HC Deb 31 January 1995 vol 253 cc583-4W
Ms Ruddock

To ask the Secretary of State for the Environment if new moneys will be found to ensure the step-up programme is available to people in the London borough of Lewisham from January 1995.

Mr. Curry

[holding answer Friday 27 January 1995]: The step-up programme in South Thames training and enterprise council was funded from the business start-up scheme which has been incorporated into the single regeneration budget from 1 April 1994. All forward commitments arising from BSUS will be met, but funds for new start ups will depend on the implementation of successful SRB bids.

In preparation for these new arrangements, some TECs in London, including South Thames, have ceased recruitment to BSUS-funded schemes because allocated funds had been fully committed.

Arrangements to support future enterprise activity in the South Thames TEC area are currently under consideration.