§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what guidance he has issued regarding the 489W availability of business start-up allowance following its absorbtion into the single regeneration budget. [22998]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe bidding guidance issued for the first and second rounds of the SRB challenge fund, published in April 1994 and April 1995 respectively, made it clear that the fund is available to provide business support. Copies of the guidance is in the Library of the House. Subject to the preparation of delivery plans, some 60,000 new business start-ups are forecast to be supported under schemes approved in round 1. Successful bidders are expected to ensure that local people know what assistance is available.
Training and enterprise councils can also continue to support those intending to start up in business through the training for work programme or, where circumstances allow, from their own resources. TECs publicise these arrangements in whatever way seems appropriate locally.
§ Mr. BarronTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessment he has made of the effect of changes to the administration and availability and take-up of the business start-up allowance following its incorporation into the single regeneration budget; and if he will make a statement. [22996]
§ Sir Paul BeresfordThe business start-up scheme became part of the single regeneration budget on 1 April 1994 and ceased as a separate programme on 31 March 1995. Participants starting before then will continue to receive the agreed levels of support. Support for new businesses is one of the objectives of the SRB challenge fund. Subject to the preparation of delivery plans some 60,000 business start-ups are forecast to be supported under schemes approved in the first challenge fund bidding round. The second bidding round was launched on 12 April and this will provide further opportunities for similar support.