HC Deb 15 July 2003 vol 409 cc247-8W
Mr. Heald

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions when persons whose jobseekers allowance claims are refused are informed of the reasons for the refusal of their claim; and if he will make a statement on the appeal procedures applicable in such cases. [124024]

Mr. Pond

Once a claim for jobseekers allowance is assessed, a letter is sent to inform the person making the claim of the entitlement decision and the reasons for that decision. This letter also sets out the action the customer can take if they either do not understand or are unhappy with the decision. They can ask for further explanation of the decision, ask for the decision to be reconsidered or appeal against the decision to an independent tribunal.

Full details on these procedures can be found in leaflet GL24: If you think our decision is wrong. A copy has been placed in the Library.

Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how many people were claiming jobseeker's allowance in North Yorkshire on(a) 1 April 2000 and (b) 1 April 2003. [124427]

Mr. Pond

The information is in the table.

Jobseeker's allowance claimants in the county of North Yorkshire
Number
April 2000 6,635
April 2003 4,932

Note:

Figures are from a count of people claiming benefit at 13 April 2000 and 10 April2003 respectively.

Source:

Jobcentre Plus computer systems (including clerically held cases)