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SOCIAL SECURITY

Late Claims

Ms Walley: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if she will make a statement on the legislation relating to late claims for benefit; [2236]

Mr. Bradley: I refer the hon. Member to the reply given by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State on 2 July, Official Report, columns 207-209.

Benefit Claimants (Motherwell and Wishaw)

Mr. Roy: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what was the number of claimants for each benefit in the Motherwell and Wishaw Benefits Agency district in the most recent year for which figures are available. [5014]

Mr. Field: One of our key aims is to improve the service provided to claimants and other customers. Particular queries on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of Peter Mathison, its Chief Executive. I have asked him to write directly and for his reply to be published with the answer.

3 Jul 1997 : Column: 281

Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Frank Roy, dated 2 July 1997:


Child Support Agency

Mr. Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what guidance is issued to the Child Support Agency in cases where parentage is contested and the courts have not ruled on such a dispute. [5058]

Mr. Keith Bradley: We believe that children are entitled to the support of both parents wherever they live. It is important that the Child Support Agency effectively and efficiently establishes paternity where this is in dispute.

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 2 July 1997:

I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about Child Support Agency procedures concerning disputed paternity.

3 Jul 1997 : Column: 282


Mr. Hinchliffe: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what efficiency targets she has set for the Child Support Agency to respond to inquiries from parents (i) with and (ii) without care and their representatives.[5059]

Mr. Bradley: We expect the Child Support Agency to provide an efficient and effective service to all its clients throughout the child support assessment process. We are looking for substantial and sustained operational improvements from the Agency, in particular on getting more maintenance paid, reducing the backlog and improving customer service.

The administration of the Child Support Agency is a matter for the Chief Executive, Mrs. Faith Boardman. She will write to the hon. Member. Letter from Mrs. Faith Boardman to Mr. David Hinchliffe, dated 2 July 1997:

I am replying to your Parliamentary Question to the Secretary of State for Social Security about targets for answering enquiries to the Child Support Agency.


3 Jul 1997 : Column: 283

Citizens Advice Bureau

Mr. Burstow: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security in what circumstances Benefits Agency staff are required to ask for faxed authority from a citizens advice bureau adviser before discussing a specific client's case; and what plans her Department has to review the procedures to reduce the time required of citizens advice bureau advisers. [5722]

Mr. Field: One of our key aims is to improve the service provided to claimants and other customers as well as to protect the confidentiality of customers. Questions on Benefits Agency operational matters are the responsibility of Peter Mathison, its Chief Executive. I have asked him to write directly to the hon. Member and for his reply to be published with the answer. Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Paul Burstow, dated 2 July 1997:

The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question in what circumstances Benefits Agency staff are required to ask for faxed authority from a Citizens' Advice Bureau adviser before discussing a specific client's case; and what plans her Department has to review the procedures to reduce the time required of Citizens' Advice Bureau advisers.


3 Jul 1997 : Column: 284


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