Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what representations he has received on the effect of the proposed closure of Jobcentre Plus offices on disabled people.

We have received a number of questions from MPs, MSPs, AMs, customers and other representatives as well as from public consultations for sites that are outside of the criteria we have set. We are conducting public consultation on all proposals to close or move a Jobcentre outside of these criteria to help determine any impacts that additional travel will have on claimants.

Throughout the development of our proposals, the Department has been mindful of its duties under section 149 of the Equality Act 2010. Our continued focus on equality analysis will be important in helping to assess the needs of disabled people. Full equality analysis covering all sites where changes are proposed, will be carried out in due course to inform the final decision making process. This assessment will take into account feedback we have received for sites where we have undertaken public consultation and help establish the need for any alternative provision, such as outreach services.