§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement on the operations of the Benefits Agency in Liverpool. [20756]
§ Mr. BurtThis 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. Bob Parry, dated 21 March 1997:
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 operations of the Benefits Agency (BA) in Liverpool.The North West Coast Area Directorate includes 2 BA Districts for Liverpool, Liverpool Mersey and Liverpool North Districts. BA operations in Liverpool are currently delivered from 7 BA sites and 12 Job Centres for Job Seekers Allowance (JSA). JSA is jointly delivered with the Employment Service. These Districts deliver the majority of Social Security benefits locally, for example Income Support, Social Fund, Incapacity Benefit and in addition provide information and advice on the full range of benefits administered by the Agency.There are approximately 900 staff employed in the 2 Liverpool Districts. During the current year both Districts have achieved all Secretary of State targets for the delivery of benefits.I hope you find this reply helpful.