To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how many large businesses have registered to access funds under the apprenticeship levy in each NUTS 1 region; and what proportion of apprenticeships does this represent in each region.

The apprenticeship levy, being introduced on 6 April 2017 will fund a step change in apprenticeship numbers and quality. It will apply across the UK and will be collected from employers on a UK wide basis.

In England, levy paying employers will be able to access their funds through the apprenticeship service to pay for apprenticeship training and assessment. Employers will benefit from a 10% top up to monthly funds entering an account.

As of the close of play 20 March 2017, there have been 3,290 accounts registered on the apprenticeship service.

It is not possible to produce a representation of the proportion of apprenticeship starts by levy paying employers on a regional basis in England. This is because the PAYE system, through which employers will pay the levy, does not record the place of work of individuals and many levy paying employers have employees working in a variety of locations across the UK.

Availability of apprenticeships is dependent on employers recruiting apprentices and offering opportunities in order to get the skills they need.

Published data on apprenticeships starts by region is available on gov.uk at: https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/586183/apprenticeships-starts-by-geography-learner-demographics-and-sector-subject-area.xlsx