The Petition of DVLA staff and service users in numerous constituencies,
Declares that the Petitioners believe that the DVLA Office Network is a service which is needed throughout the UK; declares that the Petitioners feel that the decision to close the DVLA Office Network and centralise services is a devastating blow to local communities who rely on the services provided, as well as to the 1,200 staff who will lose their jobs; and declares that the Petitioners believe that decision to close the service needs to be addressed so that staff and the public can get some reassurances of job and service security.
The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Government to consult with staff, users and trade unions further, and to take all possible action to save the DVLA Office Network.
And the Petitioners remain, etc.—[Presented by John McDonnell, Official Report, 20 March 2012; Vol. 542, c. 764 .]
[P001013]
Observations from the Secretary of State for Transport:
The Government have a duty to deliver efficient, effective public services and my Department is committed to improving the service it provides to motorists. The “Transforming DVLA Services” consultation sought views on potential changes including whether the services currently provided through the network of local offices should be available through a wider range of intermediaries and through increased electronic delivery. My Department will only take a decision to close the network of local offices if this will result in a more efficient service that continues to meet customer needs.
The consultation closed on 20 March 2012. Around 1,000 responses have been received from a diverse range of stakeholders including the public, motor trade, specialist industry groups, unions and law enforcement organisations. My Department has also held a series of stakeholder meetings with interested parties which has provided valuable information. The responses are now being analysed and will feed into the decision making process. Once the evaluation is complete, an announcement will be made.