The Government has confirmed it will be closing Wilmslow Jobcentre and transferring the service to Macclesfield Jobcentre, located 7.7 miles away.
In January the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) revealed plans to reform the national service in order to save around £180 million a year over the next 10 years - the proposals included merging 78 smaller job centres with larger ones and co-locating 50 others with local government premises.
Earlier this year the Department of Work and Pensions ran a public consultation inviting comments from everyone with an interest in the future of Wilmslow job centre.
Thirteen responses to the consultation were received, 4 of which were from claimants, 6 from individuals or members of the public and 3 responses were from local organisations.
The main concerns raised were about the increase in travelling time and the potential increase in travel costs.
DWP considered the points raised by those who responded to the consultation, which they acknowledged do highlight difficulties in making these changes, but said they have to balance the need to provide services along with the budget it has to deliver those services.
A spokesperson for DWP said "After careful consideration of the responses, it is DWP's view that these do not provide a basis to amend or change the proposal to close Wilmslow Jobcentre and move the services to Macclesfield Jobcentre."
Adding "DWP will also explore 'outreach' opportunities to situate a part-time work coach service providing advice and support within a community location."
The Department for Work and Pensions confirmed to wilmslow.co.uk in January that if the plans go ahead all of the Wilmslow staff will move to the Macclesfield Jobcentre, which is located on King Edward Street.
DWP does not own any of the property it occupies – the estate is managed under a commercial agreement which was signed 20 years ago. On 31st March 2018 this national contract ends and the department must put these new arrangements in place from 1st April 2018.
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