HC Deb 11 June 1998 vol 313 cc697-8W
Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what steps he is taking to ensure TECs are accountable for their spending [43112]

Dr. Howells

As private companies delivering public services, TECs have a responsibility to be fully accountable organisations. We believe the arrangements we have put in place, including those in the TEC contract, provide a sound basis for accounting for public funds spent through TECs. As part of the review of the future role of TECs, which the Secretary of State announced on 13 May, we will be looking at the way we fund and contract with TECs to ensure that the funding system properly supports the achievement of our objectives and provides best possible value for money.

Mr. Jenkins

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what research his Department has(a) commissioned and (b) evaluated into the role of (i) monitoring systems, (ii) evaluation and (iii) performance indicators to measure the efficiency and effectiveness of TECs; and if he will make a statement. [43110]

Dr. Howells

DfEE has implemented a research and evaluation programme on TECs as policy delivery mechanisms. Studies have been commissioned on the role of TEC Boards, relationships with stakeholders, employers' views of TECs and their services, use of local flexibility and discretionary funding. These are available in the House of Commons library. Through its monitoring systems, the Department receives monthly information on TEC programmes. Performance indicators are publicised each year on a number of measures of outcomes for trainees, including on equal opportunities.

Mr. Healey

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment when he expects to issue new strategic guidance to TECs. [42677]

Dr. Howells

The Government plan to issue new Strategic Guidance to TECs in the autumn.