The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Lesley Strathie. I have asked her to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Lesley Strathie, dated 22 May 2007:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the number of Jobcentre Plus offices, which have been closed in England in each of the Regions since 2005. This is something, which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Office closures occur for a variety of reasons; first, as we rationalise the old Social Security and Employment Services Estate to create the new Jobcentre Plus Network; second, as a result of centralising benefit processing and our Contact Centre activities; third as a part of our ongoing commitment to ensure that our services are provided in the most efficient manner.
I attach a list showing the total number of closures in England since 2005 resulting from the above activities, broken down by region.
I hope this information is helpful.
Number East of England 30 East Midlands 25 London 52 North East 18 North West 45 South East 33 South West 26 West Midlands 41 Yorkshire and Humberside 31