News Release Page Title

1 May 2001

THIS ONE IS FOR YOU! NEW ONE STOP SHOP MEANS BETTER SERVICE PEOPLE IN DUNGANNON

A radical new approach to benefits, training and employment is set to roll out in Dungannon.

The new ONE Centre will be located at Crown Buildings, Thomas Street, Dungannon, and will make claiming benefits and looking for work much easier. The initiative represents a considerable investment in the Dungannon area.

With the focus fixed firmly on the customer, the new ONE Centre will open on a pilot basis from 14 May. It brings together all the services of the Training and Employment Agency (including the JobCentre) and Social Security Agency. Other selected benefit services from the Child Support Agency, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Rate Collection Agency and the Inland Revenue, will also be incorporated.

Ian Walters, Chief Executive of the Training and Employment Agency, says the new ONE Centre will provide a unique service for local people:

"This is an innovative welfare reform project delivering a new and improved service to Dungannon which brings together benefits, training, and employment opportunities for all. The existing JobCentre and Social Security services will still be available from the ONE Centre, and customers will also have access to selected services from other government agencies and local community based organisations."

Chris Thompson, Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency, emphasised the advantages that this new service will bring to customers:

"This new ONE Centre makes customers the focus of services from a number of government departments and agencies. Improving how customers have access to our services and meeting local community needs were the cornerstones in planning this pilot."

The ONE Service is available for everyone in the Dungannon area who is already claiming, or who needs to make a fresh claim, in respect of the following benefits:

  • Jobseekers Allowance

  • Income Support

  • Incapacity Benefit

  • Housing Benefit

Anyone making a fresh claim to any of these benefits must take part in a work-focused interview. This is already a condition for those claiming Jobseekers Allowance, but it is a new condition for Income Support, Incapacity Benefit or Housing Benefit.

Existing customers, including anyone claiming other benefits, can choose to use the ONE service if they wish.

Lorna Thompson, Manager of the new Dungannon ONE Centre explains how the new service will work:

"When someone enters the ONE Centre, they will go to the Welcome Desk, where our front-line staff will direct them towards a Personal Adviser or specialist staff who can deal with their query.

"Personal Advisers will work with customers to assess how best support can be given and provide advice on benefits and work related issues.

"With the ONE Service, the client gives their information only once. It is then passed directly to the other relevant benefit agencies. The ONE Centre staff will also contact those agencies to follow up any queries that may arise."

ONE aims to help people move towards independence through work, training opportunities or sorting out benefits. It brings a new and improved service to people in the area and is the result of extensive planning based on the needs of customers and close co-operation with local community; specialist and voluntary organisations to ensure that local people’s needs are fully met.

From 1 May, all households in Dungannon will receive a ONE Centre customer guide which will explain in more detail how the new service will operate. An local advertising campaign is also being held.

FACTFILE: DUNGANNON’S NEW ONE CENTRE AT A GLANCE

  • Your local JobCentre and Social Security Office haven’t disappeared, rather, their services will be enhanced through an innovative partnership with other agencies and community groups.

  • If you are an existing customer, continue to go along to Crown Buildings in the usual way.

  • From 14th May, new claimants of Jobseekers Allowance, Income Support, Incapacity Benefit and Housing Benefit will automatically move onto the new ONE Service.

  • Anyone can choose to use the ONE service.

Any member of the public who has an enquiry about ONE should contact the ONE Centre on 028 87 754754 (Minicom – 028 87 754750).

From 14 May, they can call at the ONE Centre. Information is also available at the website: www.oneni.gov.uk

Media Enquiries To Colm Shannon Or Simon Burrowes On

028 9056 9211 or 028 9025 7831.