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The following outlines how we aim to combine careful financial planning with other approaches to become more efficient and improve our services.
In common with other Department for Work and Pensions businesses, Disability and Carers Service will continue to become more efficient in the future.
This means that, although we expect our work and responsibilities to increase, we will have to meet our targets and improve services to our customers while using reduced resources.
Funding
In 2006-07 the funding for our administration is £242m. Figure 1 below shows how this has been categorised:
| Figure 1: Administration Funding 2006-07 |
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Link to long description [D] for Figure 1.
Figure 2 shows the 2006-07 funding compared to the funding used in 2005-06.
| Figure 2: Funding Comparison |
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Link to long description [D] for Figure 2.
In 2006-07 we plan to spend approximately £14.5bn on benefit payments to 5.2 million customers, as shown in figure 3 below:
| Figure 3: Forecast Benefit Expenditure 2006-07 |
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Link to long description [D] for Figure 3.
Additionally, we plan to reduce the cost of processing benefits1 to:
- AA / DLA Claims £164.92
- AA / DLA Live Load £8.64
- CA Claims £97.93
- CA Live Load £8.69
1Target Unit Costs calculated using Atkinson Methodology.
Staffing levels
Between 2005 and 2008 the number of staff in Disability and Carers Service will reduce by 1200 to 5600, as shown in figure 4 below, whilst increasing customer service and efficiency. By the end of 2006-07 we will have no more than 6038 staff, a reduction of 470 against the previous year.
| Figure 4: Disability and Carers Service Staff Levels |
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Office space
Disability and Carers Service is considering how we can reduce office space along with the planned reductions in the number of employees. We expect to announce changes to our use of office space and location of work during 2006-07.
Effective management
Disability and Carers Service operates within a governance framework focused on effective management and control of our business.
We have a system of processes in place designed to provide clear accountability, helping ensure that public funds are safeguarded. Ultimately it also helps us to achieve our business objectives.
Our risk management process is clearly linked to meeting our objectives and is built into all of our planning, management and reporting systems.
Exposure to some risk is necessary if we are to achieve our goals and transform our business.
Our main risks in 2006-07 will relate to the following areas:
- A year of continued change which clearly can and does present distinct challenges to everyone in Disability and Carers Service;
- The introduction of new IT systems, which need careful testing and management to make sure they work effectively with other Department for Work and Pensions organisations, and meet customer needs;
- The need to find better ways of informing customers about decisions which affect them. Not only will this improve customer communication, but help us pay benefits more accurately;
- Customer service levels need to be carefully monitored in terms of improving quality, speed and accessibility whilst meeting our efficiency targets; and
- The need to work more efficiently with Department for Work and Pensions partners and stakeholders in the Voluntary and Community sector.
Sustainable development
Disability and Carers Service is committed to sustainable development – development which meets the needs of current generations without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. Sustainable development is about creating a balance between economic, social and environmental concerns and is vital to ensuring a better quality of life for everyone, both now and in the future.
We are working with the Department for Work and Pensions Sustainable Development Team to achieve this goal.