DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

Our Ref: VTR 2463/09

23^rd December 2009

Dear Mr Johnson

Request for information

Thank you for your Freedom of Information request received on 30/11/09. You asked :-

I am however disappointed that data relating to time to open/process mail received is not able to be given.

5 years ago on contacting the Dept. regarding a form sent by mail I was informed " we do not get to open them for at least 4 weeks due to the amount we receive” On the same phone discussion this year virtually the exact same statement was made.

Will data relating to mail processing now be collected to ensure that the system improves ?

I must also say that when explained to the staff at DWP Blackpool that the matter was urgent they then quickly dealt with my form in a very efficient way.

Thank you for your e mail of 29 November 2009. You ask if data relating to mail processing will be collected.

It may help if I explain the systems that are in place at the Disability Contact and Processing Unit (DCPU) to monitor mail delivery and performance against clearance targets.

All post received at the DCPU is opened by a central team. The post is date stamped on the day of receipt and delivered to the appropriate operational team normally on the same day. There are contingency arrangements in place within the central post team should there be any delay in opening and distributing the post.

Each type of post received at the DCPU has a specified clearance target. Performance is monitored on a daily basis and target achievement produced each week. Details of the DCPU performance year to date, against the published clearance targets were provided in our reply to you on 23 November 2009.

There are no plans to introduce any additional monitoring of the DCPU performance against clearance targets.

If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely

DWP Central FoI Team