27 July 2009
The Social Security Minister Deputy Ian Gorst and the Assistant Minister Deputy Angela Jeune are inviting members of the public to meet them to discuss any issues regarding the work of the Department and the range of benefits it administers.
The first meetings took place on Tuesday 21 July between 2pm and 4pm. The intention is to repeat the exercise each month. The next meetings are scheduled for Monday 17 August between 10am and noon and on Monday 14 September between 11am and 1pm. If the events prove popular, additional dates will be added.
Anyone interested in meeting the Ministerial team should contact the Social Security Department to book a 20-minute appointment, which will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
The initiative fulfils a commitment given by the Social Security Minister, Deputy Ian Gorst, when he ran for ministerial office. He commented: ‘With my Assistant Minister, this is a chance for us to hear directly from members of the public about how the benefits system is working for them – be it pensions, contributions, Income Support or health-related benefits. We are ready to listen, to learn, and to take action when necessary. We have many satisfied customers at Social Security, but there is always room for improvement.
Although we may not be able to answer every issue raised on the day – especially ones which involve personal circumstances – staff will follow up any enquiries. The intention is that by giving people the opportunity to talk to us directly, we gain a better understanding of the issues that are out there and can do something about them.’
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