§ Mr. RoyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) how many callers(a) in person and (b) by telephone, made use of the Benefits Agency offices in (i) Lanark, (ii) Carluke, (iii) Larkhall and (iv) Wishaw over the last 12 months; [27651]
(2) if she will list the criteria used by (a) the Benefits Agency and (b) Ministers to assess the viability of local offices; [27652]
(3) how many local offices the Benefits Agency has closed after approval by the relevant Minister over the last 12 months; [27653]
(4) how many local offices her Department's Ministers have given the Benefits Agency approval to close in the past 12 months; [27654]
(5) how many local offices the Benefits Agency has sought Ministerial approval to close in the past 12 months. [27655]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThe administration of the Benefits Agency is a matter for Peter Mathison, its Chief Executive. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Roy, dated 17 February 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Questions concerning the closure of Benefits Agency (BA) local offices and the number of callers in Lanark, Carluke, Larkhall and Wishaw.The BA were asked by Ministers to assess the viability of local offices under the following criteria:756W
- Wider access to our services for customers
- Improved quality, accuracy and security of service
- Achieving a fair balance between the needs of staff, policy and operational needs
- Increased efficiency and reduced costs.
Over the last twelve months, the BA has sought Ministerial approval to close nine outlets nationally. In March 1997, approval was granted in respect of four outlets which have now been closed and decisions are pending in respect of the other five.There is no BA office in Carluke, although Agency staff deliver Job Seekers Allowance within Carluke Jobcentre. Details of the average number of callers, in person, to the other three offices are as follows:
- Lanark: 295 per week
- Larkhall: 476 per week
- Wishaw: 418 per week.
All customer telephone calls for the Clyde Valley District, which includes the above offices, are handled by two central telephone sections at Motherwell and Hamilton offices. Figures are not kept for the individual offices.I hope you find this reply helpful.