HC Deb 29 June 1998 vol 315 cc114-5W
Mr. Llwyd

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will list the initiatives undertaken by her Department since 1 May 1997 which have involved the establishment of(a) action zones and (b) pilot schemes limited to particular geographical areas, indicating the name of the programme and the action zone or pilot scheme areas covered in each instance. [47059]

Mr. Keith Bradley

Area based initiatives, including Action Zones and pilot schemes, which place a premium on local partnership and co-ordination are a key feature of many of our plans for the future. They also form the basis of much of the progress we have made in improving services and targeting facilities, resources and opportunities.

We are involved in a number of centrally sponsored pilot schemes throughout the country and these are listed. In addition, local managers are encouraged to develop initiatives in partnership with local authorities that promote improved services for the customer.

Centrally sponsored pilot schemes
Pilots/prototypes Aim Areas
Electronic Government Initiatives Series of initiatives testing the delivery of departmental business using electronic means London, Norwich, Cumbria, Bristol, York, West Country
Remote Access Terminals To provide advice and benefit information to the departmental business using electronic means Over 20 locations throughout the country
Better Government for Older People Local pilot projects to improve public services for older people Stirling, Newcastle, Wolverhampton, Harrow and Exeter
Edinburgh LA and BA Project Joint Benefits Agency/Local Authority project looking to improve liaison and communication through modernizing Housing Benefit/Council Tax Benefit procedures Edinburgh
Earnings Top-up To explore the effects of an in work benefit aimed at encouraging people without dependent children to take up and stay in work Eight pilot areas including Newcastle, part of Yorkshire, North Wales, Southend, Sunderland, Doncaster, Bournemouth and part of Scotland
1Indicates initiatives that have commenced since 1 May 1997