§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment if he will make a statement on the relationship between the proposed Connections Support Service and the existing providers of careers education and advice, with specific reference to the professional qualifications and inspection regime; if the remit covers all young people; and who is to finance the service. [94683]
§ Mr. WicksThe Social Exclusion Unit report "Bridging the Gap: New Opportunities for 16–18 year olds not in education, employment or training", published in July, outlined a new support service for all 13–19 year olds. Since then we have consulted widely on the service, including its functions, structure and professional formation. The consultation closed on 15 October and we 533W are considering responses. Decisions on the structure, professional qualifications, inspection and funding of the new service and how these will affect existing organisations providing careers education and advice to young people, will be taken following analysis of the consultation response.