§ 30. Mr. Rhodri MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what arrangements he proposes to improve communication between his Department and local authorities in relation to the payment of(a) income support, (b) council tax benefit and (c) housing benefit when claimants move between welfare and work. [53505]
§ Angela EagleWe recognise the need to modernise Housing Benefit and improve its delivery in ways which support the transition from welfare to work and transform the services provided to the public. We are testing ways in which staff from the Benefits Agency and local authorities can work across the boundaries of central and local government to deliver a more efficient customer focused service. We will make increasing use of new technology to help people through the system, including the move into work. We have already set up a project giving local authority staff on-line access to the Income Support and Jobseeker's Allowance data they require for their administration of Housing and Council Tax Benefits.