Written question asked by Vincent Cable (Liberal Democrat) on Friday, 6 October 2006, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 October 2006. It was answered by Jim Murphy (Labour) on Thursday, 19 October 2006 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Jobcentre Plus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how frequently jobcentre plus staff are provided with training to update them on changes to the process of claiming incapacity benefit and disability living allowance.

Answer: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 19 October 2006:"The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question asking how frequently Jobcentre Plus staff are provided with training to update them on changes to the process of claiming incapacity benefit and disability living allowance. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.""All our staff undergo comprehensive training prior to answering calls from customers wishing to make a new benefit claim, including claims for Incapacity Benefit (IB) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA). When changes are made to the process of claiming IB or DLA we ensure staff are informed and receive appropriate training at the time.""Claims for DLA are dealt with by the Disability and Carers Service (DCS) and enquiries about DLA will normally be referred to DCS."

Secondary information