To ask the Secretary of State for Innovation, Universities and Skills how much has been spent on the provision of careers advice to (a) young people and (b) adults by agencies for which his Department is responsible in each year since 1997. (254376)

Information on the total amount spent on careers advice is not collected. Young people and adults receive careers advice from a range of sources including from learning providers, Connexions services, nextstep and the Careers Advice Service. Funding for learning providers does not include a sum ring-fenced for careers advice.

(a) Connexions services advise young people on a range of issues including careers. Prior to 2001, careers services provided advice and guidance on careers and related issues. Funding has been provided to Connexions/careers services as set out in the following table.

(b) Prior to 1999, the delivery of careers advice to adults was largely delivered by local initiatives and no information was collected on funding for careers advice within these. The information and advice for adults programme began in April 1999. Responsibility for planning and funding the adult information and advice service transferred to the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in April 2001. Funding allocated for the adult information and advice service includes delivery of the local face to face service through nextstep, Careers Advice Service (formally learndirect careers advice), development projects and quality assurance arrangements.