To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions (1) what contingency plans her Department has in place for a commencement date for the Flexible New Deal after October 2009; what the latest date is upon which a decision to invoke such plans could be made in order to prevent disruption in service delivery; and if she will make a statement; (277072)

[holding answer 1 June 2009]: The Government remain committed to bringing in the Flexible New Deal phase 1 from October 2009. None of the bids received from shortlisted suppliers in the Flexible New Deal competition have indicated they could not start up by the expected date.

If a provider is unable to start delivery in October, suitable contingency arrangements will be agreed for each Jobcentre Plus district involved. Customers will continue to receive support from Jobcentre Plus and have access to the additional support at six months, until the provider is ready to accept referrals. The timing of decisions to invoke contingency arrangements would vary according to individual circumstances, but all phase 1 contract areas will be kept under continuous review before launch to ensure that any required action is identified at the earliest opportunity.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what arrangements her Department has made to compensate unsuccessful bidders for Flexible New Deal phase 1 contracts for the costs of the preparations for delivery of the contract from October 2009 they have incurred in advance of the successful bidders being notified; and if she will make a statement. (278171)

[holding answer 8 June 2009]: Consistent with Office of Government Commerce guidelines, the Department has made it quite clear in the Flexible New Deal Invitation to Tender documentation that it does not compensate either successful or unsuccessful bidders for any costs incurred with the preparation or submission of bids.