§ Ms Primaroloasked the Secretary of State for Employment why, and by how much, the budget for the community programme has been reduced; to what programmes the funds thus saved have been diverted; and what are his proposals for the future of the community programme.
§ Mr. LeeWe are providing £1,045 million for the community programme in 1987–88, broadly the same level of resources as last year. This will enable us to provide opportunities for 300,000 people over the year, the same as in 1986–87. As was announced in the House on 30 June we plan to improve the community programme in a number of ways. We intend that it should be full-time and that participants receive a premium over their benefit entitlement. This will make the programme much more attractive to unemployed people with family commitments. We also propose to enhance significantly the training and job search content of the programme.