§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what is the cost to date of implementing the benefits integrity programme for disabled claimants; and what savings are estimated to be achieved in the first year of operation. [11977]
§ Mr. DenhamOne of our key aims is rebuilding integrity in, and public support for the social security system. The administration of this programme is a matter for Peter Mathison, chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Bob Blizzard, dated 31 July 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about the cost and savings of the Benefit Integrity Programme.The cost of implementing the Benefit Integrity Project is £1,099,440 for the period 28 April 1997 to 30 June 1997. These are the latest available.The estimated programme expenditure savings attributed to the Benefit Integrity Project for the current year is £27m.I hope you find this reply helpful.