14 September 2004
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 2003/2004 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, progress has been made reducing decision-making errors. Nine out of thirteen benchmarks set for decision-making were met, or exceeded. Also, the Social Security Agency met seven out of nine payment accuracy targets. Only the targets for Disability Living Allowance and Retirement Pension were not met. There was an improved performance in payment accuracy in eight benefits, no change in one benefit. The Committee believes the targets set for payment accuracy are robust and challenging. As a result, performance in the past year has been commendable."
Gerry Keenan, the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency, said:
"Despite this period of radical change, it is encouraging to note that, with the exception of two minor benefits, all decision-making standards have been either maintained or improved since the last report. Nine out of the thirteen benchmarks set have either been achieved or exceeded. It is still disappointing that the benchmarks were not met for Income Support and Disability Living Allowance.
"For 2004/05 I have set challenging but realistic targets for decision making and every effort will be made to maintain and improve our performance.
"Results in relation to payment accuracy standards have also continued to improve with seven out of the nine targets either achieved or exceeded. It is encouraging to note that the Chairperson has commended our performance in this area. Much credit is due to staff for their continued efforts to improve standards and I am impressed by their dedication and commitment."
NOTES TO EDITORS:
www.ssani.gov.uk
- 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;
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) 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, 8,362 decisions were examined for accuracy of payment and 4,754 decisions were checked for the quality of decision. Financial accuracy of payment for Income Support was 98%, Jobseeker’s Allowance 98%, Disability Living Allowance 94% and Incapacity Benefit 99%.
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