To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Skills how much his Department provided to the E2E programme in Gloucestershire in 2006-07; what that figure represents per head of population; what the average figure per head of population is in England; and if he will make a statement. (129287)

[holding answer 22 March 2007]: The E2E budget in Gloucestershire for 2006/07 is £2,377,931. This is based on an estimate of 827 young people starting in learning during the year. E2E funding is based on a single national weekly rate per place, with additional payments for achievement of qualifications and for progression into employment, learning or training. Because E2E programmes are developed to meet individual needs there are different lengths of stay and different achievements and progression. Based on the current average length of stay in learning of 19 weeks, and progression and achievement rates around 50 per cent., the average level of funding for E2E learners in Gloucestershire is £2,875. Length of stay and achievement/progression rates in Gloucestershire are broadly in line with national figures, and as the funding rates are the same, the level of funding will also be broadly the same.