Community Programme (Hansard, 16 November 1983)

§ Mr. Tom King

The community programme was started in October 1982 to provide employment opportunities for the long-term unemployed, largely on a part-time basis. By the end of October 1983, 106,000 places had been filled. This represents a considerable achievement on the part of the Manpower Services Commission and all concerned. Places have been filled rather faster than budgeted and, subject to parliamentary approval, I am making available an additional £10 million for this financial year to cover costs above the original estimate. The Commission will be carefully controlling the filling of places in the remainder of this financial year so as to remain within the revised cash limit. This additional £10 million will be met by a corresponding reduction in the grant-in-aid for other services run by the Manpower Services Commission which can be achieved without affecting the level of service.

I have also decided that, in the interests of providing the maximum places on the programme for as many of the long-term unemployed as possible, the average wage used in the programme by sponsors will, for the time being, remain at £60 a week.

I am also able to announce that in the light of the progress made, and the evident value of the community programme, I am asking the Manpower Services Commission to run the programme for a further two years from October 1984 on the basis of 130,000 filled places for the long-term unemployed, and that financial provision will be made accordingly. This will give the Commission and sponsors the assurance of continuity needed to run the programme efficiently.

I have indicated to the Manpower Services Commission that in the light of experience gained with the programme so far, including data from the current survey of participants when available, I shall consider early next year whether there are modifications which should be made to increase the effectiveness of the programme within its present framework.

The statement on 17 November by my right hon. Friend the Chancellor of the Exchequer will include information on my Department's overall expenditure provision for 1984–85.