further to the recent rightsnet news stories about dwp "modernisation" and the closure of benefit offices, see yesterday's Q&A in parliament

@ http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/cm200304/cmhansrd/cm040705/debtext/40705-03.htm#40705-03_sbhd0

There's a very robust press release from Citizens Advice available at www.citizensadvice.org.uk/prelfull.ihtml?id=0000198

We will all need to continually publicise and lobby on this issue. The quality of service from DWP is already pretty dreadful in places and it can only get a lot worse with these cuts.

Whenever I hear the word "modernisation" I fear the worst.

... that in the closure of Pension Service offices one equipped with new equipment and 500 staff in Burnley would become redundant for pensions and all E&W TAS work would go there instead. 500 current staff (ie DWP pension staff) retained everyone else redundant all other TAS offices closed.

TAS staff morale not high at present anyway no leaving staff being replaced.

(None of this confirmed as far as I know)