate the introduction of JSA. This benefit is paid and processed via Employment Services Jobcentres (ESJ). Benefits Agency staff are now employed in local ESJ premises for this purpose at both Peterlee and Seaham. While some processing functions have been re-organised, no changes have been made in the local service delivery to our customers during the last twelve months.I hope you find this reply helpful.