§ Mr. BaileyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline. [143112]
§ Mr. RookerThe administration of benefits is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Alexis Cleveland to Mr. Adrian Bailey, dated 20 December 2000.
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent parliamentary question asking what steps he is taking to improve the functioning of the Benefits Agency Winter Fuel Payments Helpline.In order to improve the functioning of the helpline, the 150 lines are now open from 8.30am to 8pm instead of 4.30pm. There is also a recorded message for those people who ring and are unable to get through to an operator or the queuing system.These measures were implemented from 8 December 2000.I hope this reply is helpful.