Simplified Benefits needed not expensive computer systems

10.46.46am UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 7th Sep 2006

Commenting on today's revelation that the Department for Work and Pensions has scrapped a new benefits processing computer system at a cost of £141m, Liberal Democrat Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, David Laws MP said:

"This is just another in a long line of computer systems which have failed through government incompetence.

"With the ludicrous complexity this Government has put into the benefits system, it is no surprise that the creation of a single payment system has proved so problematic.

"The explosion of means tested benefits under this Government has created such complexity that many, often the most vulnerable, do not claim the benefits to which they are entitled.

"Rather than merely treating the symptoms of an over complex benefits system through expensive and failed IT systems, the Government should act to make the whole benefits systems fairer and simpler."