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The apprenticeship programme is employer-led. The department\u2019s reforms have put employers in the driving seat, supporting them to design the high-quality apprenticeship standards that meet their skills needs. It is also for employers to decide which apprenticeships they offer, when, and to whom.<\/ins><\/p> Apprenticeships provide valuable opportunities for people of all ages. While the department has no current plans to restrict the use of employer\u2019s levy funds, all aspects of the programme will be kept under review in response to employer feedback and as preparations for a comprehensive Spending Review next year continue.<\/ins><\/p>"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that employers use at least half of their apprenticeship levy spend on new starters.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure that employers use at least half of their apprenticeship levy spend on apprentices who are under 30 years of age.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of (1) the effectiveness, and (2) the fairness of the current system of business rates; and what plans they have to change the current system.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
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], "questionText" : "To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to reduce the 25 per cent contribution that the retail sector currently makes to business rates receipts.", "registeredInterest" : {"_value" : "false", "_datatype" : "boolean"}
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], "answer" : {"_about" : "http://data.parliament.uk/resources/1144067/answer", "answerText" : {"_value" : " Since Earl Howe\u2019s Written Answer on 1 November 2018, the Trained Strength of the Armed Forces has dropped from 139,788 on 1 July 2018 to 137,409 on 1 July 2019.<\/p> <\/p> It remains a priority for each Service to meet the target for Armed Forces personnel strength in 2020, and there are a range of measures both already in progress and in the pipeline to improve the position. These include the introduction of the Armed Forces People Programme to modernise aspects of the employment offer, including scope for flexible working and the Future Accommodation Model.<\/p> <\/p> The strength of the Armed Forces is published every three months and can be found in Table 3a of the UK Armed Forces Quarterly Service Personnel Statistics at the following link:<\/p>It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.<\/del><\/p>It has not proved possible to respond to this question in the time available before Prorogation. Ministers will correspond directly with the Member.<\/del><\/p>