PROPOSED CLOSURE OF PAIGNTON JOB CENTRE

Early day motion 1399, tabled 17 January 2006 by Adrian Sanders (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 6 members.

That this House notes with concern the proposed closure of Paignton Job Centre and the impact it will have on existing and future clients across Torbay and the South Hams; notes in particular the difficulties that many disabled users of the Job Centre will experience in additional travel, that lone parents will experience under new legislation that requires more frequent mandatory interviews in Job Centres and that all of the users of this easily accessible and centrally located office will experience when asked to travel to Torquay, which will involve an expensive and time-consuming journey of up to three hours or more for some clients resident in the South Hams; and urges the Secretary of State to note that alternative offices such as Brixham and Totnes either do not offer a full range of services, do not open full-time, do not offer financial facilities or do not have the capacity to take new clients.

Signatures by party: DUP 3, Liberal Democrat 2, Labour 1.