§ Mr. WorthingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received from the Benefits Agency and trade unions about staffing levels and resources in the introduction of the jobseeker's allowance. [4515]
§ Mr. Roger EvansNone.
§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what analysis he has undertaken of the impact of the jobseeker's allowance on young widows on benefit; and if he will make a statement. [4575]
§ Mr. EvansWe have in place a long-term programme of monitoring and evaluation of jobseeker's allowance.
Widows who wish to claim jobseeker's allowance are required to be available for employment. However, a widow whose youngest child is below the age of 16 may claim income support without being available for employment.
§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will review the case of Mr. Ron Fisher of Gulston road, Coventry, and the jobseeker's allowance. [4563]
§ Mr. EvansThe administration of income support is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 19 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will review the case of Ron Fisher of Gulstan Road, Coventry, and the jobseeker's allowance.In the interests of confidentiality I have written to you separately about Mr. Fisher's claim to Job Seekers Allowance. I have outlined the background to Mr. Fisher's claim and the action taken by both the Benefits Agency Office and Employment Service Jobcentre.
§ Mr. CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will make a statement about liaison between jobcentres and his Department over the jobseeker's allowance. [4564]
§ Mr. EvansThe administration of the payment of the jobseeker's allowance is a matter for Peter Mathison, the chief executive of the Benefits Agency. He will write to the hon. Member.
602WLetter from Peter Mathison to Mr. Jim Cunningham, dated 19 November 1996:
The Secretary of State for Social Security has asked me to reply to your recent Parliamentary Question asking if he will make a statement about liaison between job centres and his Department over the Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA).JSA was introduced on the 7 October and is delivered jointly by the Benefits Agency (BA) and Employment Service (ES).JSA and other relevant services for Jobseekers are being provided from Jobcentres, the majority of which now have BA staff working in them. Day to day liaison between BA and ES is the responsibility of local managers and staff and is working effectively. These local arrangements are supported by formal joint management structures at District, Area and National level and a Memorandum of Understanding between the two Agency Chief Executives.Between formal meetings, managers and staff from the two agencies work together on a daily basis to ensure the smooth delivery of JSA.I hope you find this reply helpful.