The administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the acting chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, Mel Groves. I have asked him to provide the hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Mel Groves:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning what the cost of processing (a) Jobseeker's Allowance and (b) Income Support benefits was in (i) 2006-07 and (ii) 2007-08. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
Information on the staff costs of processing new claims for each benefit is provided in the table below.
2007-08 2006-07 Jobseekers Allowance new claims 45.6 44.5 Income Support new claims 46.5 42.5 Source: Jobcentre Plus Activity Based Management systems.