HC Deb 18 January 1982 vol 16 c54W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what savings in supplementary benefit and other social security payments he expects to make in 1981–82, in 1982–83 and in 1983–84 as a result of the proposed new training programme for 16-year-old-school leavers who would otherwise be unemployed.

Mrs. Chalker

As the new training scheme for young people does not come into operation until 1983, there will be no savings in supplementary benefit and other social security benefits on that account in 1981–82 and 1982–83. It is not yet possible to estimate the effect on social security expenditure in 1983–84 because details of the scheme have not been finally decided. It is estimated, however, that the retention of the youth opportunities programme (YOP) until 1983 will continue to reduce benefit expenditure on young people who participate, by amounts of the order of £135 million in 1981–82 and £225 million in 1982–83; whereas the gross cost of the YOF is estimated by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Employment at around £413 million in 1981–82 and £735 million in 1982–83.