§ Mr. SheermanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) in how many regions of the United Kingdom enterprise allowances are currently available through training with enterprise councils; [6996]
(2) in how many TEC areas enterprise allowances are currently available. [6977]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe enterprise allowance scheme is no longer available.
Since 1 April 1995, support for new businesses is one of the objectives of the SRB challenge fund, which is available throughout England. Some 80,000 new business start-ups are forecast to be supported over the lifetime of schemes approved in the first and second challenge fund bidding rounds. These new business-start-ups will take place in all regions in England.
Training and enterprise councils may also provide additional support for enterprise and the expanding network of business links will give access to practical advice and guidance for new and growing businesses.