Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, whether it is Department's policy that Jobcentre Plus officials should liaise with Health and Social Service agencies when benefit sanctions are applied to vulnerable individuals.

There is no formal policy to liaise with Health and Social Service agencies when a sanction is applied. However, the department recognises the importance of ensuring claimants understand the requirements they must fulfil to get benefit, the consequences of not complying and support available when sanctioned, including reconsideration, appeal and hardship payments. As part of this, work coaches also encourage claimants to engage third party support where this is available.