§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are her plans for the out-of-hours payment service operated by the Benefits Agency. [14018]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe administration of benefits 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. Steve Webb, dated 3 November 1997:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking about the plans for the out-of-hours payment service operated by the Benefits Agency.In line with the Government's commitment to modernise the Social Security system a consultation exercise between officials from the Benefits Agency (BA) and other Departments on the future of the current Out of Hours Service has recently been undertaken.As a result of those discussions there are no plans at present to change the way in which the current service is administered. BA offices will therefore continue to provide an Out of Hours Service.I hope you find this reply helpful.