PRESS RELEASE

COMMITTEE FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

19 February 2009

SD 01/08/09

NO COMPROMISE ON BENEFIT ADVICE AND SUPPORT

There can be no compromise on services and advice for benefit claimants in the current economic climate. That’s the message from the Assembly’s Social Development Committee which is reviewing the Social Security Agency’s plans for the reorganisation of back-office support at jobs and benefits offices under the Strategic Business Review.

Speaking for the Committee, the Chair Mr David Simpson, MP, MLA said, “We all know that, in this current economic climate, there are many people now coming into the benefit system who have never claimed before. The Committee is very clear that the Social Security Agency must be able to deal with this rising tide of unemployment by providing good customer service.

“We have strongly indicated our concerns to the Minister about the Strategic Business Review of the Social Security Agency. We want to see the review withdrawn and front-line staffing levels in the Social Security Agency increased.

“While we welcome the Minister’s announcement of additional front-line staff for the Social Security Agency, we are concerned that this proposed reorganisation may leave some gaps in provision. We want an assurance from the Minister that people in rural locations get the same access to benefit advice as those who live urban areas.

“We will continue to press the Minister and the Department to ensure that our concerns, and the concerns of all those involved in providing benefit advice and services, are addressed.”

The Chair was speaking after the Committee visited the Holywood Road Jobs and Benefits Office and the Belfast Benefit Delivery Centre.

ENDS

Committee Information:

Committee Membership: Mr David Simpson MP (DUP) (Chairperson); Mr David Hilditch (DUP) (Deputy Chairperson); Mr Billy Armstrong (UUP); Mr Mickey Brady (SF); Mr Thomas Burns (SDLP); Mr Jonathan Craig (DUP); Ms Anna Lo (ALL); Mr Alban Maginness (SDLP); Mr Fra McCann (SF); Ms Caral Ni Chuilin (SF); Miss Michelle McIlveen (DUP).

Media enquiries to:
Debra Savage ,
Press Office, Parliament Buildings, Belfast. BT4 3XX
Tel. 028 90521405 Mobile 07920 864221
Email: debra.savage@niassembly.gov.uk

Website archive.niassembly.gov.uk