Written question asked by Ed Balls (Labour) on Friday, 2 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 6 December 2005. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 12 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Debt Advisers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many debt advisers are working in (a) West Yorkshire, (b) Wakefield district and (c) Normanton constituency; and whether staffing levels are planned to increase over the Christmas period.

Answer: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. She will write to my hon. Friend.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 12 December 2005:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning how many debt advisers are working in (a) West Yorkshire (b) Wakefield district and (c) Normanton constituency and whether staffing levels are planned to increase over the Christmas period. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""No debt advice is given by Jobcentre Plus staff in any Jobcentre including West Yorkshire. In addition to dealing with general benefit entitlement and providing help to customers to move into work, staff handle Crisis Loan and Budgeting Loan applications but do not offer or give debt advice.""Staff resources over the Christmas period has been finalised, with staffing levels set in order to deal with anticipated numbers of benefit claims and predicted Crisis Loan applications.""I hope this is helpful."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 35406; 440 c1760-1W;440 c1760-1W
Session: 2005-06
Subjects: Debts Christmas Advisory services Jobcentres Jobcentre Plus Staff Wakefield West Yorkshire Normanton
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk