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New Deal

Volume 457: debated on Monday 5 March 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what criteria are used to assess the quality of the training providers used in the New Deal programmes. (111229)

New Deal providers are required to meet stringent quality and delivery standards as set out in contract specifications. They are subject to contract management and monitoring by trained procurement staff. Jobcentre Plus contract management processes are based on monthly analysis of management information, performance management, quality assessment and customer satisfaction feedback. In addition, independent inspections and audits are undertaken by the Adult Learning Inspectorate.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what proportion of the funding received by the training providers for the New Deal programmes was spent on administration in the last period for which figures are available. (111231)

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what percentage of leavers from New Deal for Lone Parents recommenced claiming benefits within 12 months of leaving the programme in each year since it began. (111232)

The information is in the following table:

Percentage of leavers from New Deal for Lone Parents who recommenced claiming benefits within 12 months of leaving the programme

Percentage

1998

19

1999

19

2000

19

2001

19

2002

21

2003

20

2004

19

2005

19

Notes: 1. New Deal for Lone Parents was launched nationally in October 1998. 2. Latest benefit data are to May 2006, therefore, allowing for a 12-month gap, only New Deal leavers to May 2005 are included. 3. The benefits included are bereavement benefit, incapacity benefit, invalid care allowance, income support, jobseeker's allowance, severe disablement allowance and widows benefit. 4. A benefit claim has only been included if it is a new claim after leaving the New Deal spell. People can leave New Deal and continue a benefit claim; these people are not included as recommencing a claim to benefit. Source: Information Directorate, Department for Work and Pensions.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions who has responsibility for monitoring the quality of New Deal programmes. (111479)

Professionally trained and qualified Jobcentre Plus personnel are responsible for the procurement and contract management of Jobcentre Plus provision, including New Deal contracts.