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14/09/2004
DSD welcomes 'greater accuracy' in benefit payments
The Department for Social Development (DSD) has today welcomed the results of an independent survey which found that there is greater accuracy in the assessment of social security payments.
Published its Annual Report on Decision-Making and Payment Accuracy in the Social Security Agency for 2003/2004, the department reported that there had been an "improvement in performance".
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%.
Nine out of the 13 benchmarks set were either achieved or exceeded. However, the benchmarks were not met for Income Support and Disability Living Allowance.
Les Allamby, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Standards Committee, the independent body that monitors the accuracy of reports, said: "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 that he hoped to build on the results and had set "challenging but realistic targets" for next year.
He added: "Much credit is due to staff for their continued efforts to improve standards and I am impressed by their dedication and commitment.”
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Published its Annual Report on Decision-Making and Payment Accuracy in the Social Security Agency for 2003/2004, the department reported that there had been an "improvement in performance".
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%.
Nine out of the 13 benchmarks set were either achieved or exceeded. However, the benchmarks were not met for Income Support and Disability Living Allowance.
Les Allamby, Chairperson of the Northern Ireland Standards Committee, the independent body that monitors the accuracy of reports, said: "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 that he hoped to build on the results and had set "challenging but realistic targets" for next year.
He added: "Much credit is due to staff for their continued efforts to improve standards and I am impressed by their dedication and commitment.”
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Job Seekers Helped To Move From Incapacity
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
