To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government how many staff in her Department received bonus payments in 2006-07; what proportion of the total work force they represented; what the total amount of bonuses paid was; what the largest single payment was; and if she will make a statement. (143103)

The Department for Communities and Local Government made bonus payments to 561 staff under the terms of the 2006 pay settlements. This represents 24 per cent. of the total work force as at 1 April 2006. This does not include staff in Government offices.

The total amount paid as bonus payments under these arrangements in 2006 was £838,250 and the largest single payment was £12,000.

The Department has a Special Bonus Scheme to reward exceptional performance over a limited period, in particularly, demanding tasks or situations. The maximum bonus under these arrangements is £600 but records are not yet available to show the number of payments made under this scheme in 2006-07.

The Department has not yet reached agreement on the level and award of bonus payments for 2007.