Social Security Agency report on decision making and case accuracy

The Department for Social Development has today published its Annual Report on Decision Making and Case Accuracy in the Social Security Agency for 2008.

During the year, financial accuracy of payment for Income Support was 98.4%; Jobseeker’s Allowance 99.4%; Disability Living Allowance 99.7%; Incapacity Benefit 99.1%; State Pension 99.8% and State Pension Credit 95.3%.

Social Development Minister Margaret Ritchie MLA said: “I welcome the publication of the annual report showing the continued high level of decision making and accuracy in delivering social security benefits. During 2008 the benchmarks set for decision making were achieved in 12 out of 13 benefits monitored, indeed 11 exceeded the benchmark. Crucially we are continuing to deliver a high quality customer service, always endeavouring to improve our performance. It is important that people get the benefits they are entitled to and that they are right first time.”

Bryan Davis, the Chief Executive of the Social Security Agency said: “During the past year, the Agency has successfully managed significant change. Staff right across the local office network faced a sudden and unprecedented increase in demand for their services following the economic downturn. At the same time the Agency introduced Employment and Support Allowance – the first new benefit to be introduced since 2003.

I am particularly pleased that a number of benefits delivered decision making accuracy levels of 100%. This is a tremendous achievement in what has been a very busy and challenging year. It is also encouraging to note high levels of case accuracy with 10 out of 13 benefits meeting or exceeding the benchmark set – in some cases reaching 99% accuracy. This is an extremely positive outcome by staff who administer a complex and difficult benefit system – and I welcome the recognition of that within the report. “.

Eileen Evason, (Emeritus Professor in Social Administration University of Ulster), Chair of the Northern Ireland Standards Committee noted that: “It should be remembered that the Agency’s expenditure is not spread evenly over all of the benefits. Four benefits (Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance and State Pension) account for 71% of all expenditure and the significance of the generally high standard of decision making for these benefits should be noted. This point is reinforced by financial accuracy results indicating that the bulk of expenditure for these key benefits is paid correctly.”

Notes to editors:

1. The Social Security Agency Annual Report on Decision Making and Case Accuracy is available from Standards Assurance Unit, Level 2 West, the Design Centre, 39 Corporation Street, Belfast BT1 3BA or on the Department for Social Development website http://www.dsdni.gov.uk/ under Publications.
2. The Report has been approved by the Northern Ireland Standards Committee which is headed up by Eileen Evason, Emeritus Professor in Social Administration and Policy (University of Ulster). Laura McPolin Barrister, Civil and Family Law and Kevin Higgins of Advice NI also sit on the Committee which was established to provide independent assurance on the Report’s accuracy.
3. During the year 9329 decisions were examined for accuracy of payment and 1179 decisions were checked for the quality of decision.
4. Media enquiries to DSD Information Office on 028 9082 9468. Out of office hours please contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.