CLOSURES OF MEDICAL EXAMINATION CENTRES (No. 2)

Early day motion 450, tabled 28 June 2005 by Judy Mallaber (Labour). Signed by 46 members.

That this House expresses deep concern at the decision by Atos Origin to close 21 medical examination centres for incapacity benefit claimants with closures by 31 August of both Derbyshire centres in Chesterfield and Derby and centres in Barnsley, Bolton, Bradford, Cambridge, Catford, Colchester, Dorchester, Greenock, Hartlepool, Oxford and Stirling and closure by 31 December of centres in Chelmsford, Darlington, Durham, Lewisham, Middlesbrough, Seven Sisters, Sunderland and Thornton Heath; notes that there has been no consultation with service users, honourable Members, local authorities or other organisations by Atos Origin; believes that many claimants who have suffered injury or are ill or disabled will find it difficult to travel the long distance to alternative centres; is concerned that as a result claimants may miss appointments and so be deprived of benefits they need; urges Ministers to tell Atos Origin immediately to put on hold the proposed August closures; and calls for the closures to be withdrawn.

Signatures by party: Labour 34, Liberal Democrat 7, Conservative 2, DUP 2, Plaid Cymru 1.