"I am glad to express support for Wheels 2 Work. This kind of initiative is obviously important in helping people to gain access to work. I welcome the passion that you are investing in it.

Accessibility to jobs and training opportunities is an important factor for people who are looking for work. Jobcentre Plus has issued guidance to local staff, which encourages them to work with local partners including transport authorities, Connexions and the Learning and Skills Council, to help remove these barriers.

Wheels 2 Work is an initiative that can help jobseekers take up employment and training opportunities where public transport is not readily available. Jobcentre plus is happy to support local Wheels 2 Work schemes where they represent value for money and are the best way of meeting an individual customer's needs.

I welcome the enthusiasm being applied to this initiative in the North West and I am delighted that you are able to look forward to expanding it. I congratulate all involved on what is clearly a successful and very useful initiative."

The Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Prime Minister.