§ Mr. CurryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what plans exist to reduce the staffing levels and ranges of services at Skipton Benefits Agency; [9104]
(2) which existing occupiers of Cavendish House in Skipton intend to vacate the premises; and what new occupiers she expects will move in; [9106]
(3) what is the catchment area of the Benefits Agency at Cavendish House, Skipton; [9105]
368W(4) if the present level of service and staff presence will be maintained at Skipton Benefits Agency during the current review. [9107]
§ Mr. FieldOne of our key aims is that delivery of service should be simpler and more efficient. In order to maintain and improve the level of service whilst keeping within announced spending totals, managers have decided to move the processing of benefits from the Benefits Agency office at Skipton to the Keighley office. Queries on operational matters are for the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency, Peter Mathison. I have asked him to reply to the hon. Member directly and for his reply to be published with the answer.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. David Curry, dated 17 July 1997:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions concerning the Benefits Agency (BA) office at Cavendish House in Skipton.The BA is currently undertaking a radical reappraisal of its services and the way they are delivered, in order to maintain and improve the level of service provided whilst keeping within the spending targets that have been set for the next two years.The Agency is committed to ensuring that people will get the help they need to claim the benefits they are entitled to. The Yorkshire Area Directorate 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.It is expected that all benefit processing work will be transferred from the BA office at Skipton to the Keighley office by 15 September 1997. There are currently 27 staff based in Skipton 369W of which 6 or 7 will remain. The range of services offered to the public will be unaltered and customers should not notice any difference in the level of service.As far as the BA is aware the other occupants, currently Inland Revenue and Employment Services, intend to remain in Cavendish House.The Skipton catchment area incorporates Bolton Abbey, Buckden, Cowling, Cray, Crosshills, Gargrave, Grassington, Hellifield, Kettlewell, Long Preston, Malham, Ribblehead, Settle and Skipton.I can confirm that the present levels of service of staff presence have remained unaltered during the review.I hope you find this reply helpful.