§ 19. Mr. WattsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps his Department is taking to improve social security appeals procedures. [84009]
§ Mr. DarlingWe have made clear our intentions to modernise the welfare state. As part of our plans for improving the Social Security system we are introducing important changes to the decision making and appeals processes. On 22 March this House debated and approved the necessary regulations. The changes will be implemented during the latter half of this year, starting with Child Support on 1 June. The changes aim to help get decisions right first time, resolve disputes at an early stage and deal with appeals more efficiently and quickly.