Minister accepts deficiencies at benefit processing centre

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 6th Jun 2007

Local MP John Thurso has been told that steps are being taken to address both telephone and staffing inadequacies at the Benefit Processing Centre in Clydebank.

The assurance was given at a meeting which the MP attended on the 5th June with Jim Murphy, MP, Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions, and Lesley Strathie, Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, to discuss complaints raised with him by individual constituents and voluntary organisations about delays in the processing of benefits at Clydebank and the difficulty in making telephone contact.

John Thurso said:

"The loss of employment or long-term sickness is inevitably stressful. Benefits need to be processed quickly so both the individual and household can adjust their budgets accordingly. In recent weeks I have been very concerned to learn of people waiting very long periods for the processing of their Incapacity Benefit, Jobseeker's Allowance or Income Support applications.

"It was reassuring to have the Minister's recognition that the Centre has not been performing as well as it should and that immediate steps are being taken both to recruit and train additional staff and to improve telephone communications at Clydebank. I have asked the Minister for a firm timetable for the completion of these improvements."

Text of John Thurso letter to Jim Murphy MP - Minister of State DWP

Dear Jim

I was very grateful yesterday to have the opportunity to meet with you and Lesley Strathie, Chief Executive of Jobcentre Plus, and to have recognition of the concerns which had been expressed to me by the Caithness CAB, the Ross & Cromarty CAB, the East Sutherland Village Advisory Service and the North and West Sutherland Advice and Information Service and of which I had previously notified your office.

From the conversation we had, I understand that it is accepted that there is a problem with both the adequacy of the telephone equipment installed at Clydebank and with present staffing levels, and that steps are in train to tackle both. This was a great reassurance to me because I am aware from my almost daily contact with Clydebank that existing staff are under very considerable pressure.

It would be very helpful to know what timetable you have to address these problems."