8 September 2003
SOCIAL SECURITY AGENCY REPORTS IMPROVED ACCURACY
The Department for Social Development today published its Annual Report on Decision Making and Payment Accuracy in the Social Security Agency for 2002/2003 and reported an improvement in performance.
Les Allamby, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Standards Committee, the independent body that monitors the accuracy of reports, said:
"This year has seen an improvement in the results of Social Security Agency monitoring of accuracy of payment and quality of decision making of social security benefits."
The report found that results on appeal submissions were positive compared with previous years. It also suggested improvements to the monitoring procedures for recovery of overpayment, an area that gave cause for concern.
Mr. Allamby said: "The overall findings provide a measure of reassurance as to the quality of decision-making. Nonetheless, there is no cause for complacency. There is clearly a commitment within the Agency at management and staff level to improve its performance wherever possible."
Chris Thompson, the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency said:
"Despite the many changes which the Agency has undergone, it is very encouraging to note that decision-making standards have improved since the last report. Much credit is due to staff for their continued efforts to improve standards.
"We must remain focused on improving accuracy and decision-making standards and on ensuring that staff have the knowledge and skills required to deliver a truly customer focused service."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
The Annual Report on Decision Making and Payment Accuracy is available from The Stationery Office, 16 Arthur St, Belfast or on the Social Security Agency website
www.ssani.gov.uk
The report has been approved by the Northern Ireland Standards Committee, which is headed by Les Allamby, Director of the Law Centre (Northern Ireland). Members include Eileen Evason (Professor in Social Administration and Policy, University of Ulster) and Barry McVeigh (Northern Ireland Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux). It was established to provide independent assurance on the report’s accuracy.
During the year, 9391 decisions were examined for accuracy of payment and 4471 decisions were checked for the quality of decision. Financial accuracy of payment for Income Support was 97pc, Jobseeker’s Allowance 98pc, Disability Living Allowance 91pc and Incapacity Benefit 95pc.
Click here to print this press release.
