6 Conclusion
54. The Minister for Employment Relations recently
announced new targets for the Service for the year 2009-10.[83]
As in previous years, this included a target for overall user
satisfaction. This was set at 92% for 2008-09 but has been reduced
to 90% for 2009-10. In evidence to us and throughout its recently
published Corporate Plan, the Service has emphasised its goal
of maintaining standards throughout the challenges of the economic
downturn. We question whether now is right time for the Service's
targets to lower its aims in relation to the experience of its
users.
55. Current
economic conditions face the Insolvency Service with considerable
challenges. The Service itself recognises this, and has some plans
in place to meet them. However, we have three concerns. Is there
a case for strengthening control of insolvency practitioners'
remuneration? Will the Service and the Department be nimble enough
to reshape policy if necessary to address concerns about prepack
administration and other policy issues which may emerge as a result
of the recession? And is the service's funding model sufficiently
robust to deal with the expected increase in workload, and, in
particular, to maintain an appropriate level of enforcement activity?
83 Written Statement, Minister for Employment Relations
and Postal Affairs (Mr Pat McFadden MP), available at http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200809/cmhansrd/cm090331/wmstext/90331m0001.htm
Back
|
