Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, pursuant to the Answer of 1 December 2017 to Questions 116201, 116202, 116204 and 116205, if he will adopt a policy of no sanctions at Shettleston Jobcentre after its merger with Bridgeton, Easterhouse and Parkhead Jobcentres where a claimant is late for an appointment and they give the reason that they were unable to find a parking space for their vehicle.

There are no plans to adopt a policy of no sanctions at Shettleston where a claimant is late for an appointment and where the reason given is that they were unable to find a parking space for their vehicle.

DWP recognises that merging jobcentres will mean that some claimants will be taking an unfamiliar journey to their new jobcentre. Work coaches will continue to support claimants affected by the change, over the transition period, until they become familiar with new travel arrangements. DWP does not expect any proposed changes to the estate in itself to result in additional sanctions.