LOCAL EXCHANGE TRADING SCHEMES AND SOCIAL INCLUSION

Early day motion 783, tabled 24 May 2000 by Linda Gilroy (Labour/Co-operative). Signed by 66 members.

That this House notes the conclusions of the report of the Policy Action Team on Jobs that local exchange trading schemes could offer the opportunity to acquire valuable work experience and demonstrate a work ethic to potential employers in the open labour market, but that despite these potentially positive outcomes, existing benefit rules create barriers to participation; welcomes the report's recommendation that benefit entitlements should not in future be affected by participation in a LETS; and calls upon the Government to follow the report's recommendations to make the appropriate changes to benefit rules with a view to ensuring that LETS are able to play their full part in promoting social inclusion.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 13, Labour/Co-operative 9, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1.