§ Chris Ruane. To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions which towns in North Wales have Job Centre Plus offices; and when Job Centre Plus will be rolled out in Rhyl. [186025]
§ Jane KennedyThe administration of Jobcentre Plus is a matter for the chief executive of Jobcentre Plus, David Anderson. He will write to the hon. Member.
Letter from David Anderson to Mr. Chris Ruane, dated 22 July 2004:
The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question concerning the rollout of Jobcentre Plus in North Wales. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus.
It may be helpful if I explain that the introduction of the Jobcentre Plus model across North Wales is being undertaken in a staged process, which should be completed by March 2006. We have already introduced the new service in our North West Wales and Powys District, and there are Jobcentre Plus Offices in Amlwch, Bangor, Caernarfon, Dolgellau, Holyhead, Llangefni. Porthmadog and Pwllheli.
I am aware that the District Manager for Wrexham and North Wales Coast, which covers Rhyl, wrote to you on 5 April, outlining his initial service delivery plans.
There are presently a mixture of Jobcentres and Social Security Offices in Cefn Mawr, Colwyn Bay, Conwy, Denbigh, Flint, Holywell, Llangollen, Llanrwst, Llandudno, Mold, Prestatyn, Rhyl, Shotton and Wrexham. However, plans for the rollout of the new integrated service have not yet been finalised.
The recent announcement that Wrexham Pension Centre will transfer to Jobcentre Plus. along with our decision to centralise benefit processing into larger units to help deliver our demanding efficiency agenda, are all ractors that will need to be taken into account before plans can be finalised.
At this stage, I am therefore unable to give a specific date for the introduction of the integrated Jobcentre Plus service in Rhyl. However, as the position becomes clearer, the District Manager for Wrexham and North Wales Coast, will keep you fully informed of developments.
I hope this is helpful.