To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many benefit recipients who (a) previously signed on at the Dursley Job Centre Plus and (b) are living in the area previously covered by that office now sign on at the Stroud Job Centre Plus office. (171008)

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 8 January 2008:

The Secretary of State has asked Lesley Strathie to reply to your question concerning how many benefit recipients who (a) previously signed on at the Dursley Jobcentre Plus and (b) are living in the area previously covered by that office now sign on at the Stroud Jobcentre Plus office. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to Ms Strathie as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus. I am replying in her absence as Acting Chief Executive.

I can confirm that there were 247 Jobseeker’s Allowance customers signing with the Dursley office when it closed in March 2005. These customers were invited to register at four alternative Jobcentre Plus offices—Stroud, Gloucester, Kingswood and Yate.

There are currently 54 customers from the Dursley area claiming Jobseeker’s Allowance. We are not able to identify those customers who registered at the Stroud office when Dursley closed or those who have since registered to sign on at Stroud.

I hope this is helpful.