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13 Nov 2003 : Column 453W—continued
Flooding
Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland if he will designate an agency with the sole responsibility for flooding. [137662]
Mr. Pearson: There are no plans for such designation. However the need for co-ordination between Agencies in dealing with flooding emergencies has been given priority with the establishment of an inter-Agency Flood Strategy Steering Group (FSSG). Under the direction of the FSSG, the Rivers Agency, in conjunction with Water Service, Roads Service and others are progressing measures to improve inter-Agency response.
Literacy
Mr. Beggs: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what measures are in place to raise literacy standards among 14-year-old boys in Northern Ireland. [137671]
Jane Kennedy: Literacy standards among Key Stage 3 pupils are steadily improving and are currently at their highest ever. The literacy strategy element of the School Improvement Programme is particularly aimed at raising standards among all underachieving pupils, including boys, and this improvement reflects the contribution made by all education partners to its delivery. Specific guidance has been given to schools on maximising the performance of boys, particularly in literacy.
Older People (IT Skills)
Mrs. Iris Robinson: To ask the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland what action he is taking to maximise the education of older people in Northern Ireland in the use of information technology. [137802]
Jane Kennedy: The Department for Employment and Learning supports adult learners to develop IT skills through a range of programme and policy initiatives, These include the New Deal for 25+ for long-term unemployed people, which offers participants a range of appropriate training courses. Clients who are eligible for the Training Grant of New Deal 50 plus can access up to £1,500 over a two-year period for in-work training which can include IT skills. In the further education (FE) sector enrolments on information and communications technology (ICT) courses attract an enhanced level of financial support. Some 75 per cent. of current enrolments comprise students aged 25 or over, Learndirect plays a major role in the delivery of ICT programmes. 34 community-based learning venues throughout Northern Ireland offer all adults flexible access to a range of IT programmes at minimal cost to disadvantaged learners, including those over the age of retirement. Recent modifications to the learndirect learner funding model have been introduced to attract older learners on low income.
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DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER
Advocacy Services
Mr. Drew: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what discussions he has had with local authorities and social services departments about the provision of advocacy services. [118295]
Yvette Cooper: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister has not held any substantive discussions with local authorities or social services departments on the provision of advocacy services.
Community Centres
Mr. Woodward: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what proposals the Government have to expand the number of community centres in (a) the north west region, (b) Merseyside and (c) St. Helens. [137981]
Mr. Raynsford: The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister recognises the important role community centres can play in supporting sustainable communities. However their funding is not the responsibility of central government, it is a matter for local decision.
Concessionary Fares
David Taylor: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what plans the Government have to improve concessionary fare schemes for older people. [137445]
Phil Hope: The Transport Act 2000 and the Travel Concessions (Eligibility) Act 2002 ensures that people aged 60 and over in England are entitled to a free bus pass allowing half-fare travel on local buses. Local authorities may provide more generous concessions if they choose, but we have no plans to require them to do so.
Council Tax
Matthew Green: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the total collected council tax was in each financial year since 1996–97. [138149]
Mr. Raynsford: The information requested is tabled as follows. The figures shown are the amounts of council tax collected during each financial year, irrespective of the year to which they related.
| £ million | |
|---|---|
| 1996–97 | 8,404 |
| 1997–98 | 9,570 |
| 1998–99 | 10,579 |
| 1999–2000 | 11,457 |
| 2000–01 | 12,242 |
| 2001–02 | 13,208 |
| 2002–03 | 14,511 |
Mr. Edward Davey: To ask the Deputy Prime Minister what the average council tax payable for each Government Office Region, broken down by council tax band, was in each financial year since 1996–97. [138151]
Mr. Raynsford: The information requested is tabled as follows.
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