Written question asked by Joan Walley (Labour) on Monday, 12 December 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 14 December 2005. It was answered by Baroness Hodge of Barking (Labour) on Monday, 19 December 2005 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Burslem Job Centre

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what discussions he has had on the future use of the Burslem Job Centre;

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 19 December 2005:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions concerning what discussions he has had on the future use of the Burslem Job Centre; and what assessment he has made of the (a) cost and (b) ease of access for people using the Burslem Job Centre of using other centres. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""Once Burslem Jobcentre has closed, full responsibility for the property rests with the owners Land Securities Trillium.""Prior to the decision to close Burslem Jobcentre, a full feasibility study was conducted which mapped customers by postcode against existing public transport routes. Burslem and the surrounding area are well served by public transport. The longest journey time for current Burslem Jobcentre customers to one of the other surrounding Jobcentre Plus offices is 20 minutes, costing £2 return.""I hope this is helpful."

Secondary information