South Ayrshire Council and the Pension Service of the Department for Work and Pensions have decided to enter into a formal partnership, to provide services at Ayr and Biggart hospitals.

A pilot project took place from October 2004 to September 2005, during which time pension staff worked from the Social Work offices in two South Ayrshire hospital sites. Five days a week they were at Ayr Hospital, and one day per week at the Biggart Hospital. The emphasis of their work was on progressing client referrals from hospital and making sure that they gained direct access via Social Work to the Pension Service.

There was the added benefit of allowing Social Work staff in the hospital setting access to benefit information on individuals via the Single Shared Assessment process. Any person using the pilot system was asked for their consent to allow the information they gave to be shared, and most clients were happy to do so.

The Convener of the Council's Social Justice Committee said: "The pilot project has been a huge success with over one million pounds being distributed to clients who were entitled to a range of allowances.

"By working in close partnership with another agency they, the Council, and most importantly clients have received a more efficient service and benefits which they are entitled to.

"I look forward to the establishment of a formal partnership, and to working in tandem to deliver the best service possible to the people of South Ayrshire."

After hearing about the success of the pilot project members of the Committee agreed to the establishment of a formal partnership between the Council and the Pension Service. In addition links will be extended to allow the Pension Service to establish a formal link with the Council's Social Work, Housing and Health's finance section. This will enable the department's finance section to have direct access to clients benefit information, subject to the client having consented to information sharing, which will lead to speedier and more accurate benefit information, which in turn will allow better income maximisation for residents of South Ayrshire who need assistance.

February 2006