Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 28 March 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 April 2003. It was answered by Malcolm Wicks (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 April 2003 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment he has made of the cost of alterations to local authority software as a result of (a) the new tax credits, (b) housing benefit reform and (c) the pension credit. - Inc figures.

Answer: Sir Archy Kirkwood: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the cost of alterations to local authority software as a result of (a) the new tax credits, (b) housing benefit reform and (c) the pension credit. [106647] Malcolm Wicks: Information is not available on the specific costs of alterations to local authority software. However, during 2002-03, we distributed £6 million to local authorities to help them meet set up costs relating to new tax credits. We also distributed an extra £15 million for set up costs relating to the pension credit. As we recognise that some of the development for pension credit will continue beyond 2002-03, we have allocated a further £2 million for 2003-04. We are not yet in a position to estimate the cost of software changes in the Standard Local Housing Allowance pathfinder authorities, but are discussing the details of the scheme with the authorities and their software providers.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 106647; 403 c230-1W
Session: 2002-03
Subjects: Software Computers Housing benefit Local government Pension credit Social security benefits Welfare tax credits
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk