Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Webb and Mark Pawsey

Monday 1st July 2013 Commons Chamber

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

2. What assessment he has made of the use of electronic correspondence by the Child Support Agency.

[The Minister of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Steve Webb)]

For the 1993 and 2003 child maintenance schemes, the preferred method of contact is by telephone—simply because of the sensitive nature of the material, which would otherwise have to be e-mailed. However, the ability to provide electronic communication is being embedded into the design of the 2012 scheme.

[Mark Pawsey]

I was very surprised when my constituent, Louise Cawser, was told by the agency that she could not deal with it by e-mail, because there was no effective tool to provide sufficient security. Given the drive across government as a whole and in various agencies to consult electronically, will the Minister provide some reassurance to clients of the Child Support Agency about how this will develop in the future?

[Steve Webb]

Yes, I am pleased to say that, starting later this year, clients on the 2012 system will have the equivalent of internet banking, so they will be able to log on, see their account and report changes of circumstances. We will close all existing cases over the next few years, and those who want to remain in the statutory system will move on to the 2012 system and they will have that service available to them.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Webb and Mark Pawsey

Monday 11th March 2013 Commons Chamber

[Steve Webb]

The hon. Lady raises the important issue of the mismatch between the housing stock and families who need housing. That has gone unaddressed for decades and we now need to address it. We recognise that there may be particular issues in Scotland, partly with rurality and partly with the housing stock, and we are happy to continue having that conversation with hon. Members.

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

15. What arrangements his Department is making for benefit payments to people who are unable to receive them through a bank or building society account.

Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Steve Webb and Mark Pawsey

Monday 14th February 2011 Commons Chamber

[Steve Webb]

I have common ground with the hon. Lady on two points. First, I deplore the fact that the pensions policies of the previous Government have left women in this group with so little pensions savings to draw on. Secondly, she is right that we could go more slowly. We could, as she has proposed, delay until 2020 before doing anything, but we would then have to find an additional £10 billion that the present schedule provides for us. I have not yet had the letter or parliamentary question from her suggesting where that £10 billion might come from.

[Mark Pawsey (Rugby) (Con)]

2. What discussions he has had on changes to the work capability assessment for those with variable conditions.