§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what steps he is taking to encourage county councils to take up sponsored places under the community programme scheme; and if he will make a statement.
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§ Mr. Peter MorrisonSince the community programme was launched last October, every effort has been made to encourage appropriate sponsors to mount projects. Local authorities are among these potential sponsors, although there are many other important organisations involved — including companies in the private sector.
Meetings and discussions have taken place with both members and officials of county councils. By the end of June—33 had signed agreements to become community programme agents for a total of 11,744 places. Efforts are continuing to secure additional places in those areas where progress has been slow.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment what is the final date for which the total number of places allocated in each county under the community programme have to be taken up; and what plans he has to reallocate places not taken up by individual authorities.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonOur objective is to create the 130,000 jobs provided for under the community programme as quickly as possible. At the end of June 105,000 places had been approved and it is expected that the target for approved places will be reached in September. Some places have already been transferred from areas where progress has been slow and further action will be taken if it proves necessary.
§ Mr. Adleyasked the Secretary of State for Employment if he will list for the counties of Avon, Devon, Dorset, Cornwall, Hampshire, Somerset and Wiltshire (a) the number of places available for sponsorship by each county under the community programme scheme and (b) the total number of places taken up to the latest date for which figures are available.
§ Mr. Peter MorrisonPlaces under the community programme have been allocated geographically, roughly according to the number of long-term unemployed people. Places have not been allocated to particular bodies. They are available to any, organisation that is able to become a sponsor.
The numbers allocated and approved at 30 June in the counties mentioned in the question are as follows:
Allocated Places Places in approved projects at 30 June Avon 2,200 1,428 Devon 2,127 867 Dorset 870 170 Cornwall 1,022 705 Hampshire 1,600 281 Somerset 622 285 Wiltshire 905 218