Written question asked by David Laws (Liberal Democrat) on Monday, 23 February 2004, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 March 2004. It was answered by Lord Browne of Ladyton (Labour) on Monday, 15 March 2004 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Dept for Work and Pensions

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, what the cost of the Employment Development Fund was for each year from 1997-98 to 2005-06 (planned); what its purpose is; and if he will make a statement. - Inc figures.

Answer: Mr. Laws: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the cost of the Employment Development Fund was for each year from 1997-98 to 2005-06 (planned); what its purpose is; and if he will make a statement. [156703] Mr. Browne: The Employment Development Fund (EDF) was created in autumn 2001 to provide funds for the continued development of our Welfare to Work agenda, which has been successful in helping to reduce unemployment to its lowest level since 1975. EDF funds were primarily allocated to part-fund the national roll out of Jobcentre Plus, which delivers an enhanced work-focused service to all working age people. Remaining EDF funds were allocated to fund wider Welfare to Work policies. The EDF provided funds of £86 million in 2001-02; £577 million in 2002-03 and £564 million in 2003-04. The use of funds available from the EDF have now been agreed and the fund no longer exists.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 419 c91W;419 c91-2W; 156703
Session: 2003-04
Subjects: Finance Expenditure Employment schemes Welfare to work Employment Development Fund
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk