Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, by what criteria St Andrew Street job centre, Edinburgh, has been selected for closure.

The Department has sought, where feasible, to merge sites in close proximity as part of its overall review of estate. Merging the staff and services from Edinburgh City into High Riggs Jobcentre optimises use of space, ensures value for money and enables effective delivery of services to the public. The merge in reverse was explored however this was deemed not viable due to the underutilisation of space.