Jobcentre Plus: Closures

Patrick Grady Excerpts
Thursday 6th July 2017

(7 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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It will still be the case that of all the large cities in the United Kingdom, Glasgow, per head of population, will have more jobcentres than any other city.

Patrick Grady Portrait Patrick Grady (Glasgow North) (SNP)
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I have porridge for my breakfast, Mr Speaker, with just a little bit of salt in it, like my granny taught me.

The Secretary of State said that people will not be sanctioned if they make reasonable efforts. Who will judge what is a reasonable effort? Constituents of mine in Maryhill now face a six-mile round trip, with all the expensive bus routes and potential delays that that entails. He keeps saying that Glasgow has far more jobcentres per head of population. What does that mean for the remaining jobcentres in Glasgow? Will he guarantee that Springburn jobcentre will not close? Will he meet his Scottish Government counterparts before any further decisions are taken?

David Gauke Portrait Mr Gauke
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We have settled the estate now, and we do not have any immediate plans to revisit this. In terms of the sanctions process, a comprehensive system of appeals is available. As I say, there are far more missed or late appointments than there are sanctions, and I would expect that to continue to be the case.