§ Margaret MoranTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills which of the targets for Computers Within Reach were(a) achieved and (b) not achieved, indicating the reasons for not meeting the targets. [11206]
§ John HealeyThe original target for the pilot phase of the Computers within Reach scheme was to supply up to 35,000 refurbished computers by March 2001 for those on certain benefits who were seeking to gain or retain employment. Due to problems associated with the sourcing of equipment and the logistics of delivery, the scheme was extended to 31 October 2001. This was to enable all individuals on waiting lists who had paid for a computer to receive one. Until figures from suppliers are collated I cannot give a final number for computers delivered through the scheme. However, it is anticipated that around 24,000 computers will have been delivered by the end of the pilot phase.
There is an on-going evaluation of the scheme and the initial findings show it has been successful in targeting the priority groups of those in receipt of:
I am currently considering the way forward for the scheme in the light of lessons learned from the pilot phase, as well as the findings of the evaluation research which is currently under way.
- jobseekers' allowance
- income support
- incapacity benefit
- state pension with minimum income guarantee.