Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith this week applauded the work of Wychavon District Council during a visit to its Pershore HQ. The Secretary of State toured the council’s ground-breaking Revenues and Benefits Unit and met with staff. Ian Duncan Smith’s department has been tasked with overhauling the benefits system and he asked local MP Harriett Baldwin to arrange a meeting with the council executive team. He toured the site, met with staff and discussed plans for reforming the welfare and benefits system. Harriett Baldwin, who led the tour, praised the council which works with Worcester City Council and Malvern Hills District Council to provide a unified benefits service for all three councils. Harriett commented: “Wychavon has a reputation for being a superb council and Ian Duncan Smith told me he was keen to see the work they are doing to improve the way the benefits system works. “The Secretary of State applauded the work of Wychavon’s officer and staff and he has asked me to produce a full report of innovations which the council has come up with which may be used elsewhere. “During our discussions, several innovative approaches were discussed and I expect that Wychavon’s approach will be suggested to other councils across the UK.”