Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 22
22
We asked the Department whether it could be more proactive in sharing basic information such...
Conclusion
We asked the Department whether it could be more proactive in sharing basic information such as its district provision tool—essentially a list of local provision—with partners, so they could see what people were being referred to, and to see if they could plug gaps or offer alternative provision.63 The Department told us that it would “find a way” to do this.64 The Local Government Association also told us that it would like local mapping of provision, so that there is a clear picture of how new support schemes will add value to and align with local activity, and the Co-op group said that ‘continuing engagement and co-creation with employers’ should be a key component of the Department’s employment support strategy.65 58 Department for Work and Pensions, Call for evidence and good practice on in-work progression, available at Call for evidence and good practice on in-work progression - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk) ; Supporting progression out of low pay: a call to action In-Work Progression Commission, 1 July 2021, available at: Supporting progression out of low pay: a call to action (publishing.service.gov.uk) 59 Q 45 60 Q 49 61 Qq 69, 73 62 C&AG’s Report, pg 38 63 Qq 82–83 64 Q 87 65 DES0006, Local Government Association submission, page 5; DES0007, Co-op Group submission, para 4.2 DWP Employment support 17
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6b: PAC Recommendation: The Department should seek regular structured feedback from local authorities and employers on its employment support and: • Publish its district provision tool so others can see and comment on and complement the range of local provision 6.6 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: December 2022 6.7 The department agrees to regularly publishing a list of locally available provision, together with contact details at each Jobcentre. This would include the relevant information from the District Provision Tool. 6.8 Jobcentre Plus Partnership Managers, Employment Advisers and Disability Employment Advisers will continue to work closely with local authorities and other groups to ensure staff in Jobcentre Plus offices have up-to-date local and national information, such as the Local Authority support pack, to support customers.