New Clause 6
Welfare Reform Bill
9:45 pm
Jim Murphy (Minister of State (Work), Department for Work and Pensions; East Renfrewshire, Labour)
I am happy to respond briefly to those three points. The hon. Gentleman rightly says that we have had similar conversations on clauses 8 and 10. I confirm, for the Committee’s delight, that the provisions of paragraph (a) are contained in page 6 of the draft regulations, which deals with safeguards before sanctions are imposed. The question of advising the customer at the point of claiming about the interview process is bullet point No. 1 on page 6 of the draft regulations. I hope that I have provided the reassurance that the hon. Gentleman seeks.
When possible, customers are contacted by telephone to explain the purpose of the interview or assessment, what to expect and what to do if they have a problem attending. We also write to all our customers, whether or not they have been contacted by phone. We intend to continue with that process under the ESA.
The point that the hon. Gentleman raises with paragraph (b) was the subject of a previous conversation; as we heard earlier today, it is found within the contracts. As for paragraph (c), page 26 of the draft regulations deals with claimants failing to attend or complete an interview or assessment. In the spirit in which the hon. Gentleman posed his questions, I hope that I have reassured him and that he will be tempted to withdraw the motion.