HC Deb 08 May 1996 vol 277 cc149-50W
Mr. Nigel Evans

To ask the Secretary of State for Eduction and Employment if she will make a statement on the help to be made available from the access to work programme to disabled people who are self-employed. [28881]

Mr. Paice

In her statement on 26 March,Official Report, column 489, my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State announced an increase in the budget and operational arrangements for the access to work programme in 1996–97. She also said that particular factors applied in the case of the self-employed, and that the help to be provided to them would be considered further.

From 1 June, access to work will meet up to 90 per cent. of approved costs over a threshold of £100 per year for all new applications. This means that a greater proportion of costs will be met than for employees generally. The programme will also provide 100 per cent. of all approved costs in excess of £10,000 over three years. In addition to this, existing commitments for the self-employed will continue to be met for a transitional period of three years.

All other arrangements will be in line with the announcement made on 26 March.