Written question asked by Lord Carrington of Fulham (Conservative), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 23 April 1996. It was answered by Alistair Burt (Conservative) on Tuesday, 23 April 1996 on behalf of the Department of Social Security.

Dept of Social Security

Question: Statement on what benefit changes he is undertaking to help lone parents to work. - Including figures. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Carrington: To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what benefit changes he is undertaking to help lone parents to work.[24694] Mr. Burt: The Government have a well-developed strategy for helping families, including lone parents, into work. Further measures are being implemented in the coming months. From this month the childcare disregard in the in-work benefits has been increased from £40 to £60 a week. The back to work bonus and the child maintenance bonus will be introduced in October 1996 and April 1997 respectively. They will encourage part-time work and provide opportunities to build up a tax-free lump sum on leaving benefit for work. Also in April 1997 a major new pilot will commence providing training and employment opportunities to up to 25,000 lone parents. In addition, lone parents can qualify for other work incentive measures introduced this month extra help with housing costs on return to work, faster delivery of family credit and relief from national insurance contributions for their employer.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 24694; 276 c132W;276 c133-4W
Session: 1995-96
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Childcare Employment schemes Lone parents Social security benefits Back to work bonus scheme
Contains statistics: Yes