§ Diana OrganTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what progress has been made on the introduction of the Connexions Card for 16 to 19-year-olds. [5491]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisFollowing an extensive procurement exercise conducted under the European Union Procurement Directive's Negotiated Procedure, the Government have selected Capita as their private sector partner to develop and deliver the Connexions Card.
The Connexions Card is an exciting and innovative development, which will provide a powerful incentive to young people to stay in learning.
The Connexions Card will be rolled out initially in one region (the North East) from autumn of this year and then progressively so that it will be available across England from autumn 2002.