§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will list the average number of daily visitors to the Benefits Agency offices at(a) Highgate and (b) Finsbury Park for (i) 1994–95, (ii) 1995–96 and (iii) the current year to date; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of staff numbers to deal with them. [5165]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThis is a matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jeremy Corbyn, dated 25 November 1996:
223WThe Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will list the average number of daily visitors to the Benefits Agency offices at (a) Highgate and (b) Finsbury Park for 0) 1994–95, (ii) 1995–96 and (iii) the current year to date; and what assessment he has made of the adequacy of staff numbers to deal with them.The average number of daily visitors is shown in the table below:
Branch office 1994 (January-December) 1995 (January-December) 1996 (January-October inclusive) Highgate 210 271 269 Finsbury Park 290 261 282 Figures are provisional and subject to change. As with other Districts, Euston District, which includes the offices at Highgate and Finsbury Park, is required to review the services it provides to ensure that the most effective service is given within the resources available. Staff resources, forecast projections and actual workloads are monitored throughout the year and if a shortfall in staffing is identified extra staff are drafted in to maintain a good standard of service.I hope you find this reply helpful.