Annex A

Annex A

Dear Mr Rymer,

I am now in a position to reply to your requests for information about:

i) How many investigations by DWP into Welfare to Work Providers in Merseyside have there been this year 2009

ii) How many investigations by DWP into Welfare to Work Providers in Southport have there been this year 2009

iii) How much money have Welfare to Work Providers had to pay back to DWP this year due to fraud by Welfare to Work Providers in Merseyside

iv) How much money have Welfare to Work Providers had to pay back to dwp due to fraud in Merseyside this year 2009

Since January 2009 there have been 2 investigations by DWP into Welfare to Work Providers in Merseyside and none in Southport. One of the investigations found no evidence of fraud and the other investigation has not yet concluded. No providers in Merseyside have had to pay back funding to DWP since January 2009 as a result of fraud.

If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the reference number above.

Yours sincerely,

DWP Central FoI Team

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Your right to complain under the Freedom of Information Act

If you are not happy with this response you may request an internal review by e-mailing [DWP request email] or by writing to DWP, Central FoI Team, 2^nd Floor The Adelphi, 1-11, John Adam Street, London WC2N 6HT. Any review request should be submitted within two months of the date of this letter.

If you are not content with the outcome of the internal review you may apply directly to the Information Commissioner's Office for a decision. Generally the Commissioner cannot make a decision unless you have exhausted our own complaints procedure. The Information Commissioner can be contacted at: The Information Commissioner's Office, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow Cheshire SK9 5AF www.ico.gov.uk

DWP Central Freedom of Information Team

e-mail: [DWP request email]

Our Ref: VTR 2203-2206

24 November 2009