Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what steps are being taken to (a) make the HMRC Gateway service more accessible and (b) enable improved access to Government services for people with no online or digital access.

(a) DWP are key stakeholders in the development of the new HMRC Government Gateway Service. HMRC are leading on user research around accessibility with DWP participation via Government Departmental Working Groups.

(b) We are working with partner organisations and with other departments to understand the level of support users of government services need. As part of this programme of work we are looking at the current internet devices we have in our Jobcentre Plus Offices, this includes Digital propensity, Digital Inclusion and the level of support DWP provides. DWP assures all our digital services meet the quality requirements of the Digital Service Standard which, includes both accessibility and assisted digital needs. Face to face appointments’ for claimants and free phone lines are part of the breadth of services we also have available to people without digital access.