HC Deb 21 July 1998 vol 316 cc522-3W
Mr. Kidney

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how rough sleepers will be(a) recruited to the New Deal and (b) helped off the streets by the New Deal. [51246]

Mr. Andrew Smith

Young people aged 18–24 who are claiming Jobseeker's Allowance and are rough sleepers can choose to enter the New Deal Gateway early, before reaching six months unemployment. The New Deal Gateway includes help from specialist agencies to tackle problems associated with homelessness at the same time as young people are looking for work and, where appropriate, preparing to take a New Deal option.

Mr. Walter

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when statistics for the New Deal will be available on a constituency basis. [50840]

Mr. Andrew Smith

[holding answer 17 July 1998]: Figures for the New Deal Units of Delivery, reflecting the local partnerships who are delivering the New Deal, are placed in the Library each month. North Dorset constituency falls within the Dorset Unit of Delivery. The Employment Service District Manager in Weymouth and Yeovil, Neil Symons, is happy to discuss with you New Deal in the local area and your constituency.

The hon. Member may also find the Library research paper 'Unemployment by Constituency' published monthly, to be of interest.