HC Deb 27 July 1993 vol 229 cc809-10W
Sir Ralph Howell

To ask the Secretary of State for Employment what is the average amount paid per year for each person involved in the north Norfolk action scheme to each of the providers and the average amount paid to providers nationally in similar schemes.

Miss Widdecombe

Responsibility for the subject in question has been delegated to the Employment Service Agency under its chief executive. I have asked him to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Sir Ralph Howell, dated 27 July 1993:

As the Employment Service is an Executive Agency, the Secretary of State has asked me to write to you direct to respond to your Parliamentary Question to him about the average amount paid per year for each person involved in North Norfolk Action to each of the providers and the average amount paid to providers nationally in similar schemes. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency.

North Norfolk Action was set up on 10 May to pilot a combination of work experience and intensive case load support to people unemployed over six months. The work experience is full-time on projects of benefit to the community which would not otherwise be done. Whilst participating, people also receive help in looking for permanent jobs.

There are currently three providers of North Norfolk Action, North Norfolk County Council, Community Rural Aid, NACRO. They are paid an average of £2,840 per year for each person involved in the programme. This is to cover the cost of:

  • —supervisors wages;
  • —tools and equipment;
  • —Health and Safety;
  • —Jobskills training;
  • —First Aid training;
  • —transport; and
  • —administration costs.

The only programme similar to North Norfolk Action will be Community Action. This was announced in the Budget in March and will allow unemployed people to do work of community benefit. Providers of Community Action which is about to start on 27 July as paid an average of £2,080 per year per person. However Community Action providers work on a part-time basis for up to 21 hours each week. As with North Norfolk Action participants will receive an allowance equivalent to their weekly benefit rate plus £10.

I hope that this is helpful.

As decided by the Administration Committee of the House of Commons, Chief Executive replies to written Parliamentary Questions will now be published in the Official Report. I will also place a copy of this letter in the Library of the House.