PEOPLE in West Devon are being urged to give their views on Government proposals to close two JobCentre Plus offices. West Devon and Torridge MP Geoffrey Cox has voiced concern over the proposals to close two offices in Tavistock and Okehampton. He said the branches, which provide important advice and access to employment services, had been earmarked for closure in an attempt to cut costs. The Minister for Employment and Welfare Reform wrote to Mr Cox on May 15 to inform him that the Government had concluded that 'the closure of these sites is a reasonable way forward' given the 'combined pressures on resources and relatively low numbers of customers'. Urging West Devon residents to respond to the Government's consultation, Mr Cox said: 'Rural people value face to face contact and advice and it is regettable that the Government believes Tavistock and Okehampton people can travel to Exeter and Plymouth. 'I very much hope that as many people as possible will give their views to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions if they value those offices.' A spokesman for the Department of Work and Pensions said: 'JobCentre Plus is currently reviewing the services it provides in its offices across Devon. This is to ensure that local people receive the most efficient, cost-effective services while taxpayers get the best value for money. 'At this stage local MPs, councillors and other stakeholders are being consulted on all available options, and before any final decision is made all views will be taken into account.'
