§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many 16 and 17-year-olds are in receipt of bridging allowance, by geographical area.
§ Mr. CopeThe number of young people receiving YTS bridging allowance on 20 October, the latest available date, by region is:
Number London and South East 4,051 South West 1,430 West Midlands 3,794 East Midlands 2,682 Yorkshire and Humberside 4,012 North West 6,139 Northern 2,568 Wales 2,088 Scotland 7,043 Great Britain 33,807
§ Mr. WilsonTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what steps will be taken to protect people of 16 and 17 years, to whom no jobs or YTS places can be offered, when bridging allowance expires.
§ Mr. CopeEnough YTS places are available in all parts of the country for all 16 and 17-year-olds not in a job or full-time education, who are able and willing to take up YTS training, to be offered a place on the programme. Special groups of young people not able to take a YTS place, for example lone parents looking after their children, the severely disabled or those in long-term sickness, are eligible for income support and should apply to their local social security office.