Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask Her Majesty's Government how they intend to target Kickstart Scheme funding to ensure that (1) there are more places available to regions in England with the highest level of youth unemployment, and (2) places on the scheme are targeted at those most struggling to find work.

The Kickstart Scheme is a national scheme which will be available to young people in all areas of the country. We are working closely with partners to ensure support is in place across the UK, that there is a good fit with other national, local and devolved provision, and that Kickstart helps meet the needs of the local labour market. Job Centre Plus Work Coaches will identify those young people most in need of the extra support offered by the Kickstart scheme and direct them towards these placements.