Written question asked by Tony McWalter (Labour) on Thursday, 11 November 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 November 2004. It was answered by Keith Hill (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 November 2004 on behalf of the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister

Question: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister, what plans he has to expand the keyworker scheme; and if he will include in the scheme essential personnel such as mental health support workers.

Answer: Mr. McWalter: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans he has to expand the key worker scheme; and if he will include in the scheme essential personnel such as mental health support workers. [198851] Keith Hill: The Key Worker Living programme aims to keep the skills needed in frontline public services, in areas where there are significant recruitment and retention needs. The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recognises that all key worker groups provide a valuable service, however resources are finite and decisions prioritising those eligible for assistance from the scheme have been made following discussions with key worker sponsor departments to set the key worker groups and areas where the assistance will be targeted. Based on current evidence, we have no plans to extend the scheme. Key workers who are not eligible for the Key Worker Living programme may benefit from shared ownership and Homebuy programmes funded by the Housing Corporation to help existing social tenants and those on waiting lists into home ownership.

Secondary information