§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for Employment what special arrangements appertain at the Basildon unemployment benefit office with regard to registration of a claim for benefit and receipt of benefit; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. AlisonNewly unemployed people in Basildon are able to claim benefit at Basildon unemployment benefit office by attending the office on their first day of unemployment in the normal way. Subsequent attendances each fortnight to confirm unemployment are not required at present, though this is the normal procedure. Instead, each claimant makes a declaration of unemployment by post every 13 weeks. Payment of benefit is not affected by these modified arrangements, which began last autumn, when the main building had to be almost completely evacuated because the roof leaked badly. Meanwhile, temporary accommodation is being used which does not provide space for the regular attendance of claimants A new roof and extra accommodation will be ready later this year and normal arrangements for confirming unemployment periods will be resumed. I am satisfied that everything possible is being done to minimise inconvenience to unemployed people in Basildon and to ensure that benefit is paid correctly.