§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what definition he uses of a reasonable distance when determining access to a benefits office. [124669]
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§ Angela EagleThis is a matter for Alexis Cleveland, the Chief Executive of the Benefits Agency. She will write to my hon. Friend.
Letter from Charlie MacKinnon to Caroline Flint, dated 9 June 2000:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked Alexis Cleveland to reply to your recent Parliamentary question about the definition of a reasonable distance when determining access to a benefits office. Due to annual leave I am replying on her behalf.The Benefits Agency (BA) does not have a definition of a reasonable distance from benefits offices, as we provide access to our benefits and services in various ways which are designed to take account of customers' needs and circumstances. The BA Customer Charter gives details of how customers can get access to benefits, information and services. These include contact by telephone, correspondence, and calling at a benefits office or being visited at home by a visiting officer.I hope this is helpful.
§ Caroline FlintTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what percentage of the population lives(a) within one mile of and (b) over three miles from a benefit office in (i) rural and (ii) urban areas. [124521]
§ Angela EagleThis 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 Caroline Flint, dated 8 June 2000:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question about what percentage of the population lives (a) within one mile of and (b) over three miles from a benefit office in (i) rural and (ii) urban areas.Unfortunately, neither operational business units nor Analytical Services Division hold the type of data required in order to provide this information.I am sorry that I have not been able to be more helpful in this instance.