§ Mr. Phil WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what the maximum values of Learning and Skills Council training allowance are(a) by region and (b) by sector within each region. [90918]
§ Margaret HodgeWe do not set a maximum value on training allowances paid by the Learning and Skills Council. The minimum training allowance is 40 per week, although even here, local Learning and Skills Councils have discretion to increase this minimum depending on local circumstances, such as wage rates for unskilled employment.
§ Mr. Phil WillisTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what research the Department has carried out on the relationship between the level of Learning and Skills Council training allowance and the rates of young people entering full-time training. [90920]
§ Margaret HodgeWe have not undertaken any specific research on the relationship between the level of the minimum training allowance and the numbers of young people entering full-time training. The majority of young people in full-time Modern Apprenticeships are employed and receive a wage rather than the allowance.