Written question asked by Lord Watson of Wyre Forest (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 June 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 10 June 2010. It was answered by Tim Loughton (Conservative) on Monday, 12 July 2010 on behalf of the Department for Education.

Children: Databases

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Education how much his Department spent on first quarter grant payments to local authorities in respect of the ContactPoint database in June 2010; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: We have confirmed with local authorities and other partners our firm intention to end the ContactPoint database as soon as is practicable. Both coalition partners' manifestos included a clear commitment to scrap ContactPoint, to fulfil a longstanding policy commitment. We are considering the scope for a more proportionate approach to protecting children most in need.In the interim, while ContactPoint remains in limited operation, my Department has provided guidance on what local authorities and partners should do to ensure the safe and legal operation. The Department has paid local authorities £3.75 million to cover costs of operating ContactPoint during the period April to June 2010. We are considering the extent of grant funding beyond this period, and more detailed plans on the way forward will be announced later in the summer.

Secondary information