Written question asked by Lord Kirkwood of Kirkhope (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord McKenzie of Luton (Labour) on Tuesday, 11 March 2008.

Welfare to Work

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What steps they are taking to ensure that the new commissioning arrangements from private sector and voluntary sector providers tendering for welfare to work contracts in future deliver support to enable homeless people to find and hold down jobs.

Answer: The aim of the new commissioning strategy is to bring a distinctive approach to service delivery based on specialist knowledge, skills and experience using the private, public and third sectors. This approach will harness the innovation and expertise of the private and voluntary sector to help us improve the service we deliver to our customers. In doing this, we will support the development of the wider market to ensure that high-quality, high-performing, specialist providers are involved in our contracts. We have made it clear that, in assessing bids from potential prime contractors, we will look for evidence that demonstrates a specialist understanding of sources of disadvantage, and strategies to overcome them for all customer groups. This will include homeless people.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2345; 699 c227-8WA
Session: 2007-08
Subjects: Contracts Employment Employment schemes Homelessness Private sector Voluntary organisations
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk