§ Mr. OatenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what provision has been made under the Government's welfare-to-work scheme for the transport requirements of people with disabilities when taking up options under the New Deal. [38779]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyA major part of the New Deal for Disabled People will be the Personal Adviser pilots, which will operate in 12 areas across Great Britain. The Employment Service's Access to Work scheme will be available to participants: under this scheme disabled people can receive help with transport costs—such as taxi fares—to get to work. In addition local authorities in most parts of the country already offer concessionary fares to disabled people.
The New Deal for 18–24 year olds went nationwide on 6 April and a range of local agreements have been signed with travel operators to enable young people to take advantage of concessionary fares. This will help them get maximum benefit from the New Deal.