§ Mr. SandersTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when she plans to restore the Benefits Agency Freephone Hotline; and if she will make a statement. [6980]
§ Mr. FieldModernising the Social Security system is a key priority of this Government. We will streamline services to provide better, simpler more efficient services to claimants and other customers. There are no plans to restore the Benefits Agency Freeline service. I have asked Peter Mathison, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency to write directly and for his reply to be published with this answer.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Adrian Sanders, dated 10 July 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question concerning the Benefits Agency Freeline service.There are no plans to restore the Benefits Agency Freeline. Advice and information about benefit entitlement is available through the Agency's network of local benefit offices. Benefit literature is readily available in local offices, post offices and numerous other outlets.Advice and information on benefits for the disabled, their representatives and carers is available from the Benefit Enquiry Line. The freephone number is 0800 882200.I hope you find this reply helpful.