§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many staff work on the Supporting People Partnership helpline; how many staff in his Department work on administrating and implementing the Supporting People Partnership to local authorities and service providers; and at what cost. [89241]
§ Mr. McNultyOne and a half members of staff manage the Supporting People helpline, aided by other Office of the Deputy Prime Minister staff who are able to provide expert replies to specific points raised by the helpline questions. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has 19 members of staff working directly on the Supporting People programme and has engaged a further 35 people from different organisations and sectors, to help stakeholders engage fully with the new programme. Direct running costs for Supporting People are approximately £480,000.