Benefit delivery in the 21st century under scrutiny at national conference

Benefit delivery in the twenty first century will be the focus of the Child Poverty Action Group’s (CPAG) Conference next week.

The Government’s Welfare Reform Bill, the moves towards a ‘call-centre’ model and the drive for greater efficiency including the ongoing reductions in DWP staffing levels, will be among the subjects for discussion. A qualitative report evaluating the recent performance of Jobcentre Plus offices will also be published at the Conference.

Delegates, mostly from the advice sector, will take part in workshops and hear from guest speakers including:

• Dr Deborah Mabbett – School of Politics & Sociology, Birkbeck, University of London
• Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope – former Work & Pensions select committee chair
• His Honour Judge Michael Harris – President, Appeals Service Tribunal
• Kaliani Lyle – Chief Executive, Citizens Advice Scotland
• Charlotte Argyle – Benefit Advice Co-ordinator, Macmillan Cancer Support

The Conference takes place from 10am to 4.30pm on Thursday 7 September 2006 at The London Voluntary Sector Resource Centre, 356 Holloway Road, London, N7 6PA.

For more information or to book a place contact CPAG’s training department on 020 7812 5228 or email jallen@cpag.org.uk.

Members of the press are welcome from 10am. If you would like to attend or for further information please contact:

Alex Belardinelli
CPAG Press Officer
Tel. 020 7812 5216 or 07816 909302
abelardinelli@cpag.org.uk