THE DWP is to delay announcing a decision on closing Anniesland's Jobcentre until after the general election attempting to hide behind campaign rules.

A response to the consultation on three of the city Jobcentres earmarked for the axe was due on Tuesday this week.

The closure of the centre in Anniesland isn't event getting a consultation as politicians accuse the UK government of hiding from the public.

It has been confirmed to our sister paper, the Evening Times, that government ministers will not be making any statement until after the election on June 8.

This takes the required 12-week response period to more than 19 weeks.

When asked when the response would be published as the deadline had now passed a DWP spokeswoman said: “The election period means it’s not appropriate that we respond during this time. We will respond in due course. “

A Glasgow MP who has been campaigning against the closures said it was “nonsense”.

Stewart McDonald, Glasgow South SNP MP, asked the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, last week if there was any reason why the Government couldn’t respond before the Parliament is dissolved on May 4.

Mr Bercow replied simply “No”.

Glasgow North West MP Carol Monaghan said: "The Conservative government have previously indicated that they would not consult on the majority of the Jobcentre closures, including Anniesland in my own constituency.

"For changes as dramatic as this, there was and is a need for public consultation. After carrying out a reduced consultation on only three Jobcentres, it is unacceptable that the UK Government are now withholding their response to that.

"As confirmed by the Speaker of the House of Commons, John Bercow, there is no reason why the UK Government cannot respond. Voters have a right to know the UK Government’s plans before going to the polls.

“If realised, these closures would have a devastating impact on the service provided to those across Glasgow who rely on their local Jobcentre for support and would cost claimants more in time and money to attend appointments.”

The Scottish Affairs Committee this week told the DWP their plans were lacking in strategy and a fresh look at the city’s Jobcentres and the needs of claimants should be carried out.

The committee, which includes Labour, Conservative and SNP MPs agreed that the plan was “opportunistic cost cutting”.

The announcement of proposals to close seven jobcentres in Glasgow plus Cambuslang in South Lanarkshire was made in December last year before the Christmas holiday period, sparking anger from opposition politicians and in communities across the city.

A consultation on Bridgeton, Castlemilk and Maryhill Jobcentres began, because the alternative centres were further than the DWP walking or public transport guidelines.

Bridgeton services are to be moved to Shettleston, Castlemilk to Newlands and Maryhill to Springburn.

The others to close are Anniesland, moving to Partick, Easterhouse and Parkhead both to Shettleston and Langside also to Newlands.