Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what steps he is taking to deliver the efficiency gains required by HM Treasury. [77040]

Chris Grayling MP; Minister of State (Employment): The Department plans to realise substantial efficiency savings over the period of the spending review through measures which will deliver both savings and improved customer service, as well as focussing its resources on key reforms of the welfare system such as the introduction of universal credit. These plans include a reduction in the size of the corporate centre by up to 40%, and parallel measures to reduce the costs of benefits processing by 25% through streamlining and modernising frontline activities. These measures include, for example, shifting from paper to digital based services and sharing information more efficiently within and between Departments. Specific actions to improve the efficiency, ease and speed of the Department's frontline activities are included in the business plan.

The Department will also make further efficiencies through its estates and IT strategies, and works closely with the Cabinet Office Efficiency Reform Group to drive down the costs from its other major suppliers.