Jobfinder's Grant

HC Deb 29 October 1996 vol 284 cc80-1W

Mr. Howarth

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what is her estimate of the cost of extending and jobfinder's grant to people receiving severe disablement allowance, incapacity benefit and income support at the time of their application. [413]

Mr. Forth

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

Letter from M. E. G. Fogden to Mr. Alan Howarth, dated 29 October 1996: The Secretary of State has asked me to reply to your question about the cost of extending Jobfinder's Grant to people receiving Severe Disablement Allowance, Incapacity Benefit and Income Support. This is something which falls within the responsibilities delegated to me as Chief Executive of the Agency. Based on client information supplied by the Benefits Agency, and assuming a similar take up to that of our current target group, the maximum additional cost would be £14.3 million. I hope that this is helpful.