§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Paymaster General what alterations have been made in rates of payment to voluntary organisations sponsoring community programme schemes in respect of agency fees and operating costs since 1982.
§ Mr. LeeThe community programme agency fee and the maximum level of operating costs that can be reimbursed, are £100 and £440 per place, per annum, respectively. There have been no changes to these rates since 1982.
However, we keep under review the levels of approved costs which can be reimbursed and make changes whenever this would improve the cost-effective use of taxpayers' money.
§ Mr. Merlyn Reesasked the Paymaster General what percentage reduction in authorised and filled places is planned in community programme schemes run by voluntary organisations in 1987–88; what are the planned percentage reductions in schemes run by local authorities and by the private sector respectively; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LeeInformation in the form requested is not available centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost. Places are allocated to regions and areas in the light of both national priorities set out in the planning guidance for 1987–88, and priorities determined locally in consultation with area manpower boards.