Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, with reference to Part One of the National Disability Strategy published on 28 July 2021, whether her Department's plans to fund a local supported employment trailblazer working with 20 local authorities began as expected in autumn 2021.

Local Supported Employment (LSE) is a key part of our future disability employment strategy. Delivery of support is now expected to start in Autumn 2022 following a competitive process.

This work was paused as a result of COVID-19 and implementation was delayed to ensure we provide the right support for individuals who will take part in this initiative and the 20 participating Local Authorities.