§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how the categories and numbers of key workers to be helped in the starter home initiative were set; and if he will make a statement. [83817]
§ Mr. McNultyThe priorities of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister for assistance under the Starter Home Initiative are teachers, police, nurses and other essential health workers. This reflects the importance which the Government attaches to addressing recruitment and retention problems in the key public services of health, education and policing. The number of key workers being helped in each of these groups was informed by the overall number of key workers in each710W group, the scale of shortages and the ability of individuals in each group to access home ownership. A few other groups of key workers are also receiving assistance through the Initiative in the light of bids received.