Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Joan Walley (Labour). It was answered on Monday, 6 February 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentre Plus

Question: I thank my right hon. Friend for all that the Government are doing to help those who can work to find work, to stay in work, and to retrain for work. She will be aware, however, that I have had Adjournment debates in this House about the closure of the Burslem jobcentre. Will she meet me to see what she can do to ensure that people in Burslem are not left out under the new arrangements? Does she agree that we need to tackle this in a joined-up way, and that we have a particular problem with the removal of funding from the learner support fund, which comes from the Department for Education and Skills? Will she meet me to ensure that we can provide the adequate services that we need in Burslem?

Answer: I am aware of the many questions and debates that my hon. Friend has pursued in this House in the interests of her constituents and of her concern about the Burslem Jobcentre Plus office. On our calculations, the longest journey time for anybody to get to an alternative office is 20 minutes, and the cost is £2. My hon. Friend is shaking her head. It would therefore be wise if we were both to meet to discuss the matter further. I share her concern about our joined-up working with the Department for Education and Skills to ensure that we provide opportunities for individuals.

Secondary information