§ Lord Morris of Manchesterasked Her Majesty's Government:
What further representations the Department for Work and Pensions has received from the chairman of Rehab UK about the future of its Tyne and Wear centre on brain injury; what reply they have sent; and what action they are taking to vouchsafe the future of the centre. [HL2307]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department for Work and Pensions (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)My right honourable friend the Minister for Work received letters from the chairman of Rehab UK dated 14 and 26 November 2002, to which he sent a single reply on 20 December 2002. The reply reaffirmed our support for rehabilitation services in general, and brain injury rehabilitation in particular, while recognising the need to balance provision against the needs of other groups of disabled people. I understand that the chairman of Rehab UK has written a further letter to the Minister for Work.
Jobcentre Plus has a contract with Rehab UK to provide work preparation programmes for people with brain injuries from its Tyne and Wear centre. However, as contractors are subject to competitive tendering, it would not be appropriate for Jobcentre Plus to vouchsafe their future viability.