These changes were included in the annual benefit uprating package which was announced to the House on 9 November. From April 2000, non-dependant deductions for Council Tax Benefit will increase by 7 per cent., which is in line with average council tax increases. The Department is in detailed discussions and negotiations with its preferred IT supplier, Affinity. This work will not be complete before February and it is not until then that the detail of the contracts, in respect of termination, will have been finalised. We intend to make sure that sufficient contractual safeguards are in place in the event that the service provider fails to meet the contractual service requirements.
Termination is one of the safeguards under discussion.
I also met with representatives of Departmental and Agency TUS on 25 November to discuss their concerns regarding the decision to outsource. Regular meetings between the Agency and the local TUS are taking place and a schedule of meetings, up to the end of March, has been agreed. We have no current plans to have further meetings with the TUS on this matter. My right hon. The Lord Chancellor has set up a panel of persons to act as members of appeal tribunals and has made all appointments to it.