Social Enterprises

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Duchy of Lancaster – in the House of Commons at 11:30 am on 20 May 2009.

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Photo of Liam Byrne Liam Byrne Minister for the Cabinet Office and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster 11:30, 20 May 2009

The social enterprise that my hon. Friend highlights is part of a sector of some 55,000 social enterprises that creates a turnover of around £27 billion. That enterprise, flair and innovation will be especially valuable in helping to get Britain through this downturn faster and in a way that protects families and businesses. That is why the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has set aside £100 million to help social enterprises get people back to work. It is also why the Cabinet Office is managing a clear set of ambitions to help ensure that those with learning disabilities or mental health issues are part of social enterprises' work, because we know that those people, too, have a right to help and a contribution to make, and we are determined to unlock it.