Written question asked by Laurence Robertson (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 January 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 20 January 1999. It was answered by Stephen Timms (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 January 1999 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, how the £7 billion project for computers in the Benefits Agency is to be phased; what payback period is expected; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Laurence Robertson: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how the £7 billion project for computers in the Benefits Agency is to be phased; what payback period is expected; and if he will make a statement. [66251] Mr. Timms: The ACCORD project, announced on 5 November 1998, will deliver the next generation of computer systems fit to support a modernised Welfare State. The Department is currently working with the preferred supplier, Affinity, on the development of a plan for the implementation of new Information Systems/Information Technology (IS/IT) which is expected to start with delivery of systems for Income Support and Child Support early in 2001. Negotiations on the costs of the new service have not yet been concluded.

Secondary information