WIREDGOV

Joining up to improve service

DEPARTMENT FOR WORK AND PENSIONS News Release (EMP- 058) issued by The Government News Network on 22 January 2008

The Pension Service and the Disability and Carers Service are to be brought together into a single Agency - the Pension, Disability and Carers Service - Peter Hain, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, announced today.

The two existing Agencies increasingly share many of the same customers - over half of the customers of the Disability and Carers Service are also customers of The Pension Service and the proportion is growing as people live longer. Over time the new Agency will enable a better and more seamless service to be delivered to them.

Announcing the change, Peter Hain said:

"This is a big step forward for our Department and its customers. The new Agency will help us to give many more of them the services and support they need through one organisation in a joined up way."

The new Agency will come into existence on 01 April 2008.

Notes to Editors

1. The Pension Service is a dedicated service for current and future pensioners. It provides state financial support to over 11 million pensioners delivered at a national and local level and in partnership with other organisations. It also helps people to plan and provide for retirement. For more information visit: http://www.thepensionservice.gov.uk

2. The Disability and Carers Service supports disabled people and their carers, whether or not they work. It is responsible for delivering Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carer's Allowance. For more information visit: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/dcs

Website http://www.dwp.gov.uk
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