HC Deb 18 December 2003 vol 415 cc1102-3W
John Mann

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions how much Progress2Work has cost to date. [143751]

Mr. Browne

[holding answer 15 December 2003]: Progress2work is one of a number of initiatives we are introducing to provide more help to those who face the greatest barriers to employment. The programme is being implemented in three stages from April 2002; the third and final stage of awarding contracts will be completed by March 2004.

To the end of November 2003, £9 million had been spent on contracted provision for Progress2work. This figure excludes departmental administrative costs, which are not separately identified from other departmental running costs.