Department for Work and Pensions (DWP)
Central Freedom of Information Team
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx
Our reference: FOI2018/02744
Date: 6 September 2018
Dear A Keith,
Thank you for your Freedom of Information request received on 31 August
2018. You asked:
As my journey to a job centre interview includes a 5.5 hrs round journey, is
this time included in the amount of time I look for work.
DWP Response:
It may be helpful if I explain the role of the Freedom of Information Act. The
Act provides a right of access to recorded information held by a public authori-
ty like DWP (subject to certain exemptions). The Act does not oblige a public
authority to create new information to answer questions; nor does it require a
public authority to give advice, opinion or explanation in relation to is-
sues/policies under question.
Your request asks a question to which you seek a bespoke policy response. If
you ask a question, rather than requesting recorded information, we will pro-
vide you with the recorded information that best answers the question. Once
we have provided the recorded information, we have met our obligations un-
der the Act; interpreting the information provided is up to you.
We have understood your request to relate to Universal Credit claimants to
whom the Welfare Reform Act 2012 and the UC Regulations 2013 apply.
The recorded information that best answers your question can be found in
Annexes 1 and 2 enclosed with this reply from the Universal Learning for
Work Coaches. The highlighted paragraphs may be of particular interest.
If you have any queries about this letter please contact me quoting the
reference number above.
Yours sincerely,
DWP Central FoI Team
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
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx.xxx.xx or by writing to: DWP, Central FoI Team,
Caxton House, Tothill Street, SW1H 9NA. 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.org.uk/Global/contact_us or telephone 0303 123 1113 or 01625 545745