§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with the speed at which applications to the European Social Fund are processed.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Employment (Viscount Ullswater)A number of improvements are being introduced for 1991, including simplified application forms and agreed deadlines for submission of applications and payment of claims. The Government have of course to satisfy themselves that European Social Fund money for which they are responsible is distributed and spent according to the requirements of both parliamentary accountability and the European Community.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
How far they expect Training and Enterprise Councils to benefit from the European Social Fund; and what is the position to date.
§ Viscount UllswaterIn 1990 Training and Enterprise Councils (TECs) were provisionally allocated £500,000 under the European Social Fund. In practice, the TECs took up less than this amount. For 1991 the indicative allocation has been increased to £4,000,000. This reflectsinter alia the increase in the number of TECs now operating.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they are satisfied with the working of the European Social Fund and what representations they have made to the European Commission about this.
§ Viscount UllswaterI was particularly concerned at the delays in payments and other problems experienced in 1990 (the first year of operation of the reformed fund). Following consultations by the Department of Employment with the European Commission and the fund partners, the Commission has now been informed of the improvements in UK procedures that will apply in 1991. The Secretary of State for Employment has also asked the 17WA Commissioner for Social Affairs for her help in ensuring speedy clearance by the Commission of UK claims for fund payments in 1991.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will be taking steps to improve the way in which the Department of Employment handles British applications to the European Social Fund.
§ Viscount UllswaterThe application process is being kept under constant review by the Department of Employment and the other organisations involved in the European Social Fund. There have already been a number of significant improvements made for 1991, including simplified application forms and departmental guidance following consultation with UK applicant bodies.
§ Lord O'Haganasked Her Majesty's Government:
What steps they are taking to improve the number and quality of British applications from voluntary bodies to the European Social Fund.
§ Viscount UllswaterThe voluntary sector itself is principally responsible for the number and quality of its applications. However, the Department of Employment is working closely with representatives from the sector to ensure sufficient numbers of high quality applications.