Work and Pensions Committee MPs launch inquiry to examine local delivery of employment support

MPs on the Work and Pensions Committee have launched an inquiry into how local authorities deliver employment support as the country moves into a new round of devolution. 

The inquiry will look at whether devolving more power over non-Jobcentre Plus programmes could help councils get more people into suitable and sustainable jobs, and how to keep accountability strong.

The Government committed to devolving employment support in the Get Britain Working White Paper. In England, strategic authorities are being set up to take on these responsibilities, with different levels of authority carrying different powers. 

MPs will consider what responsibilities strategic authorities should have after looking at the balance between national and local government.

Non-Jobcentre Plus programmes include Connect to Work, WorkWell and the Youth and Economic Inactivity Trailblazers. 

Committee Chair Debbie Abrahams, said: “Evidence we’ve heard in previous inquiries suggests that local flexibility in DWP-overseen schemes can yield positive results. 

“Devolving non-Jobcentre employment support is thought by the Government to be a critical part of its attempts to get more successful people into suitable, sustainable and secure work.

“We want to hear from experts on how well decentralisation of employment will work in the UK, and what changes are needed to ensure local needs and skills are met more responsively.”