Below is the text of a Written Parliamentary Question that Sir Oliver asked the Department for Work and Pensions about the Work Programme and start-up loans for businesses.

Commenting, Sir Oliver said, “The Department’s reply shows the success of these programmes and the positive difference they make in North-East Hertfordshire.”

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Q: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, how many people have (a) completed the Work Programme and (b) received assistance from the Start-Up Loans scheme in North East Hertfordshire constituency.  

A: With regard to part (a), in the North East Hertfordshire constituency 210 people have completed the Work Programme up to and including June 2014.

With regard to part (b) of the question the Business Bank’s Start-Up Loan programme has provided 23 loans, with a value of £75,495 to people starting a business in North East Hertfordshire.