Sometime ago I requested clarification regarding the removal of courtesy telephones for claimants within the JCP'S. My local MP addressed this question to IDS, now some months later I received a copy of the letter sent to my MP clarifying the situation. This is the response below. Dear John Thank you for your letter of 11 November 2013 on behalf of one of your constituents regarding the withdrawal of Customer Access Phones from the Jobcentres. I apologise for the delay in replying. There is an intention to commence the removal of the phones from the (my home town JCP) from April 2014. Research has shown that the main use for the phones is for benefit enquiries, usually concerning when a claimant is due to receive their payment. The purpose of the Digital Jobcentre project is to introduce further Web Access Devices that claimants can use for both benefit enquiries and job searches. In addition to this, there is also an assisted service available in all Jobcentres where vulnerable claimants who need to use a telephone can do so at a specific desk. I hope my reply will reassure your constituent that when the Customer Phones are removed the replacement devices will ensure the service we provide our claimants is enhanced and not compromised. The Rt Hon Iain Duncan Smith MP Secretary of State for Work and Pensions This letter has been copied word for word from the letter, with my local JCP removed for privacy of my location.