Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what step his Department is taking to make job centres accessible.

Each jobcentre is constructed to the legislation relevant at the time of the project. Legislation continues to evolve leading to newer sites typically including more inclusive design than older ones.

Access audits are now being carried out for all new building acquisitions and major refurbishment projects. Recommendations from these audits then become part of the scope for the works being carried out.

Where individual access issues have been identified, local operational adjustments are made to support the claimant.

The Department is committed to improving access and inclusion for colleagues and members of the public through the on-going development of its jobcentre design guides. The design guides provide the standards for future properties and major refurbishments of existing sites.

Assistive technology is provided in new jobcentres and in locations where major refurbishment work is being carried out. The assistive technology being provided is briefly summarised below:

• Portable hearing loops
• Wheelchair lifts
• Automated entrance doors
• Electric height adjustable desks

We also offer a range of services and assistive technology to help claimants who have accessibility needs including Video Relay Service, Next Generation Text Relay, braille and large print, free phoneline, audio CD and home visits.