§ Charles HendryTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what plans he has to require Connexions advice centres to be open(a) in evenings and (b) at weekends; and if he will make a statement. [140660]
§ Margaret HodgeThe opening hours of Connexions advice centres are determined by Connexions Partnerships in response to local need. Connexions Partnerships undertake regular consultations with young people and other partners to ensure that access to services reflects demand. A recent survey of Connexions One-Stop-Shops and Access Points found that over half were open in the evenings or at weekends and a third were linked to the Connexions Direct telephone helpline providing out of hours support to young people. As more One-Stop-Shops and Access Points are opened and Connexions Direct is rolled out nationally there will be further improvements in the availability of services in the evenings and at weekends.