§ Mr. BlizzardTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills what guidance he issues to Government regional offices regarding the distribution of funding for millennium volunteer projects. [123288]
§ Mr. Ivan LewisThe funding which is to be allocated for 2004–05 and 2005–06 to each region will be finalised in September 2003. Government Offices for the Regions will be able to take decisions on how funding for local millennium volunteers activity in 2004–05 and 2005–06 is to be distributed within their regions. These decisions will take account of regional needs and will be informed by local discussions with key partners as well as the outcomes of a review of the formula which will determine the allocation of funds to each region. In making their decisions in late autumn, Government offices will take into account existing provision, the needs of young people, particularly those at risk, and the coverage across their region.