To ask the Minister of State, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills if he will monitor the efficacy of the Economic Participation Programme operated under the auspices of the East of England Development Agency; and if he will make a statement. (318200)

The Economic Participation Programme is a matter for both the Board of the East of England Development Agency (EEDA), as an arm’s length non-departmental public body, and the local authorities that EEDA contract with for the delivery of the sub-regional elements of the programme. An evaluation of the programme, previously known as “Investing in Communities”, was undertaken in 2008 as part of an overall EEDA evaluation and a copy has been placed in the Libraries of the House. This evaluation identified that between 2005 and 2008:

825 jobs were created; 5,862 people assisted into employment; 92 businesses created; and over 12,800 new skills or qualifications acquired.