§ Mr. RowlandsTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment (1) how many places were allocated to each district and region under the supported employment programme in 1997–98; and what is the estimated number of places for 1998–99; [37298]
(2) what increase has been budgeted in the revenue grant for each disabled employee in sheltered workshops for 1998–99; and what allowance has been made for inflation.[37299]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthResponsibility for the subject of these questions has been delegated to the Employment Service agency under its Chief Executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.
Letter from Leigh Lewis to Mr. Ted Rowlands, dated 20 April 1998:
As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to reply direct to your questions about what increase has been budgeted in the revenue grant for each disabled employee in supported workshops for 1998–99; what allowance has been made for inflation; how many places were allocated to each district and region under the supported employment programme in 1997–98; and what is the number of estimated places for 1998–99. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Employment Service.As the budget for the Supported Employment Programme remains the same for 1998–99 as for 1997–98, the maximum grant level made available for the supported workshop and supported placements provision will remain at £4,680 per contracted place.Turning to your question about how many places were allocated in 1997–98 and the estimated numbers for 1998–99, supported employment is delivered through Local Authorities and Voluntary Organisations and by Remploy Ltd. At the beginning of each year the Employment Service negotiates and reaches agreement with supported employment providers to deliver an agreed minimum number of places against the maximum grant level. Negotiations with Remploy are based on targets agreed within an Annual Performance Agreement.The agreed national target for 1997-98 and 1998-99 for places in supported employment provided by Local Authorities and Voluntary Organisations is 12,250. In addition, Remploy Ltd. have a target minimum number of places of 9,800 for 1997-98 and 10,050 for 1998-99. In order to achieve the target of 12,250 for non-Remploy places we contract for slightly higher numbers, which allows for variations in filled places and enables us to make maximum use of the funds available to the Programme. In 1997–98, 12,426.5 places were allocated to Local Authorities and Voluntary Organisations. For 1998–99 we have allocated 12,436.Because the Supported Employment Programme is managed at national rather than regional level, I regret that it is not possible to provide figures at regional and district level.I hope this is helpful.