§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about his94W proposals to improve access to general information about benefits; and if the restoration of the freephone social security line is being considered. [56022]
§ Angela EagleQuestions on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of its Chief Executive, Peter Mathison. He will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 26 October 1998:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about his proposals to improve access to general information about benefits and if the restoration of the freephone social security line is being considered.The Benefits Agency is currently simplifying and refocusing its provision of benefit information. The information will focus on what customers want and need to know to claim benefit. It will give them clear sign posts about where to get more information. This work is being taken forward under the title of "Project Access". The first new leaflets are being introduced at the end of November 1998.Our intention for the future would allow customers to obtain accurate information through various media including by post, in person, by telephone, and electronically.There are no current plans to reintroduce the national Freeline service which would lack the information links needed to provide the individual, customer-focused advice, which is critical to our vision of an active modern service.