(2) what estimate he has made of the number of people who have not received Jobcentre services as a result of physical capacity constraints in the last 12 months.
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 right hon. Member with the information requested.
Letter from Mel Groves:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your questions asking how many and what proportion of Jobcentre offices have reported physical capacity issues in the last 12 months; and what guidance his Department has issued on capacity problems; and what estimate he has made of the number of people turned away from Jobcentre offices owing to capacity issues in the last 12 months. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Acting Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
We are not aware of any Jobcentre offices having to turn people away. To ensure that capacity problems do not arise in the future we are examining service delivery plans, including, where necessary, options for the physical expansion of sites that may face pressure in the short to medium term.
Jobcentre Plus Customer Service Directors regularly review their service delivery plans to ensure optimum provision, and accessibility, of service for all customers.
I am confident that the process of regular review of local service delivery plans will ensure that this situation does not arise.