Jobcentre Access Rural Areas 2024-10-07
2024-10-07
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The accessibility of jobcentres for people living in rural areas is a concern due to unique challenges such as distance and transport.
What assessment has been made of the adequacy of the accessibility of jobcentres to people living in rural areas?
We need jobcentres to be better everywhere, including those in rural areas with unique challenges. In the autumn we will publish a White Paper on our plans to transform the employment support system, which will change jobcentres. I welcome input on that issue from Members from all parts of the House.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific accessibility assessment requested was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
In South Shropshire, youth unemployment has increased recently, raising concerns about the welfare of young people.
In South Shropshire, youth unemployment has risen over the past month. What is the Minister going to do to stop this worrying trend in rural communities like mine?
I thank the hon. Member for bringing that point to the House; it is a major focus of the work that is currently going into the White Paper. We have had very worrying developments for young people since the pandemic, and we need to do much better to give them the best possible start in life. I will say it again: on this issue we welcome input from Members on all sides of the House.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific actions requested were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Housing associations are significant investors in employment support, especially for hard-to-reach communities such as rural areas.
Housing associations are the second largest investor in employment support in the UK, second only to the Department for Work and Pensions. Their work invests in employment support for some of the hardest-to-reach communities, including rural communities such as mine in Suffolk Coastal. Will the Minister commit to working with housing associations to co-design and co-invest employment support over this Parliament?
I thank my hon. Friend again for her very welcome point. Housing associations are extremely important for connecting with residents, who often have multiple vulnerabilities. When thinking about the journey into work we need joined up services between the NHS, the local authority and our housing associations. They will be a part of the future partnership, and I look forward to working with her for her constituency.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment requested was not provided.
Response accuracy