Last month the Government proposed to close the Dagenham Jobcentre on Chequers Lane, meaning the nearest Jobcentre for residents in Dagenham would be in Barking on Wakering Rd. Similarly the Jobcentre in Hornchurch is set to close leaving Romford Town Centre as the closest service for residents of Rainham, South Hornchurch and Elm Park. Jon Cruddas MP was outraged at the proposals and sought to discuss the plans with the Minister for Employment and the DWP.
The Minister, Damian Hinds MP has responded claiming that the journey between Dagenham and Barking ?is just 15 minutes by train.' Also explaining that it only costs £1.70 for a journey which is not considered a ?sharp rise in travel costs' ? however the Minister didn't take into account that residents would be looking to return home, costing another £1.70. Many of the people using the site currently pay no travel costs as it is within walking distance, and with this in mind £3.40 is a significant cost.
Jon said: "there has been a complete disregard of the impact this will have on residents in real terms. Theoretically a journey from site to site could be very quick, but in reality residents are looking at waiting times for public transport, with busses often delayed and c2c running every 20 minutes."
Jon Cruddas has launched a petition to retain services at the Jobcentres in Dagenham and Hornchurch. Please add your name by clicking HERE
Jon's team have looked into the travel times and there are four ways to get from Dagenham to Barking with the shortest journey taking 16 minutes, which comprises of a ten minute walk and a c2c from Dagenham Dock Station. However this doesn't take into account the journey from people's homes. The journey for many south Havering residents already took 20-30 minutes from their homes, and is set to rise upwards of 50 minutes.
Jon raised concerns about the vulnerability of service users, and the general economic situation in the area. The response from the Tory Minister's office seemed more focused on achieving ?maximum commercial advantage' and delivering the ?best possible financial deal.'
Jon Cruddas MP commented: "It just seems like more and more services are leaving the constituency, and are becoming harder to access for the most vulnerable. This is another example of a callous Tory government putting profit before people, and providing little in the way of hope for struggling communities across the country."
Jon Cruddas has launched a petition to retain services at the Jobcentres in Dagenham and Hornchurch. Please add your name by clicking HERE