A regular outreach worker must be available to help people in Shipley claiming benefits now the job centre has closed, an MP has warned.
Shipley MP Philip Davies, who campaigned to keep the Wainman Street office in Shipley open, was previously assured by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) some outreach work would remain in the constituency when the Jobcentre closed.
But speaking in the Commons he said he was not happy with the initial level of support and demanded reassurances things would be stepped up.
He said: “The Secretary of State knows I was not happy with the level of outreach support given in Shipley when the job centre closed at the beginning of the year.
“I am delighted that some extra support has been given but can she ensure that a job centre plus outreach worker is put into a public venue in Shipley on a regular basis to help claimants on a regular basis in the Shipley constituency.”
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Esther McVey said: “He is quite right and I am making sure that one of the things this department does is do more outreach work, Universal Credit as it rolls out need to reflect the needs of local people and outreach way is a short fire way to do that.”