§ Mr. LlwydTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) if he will list the Jobcentre Plus centres it is intended to open in North Wales; and if he will make a statement; [117521]
(2) how many Jobcentre Plus centres have been opened in Wales. [117522]
§ Mr. BrowneThe administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the Chief Executive of the Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Llwyd dated, July 2003:
As Jobcentre Plus is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the opening of Jobcentre Plus offices in Wales. This is something that falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.We are progressively extending the new integrated Jobcentre Plus office network across Great Britain over the next three years. These offices are delivering a single, integrated service to people of working age, with a clear focus on work. They provide an active and responsive service to help people find jobs, and give advice on the full range of help and support available to them.758WDuring 2002–03, we successfully introduced the Jobcentre Plus model in eighteen offices across Bridgend Rhondda Cynon Taff and South East Wales districts. As part of our plans to extend the new integrated Jobcentre Plus model throughout Wales, we will be implementing Jobcentre Plus in North West Wales and Powys district during 2003–04. Our current plan is to complete the rollout of Jobcentre Plus across Wales by early 2006.The District Manager is currently working on the detailed plans for the North West Wales and Powys district. At this stage, I cannot confirm the exact locations for Jobcentre Plus offices as this is subject to the current planning and consultation process. The District Manager wrote to you, other local MPs, Assembly Members, staff, trade unions and other local stakeholders on 14 February to inform you of his proposals and to seek your comments on them.I hope this is helpful.