§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many young people are currently on youth training places; what are the current rates of allowances paid to 16 and 17-year-olds; when those rates were last increased; and what would be the value in 1992 prices of the original level of allowance paid in 1978.
Mr. JacksonAt 5 January 1992, the latest date for which information is available, it is estimated that there were 270,600 young people on youth training in England and Wales. The current minimum levels of the training allowance are £29.50 per week for 16-year-olds, and £35 per week for 17-year-olds. Those minimum levels of allowance were introduced in July 1988 and April 1986 respectively. Employers are strongly encouraged to supplement those allowances, and many of them do—and around one third of trainees are employed and receive a wage. The value of the original level of allowance payable in 1978 at 1992 prices is £52.89 per week.
§ Mr. NellistTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment what plans he has to improve the level of training allowances for youth training.
Mr. JacksonThe Department has no plans at present to increase minimum levels of the youth training allowance. We believe that the existing minimum levels are sufficient to meet the normal requirements of a young person living in the parental home. Trainees living independently are free to apply for income support over and above youth training minimum allowances if they consider that their income is insufficient to meet their needs. Employers, as the beneficiaries of YT, are encouraged to supplement trainee incomes. Around one third of trainees are employed and receive a wage.