Written question asked by Ben Chapman (Labour) on Monday, 27 March 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 March 2006. It was answered by Baroness Winterton of Doncaster (Labour) on Tuesday, 18 April 2006 on behalf of the Department of Health.

Independent Complaints Advocacy Service

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Health what assessment she has made of the effect on the Independent Complaints Advocacy Service of the decision to end the Citizen's Advice Bureau's contract.

Answer: Following a rigorous procurement exercise, the Department has awarded contracts to three organisations who will deliver a new and improved independent complaints advocacy service (ICAS) from 1 April 2006 across England. Those successful organisations submitted tenders that more closely matched the Department's requirements under the new contract specification than the tender submitted by the Citizen's Advice Bureau. All of the successful organisations have been delivering ICAS under contract to the Department since 1 September 2003, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in general and specialist advocacy service delivery and the Department is confident that this new and improved service will be successfully delivered.The Citizen's Advice Bureau is working closely with the new providers in order to ensure a smooth transition for clients. Detailed transition plans have been drawn up, the implementation of which is being monitored by Departmental officials.

Secondary information