The Government is piloting a new service to make it possible for people to let the authorities know about a change in circumstances with just one visit or phone call.
James Purnell, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, announced the pilot today at a visit to one of the first sites to benefit in Tameside in Greater Manchester. The new cross-government service between the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), HM Revenue & Customs, Local Authorities, Driving and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) and the Identity and Passport Service (IPS) should mean in future that people only have to tell Government once when registering a birth or death. There are also plans to extend this to cover change of address.
Visiting Tameside, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, James Purnell said:
“People often have to repeat and verify the same information several times when reporting a birth or death. They may have to spend time making repeat phone calls, posting certificates and visiting offices. This can add an emotional burden when people are feeling at their most stressed or vulnerable.
“Changes in circumstances triggered by birth or bereavement can also mean people are left in financial distress and then have to speak to Government several times to make sure they are getting the right entitlements to Housing Benefit or Tax Credits.
“We’re trying out a new service which should mean that people only have to tell us once and we will make sure the relevant authorities are aware of the birth or bereavement, which will make things easier. It will also help save time which we know is precious, particularly to those parents who have just had a new born baby.”
Financial Secretary to the Treasury, Stephen Timms said:
“We recognise that, following a birth or a death, having to contact several different departments and authorities can seem a daunting task.
“The “Tell Us Once” pilot is a result of close working between departments across national and local government. The new service should make it easier for people in the North West and the South East to notify us of a change in circumstances by making just one call, taking away some of the burden at a difficult time."
The trials taking place in parts of the North West and South East will offer face-to-face and telephone service for people to allow them to notify central and local government only once of a birth or death.
The information will then be shared with those services taking part in the trial including the Pensions, Disability and Carers Service, HMRC’s Child Benefit & Tax Credits office, as well as Local Authorities Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit sections and will also offer a deeper service based on the needs of those walking though the door. For example, return of Social Service equipment, or cancelling a passport.
These pilots will start in Tameside, Southwark, Rotherham and Wolverhampton, and will extend over the course of the next few weeks into Kent and Lancashire.
Media Enquiries: John Stevenson 0203 267 5126
DWP Press Office: 0203 267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
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