Andrew Simpson

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate for Northampton North Constituency

 Change in vote in 2005

Simplified benefits needed - not expensive IT projects

4.58.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Tue 5th Sep 2006

Photo of computer

Lib Dems believe simplifying benefits would be more effective than installing a new IT system

Commenting on today's revelation that the Department for Work and Pensions has scrapped a new benefits processing computer system at a cost of £141m, Andrew Simpson said:

"This is just another in a long line of computer systems which have failed through government incompetence.

"With the ludicrous complexity this Government has put into the benefits system, it is no surprise that the creation of a single payment system has proved so problematic.

"The explosion of means tested benefits under this Government has created such complexity that many, often the most vulnerable, do not claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

Commenting, Lib Dem Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, David Laws MP said "Rather than merely treating the symptoms of an over complex benefits system through expensive and failed IT systems, the Government should act to make the whole benefits systems fairer and simpler."

To find out more about Lib Dem policy on benefits go to: www.libdems.org.uk/benefits

Bookmark this story at: del.icio.usdel.icio.us DiggDigg FacebookFacebook redditreddit StumbleUponStumbleUpon
Print this news story.
Previous news story: Employer pensions benefits must not be delayed (Mon 4th Sep 2006).
Next news story: Blair's warm words will not address declining social mobility (Tue 5th Sep 2006).

Printed and hosted by Prater Raines Ltd, 82b Sandgate High Street, Folkestone CT20 3BX.
Published and promoted by Stuart Bray on behalf of Andrew Simpson (Liberal Democrat) all at 3 Kingsley Gardens, Northampton, NN2 7BW.
The views expressed are those of the party, not of the service provider.