DWP MUST “THINK AGAIN” AND WORK WITH WEST DUNBARTONSHIRE COUNCIL
Martin Docherty-Hughes MP has secured a meeting with Minister of State for Employment, Damian Hinds MP. The two will meet today (Monday 6th March 2017) to discuss the future of the Alexandria Job Centre, earmarked for closure and transfer of services by the Department for Work and Pensions.
Hundreds of people have signed the MP’s petition against the closure, with many people worried about the increased travel costs and higher risk of being sanctioned for late or non-attendance at compulsory meetings.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, Martin Docherty-Hughes MP said,
“I appreciate the Minister agreeing to meet with me so quickly and I hope that willingness bodes well for a constructive discussion.
“The Vale of Leven and wider catchment area for this Job Centre includes some of the most deprived areas in the country and surely the very real need of the community must outweigh any decision taken purely on the basis of a ruler on a map.
“I will be urging the Minister to think again and following Cllr McColl’s successful motion at Council, I’ll be asking that the Minister ensures the DWP engages with West Dunbartonshire Council to try and find a solution that meets the needs of my constituents.”
