Oral Answers to Questions

Siân C. James Excerpts

Monday 10th January 2011 Commons Chamber

[Mrs Siân C. James (Swansea East) (Lab)]

3. What sanctions will be applied to jobseeker’s allowance claimants who fail to find work within the period set by his Department.

[The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (Mr Iain Duncan Smith)]

There is no time limit on entitlement to income-based jobseeker’s allowance. I remind the hon. Lady that the conditions that pertain to withdrawal of benefit are that individuals must be available for work and seeking work, and they have to sign up to an agreement. If they continually refuse to do any of that, that is when the sanctions come in.

[Mrs James]

I am aware that those sanctions will be applied after a decision by the independent decision maker. What reassurances can the Minister give me about the role of the independent decision maker and the criteria that will be used? I am particularly concerned about the appeal process, because, as one can imagine, mistakes can be made and there should be a right of appeal. I am keen that that right is open to anybody who is sanctioned in that way.

[Mr Duncan Smith]

We will strengthen the role of the independent decision maker to ensure that decisions are made for the right reasons. The hon. Lady can rest assured that we will ensure that is the case. If she has any concerns, she should raise them with us, and if she has any thoughts, we are open to dispute.