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13 September 2002

"COMMITMENT NOT COMPLACENCY MUST BE OUR WATCHWORD" SAYS NIGEL DODDS

Nigel Dodds MLA, MP Minister for Social Development has stated his determination to ensure that the standard of decision-making and payment accuracy of social security benefits continues to improve.

The Minister was speaking following the publication of the Social Security Agency’s 3rd Annual Report on the Quality of Decision Making and Payment Accuracy for Social Security Benefits.

Expressing his satisfaction at the improvements in standards, the Minister said:

"It is very encouraging to note that, despite the challenges faced by the Social Security Agency, they have remained committed to improving standards. This is clearly demonstrated in the findings from accuracy monitoring in which there has been an overall improvement in seven benefit areas since 2000/01.

"However, I am not complacent and I am determined that this improvement will be sustained and extended to all benefits."

Commenting on the need for accountability to the taxpayer, Mr Dodds said:

"This report is very important in many respects, not least because it is overseen by an independent standards committee to whom I wish to express my thanks.

"It also demonstrates to customers how public services are being administered and shows the whole picture warts and all."

The report which details the quality of decision making and payment accuracy in all social security benefits is overseen by a committee that is chaired by Mr Les Allamby, Director of the Northern Ireland Law Centre and includes representatives from higher education and other advice organisations.

Commenting on the report, Mr Allamby said: "The targets set for social security benefit decision making and payment accuracy are challenging and results on overall performance in ensuring the right amount of benefit is payable every time are encouraging.

"Less satisfactory progress has been made in improving the general quality of decision-making. Compared to last year, results for seven social security benefits have improved whilst five have declined; this represents less progress than anticipated.

"There is no escaping the link between accuracy of decision-making and the complexity of social security legislation. The Committee recommends that the Department examine ways of simplifying legislation. The impact of poor decisions and incorrect payments can have serious effects on the lives of those people dependent on benefits. That is why quality improvement in these areas must remain a priority."

NOTES TO EDITORS:

  1. The Annual Report on Decision Making and Payment Accuracy is available from The Stationery Office, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast or on the Social Security Agency website; http://www.ssani.gov.uk

  2. The Standards Committee is headed by Les Allamby, Director of the Law Centre (NI) and includes independent members Eileen Evason (Professor in Social Administration and Policy, University of Ulster) and Barry McVeigh (Citizens Advice Bureau) as well as members from the Social Security Agency and Child Support Agency.

  3. The Social Security Agency pays out approximately £3,261million in benefits and state pension every year.

  4. The main benefits covered by the report are Disability Living Allowance, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance and Incapacity Benefit.

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