Jobseeker's Allowance

HC Deb 04 February 1998 vol 305 c694W

Mr. Swinney

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will estimate the administrative costs of the introduction of the jobseeker's allowance, separately identifying staff time. [26085]

Mr. Keith Bradley

The administration of the JobSeeker's Allowance 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. John Swinney, dated 3 February 1998: The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking for the estimate of administrative costs of the introduction of the JobSeeker's Allowance (JSA), separately identifying staff time. It is estimated that the total cost of introducing the JSA was £348 million. This included the costs of training and development, estates, communications, IT, and Project management. Of this the estimated total salary costs is approximately £161 million. I hope you find this reply helpful.