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Dept for Work and Pensions;Jobcentre Plus

Answer

Paul Holmes: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many compulsory interviews have taken place in each year since 1997, broken down by (a) benefit and (b) welfare to work scheme; and what the total cost of interviews was in each year since 1997, broken down by (i) benefit and (ii) welfare to work scheme; and if he will make a statement. [125935] Mr. Browne: The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member. Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Paul Holmes, dated 28 July 2003: As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the number of compulsory interviews that have taken place in each year since 1997, broken down by benefit and welfare to work scheme and the total cost of the interviews. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency. Jobcentre Plus conducts a wide range of compulsory interviews in a variety of circumstances. For example compulsory interviews are conducted at the start of every Jobseeker's Allowance claim and in our new integrated offices at the start of every claim for a Jobcentre Plus benefit. Compulsory interviews are then conducted at various stages of a claim and also under a variety of circumstances in our welfare to work programmes. We do monitor workflows and activity in Jobcentre Plus offices and maintain statistics for some individual programmes, such as those held on the New Deal database. However, it is not possible to provide the information you have requested on the total number of interviews or breakdowns by benefit or welfare to work programme. Similarly we cannot provide a figure for the cost of compulsory interviews. My apologies for not being able to provide the information you requested.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

125935; 411 c699-700W;411 c704-5W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Benefits rules Interviews Social security benefits

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk