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Written question asked by Liam Byrne (Labour) on Tuesday, 23 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 25 June 2026. It was answered by Diana Johnson (Labour) on Friday, 3 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Employment: Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what assessment she has made of inadequate public transport as a barrier to employment in Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North constituency.

Answer

Assessments of local transport infrastructure are led by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), which is responsible for allocating its £2.4 billion Transport for City Regions funding settlement through to 2031/32.

DWP Jobcentres take a place based approach when supporting customers into work, considering local labour market conditions and barriers to employment, including transport.

Jobcentres work closely with local employers, offer Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs), and can provide Flexible Support Fund (FSF) assistance towards travel, childcare and other work-related costs where appropriate.

Through this support, Jobcentres help customers overcome barriers to employment, including transport-related challenges.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
12074
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Employment Public transport Standards Birmingham Hodge Hill and Solihull North
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk