Stephen Timms – 2016 Parliamentary Question to the Department for Work and Pensions

The below Parliamentary question was asked by Stephen Timms on 2016-04-14.

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what estimate he has made of the effect on annual spending on (a) employment support by non-government providers and (b) Jobcentre Plus of the introduction of the Work and Health Programme; and if he will make a statement.

Priti Patel

Contracted provision will continue to play a crucial role in supporting the long term unemployed and those with health conditions and disabilities. The new Work & Health Programme will support those who have reached the 24 month point in their claim as well as targeted referrals of claimants with health conditions and disabilities. By 2020/21, the core funding from central government for this provision will be around £130m a year. We will work closely with the market to ensure a smooth transition from existing provision to the new provision.