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Dept for Work and Pensions

Answer

Mr. Peter Duncan: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the basis is for his policy that a couple who are both in receipt of benefits where one receives invalidity or incapacity benefit and the other jobseeker allowance, are not eligible for child care costs when the parent on jobseeker allowance joins the Government New Deal and Training for Work programmes. [88601] Mr. Nicholas Brown: The Department does not have a policy to refuse help with child care for a couple who are both in receipt of benefits, one on incapacity benefits and the other on jobseeker's allowance, when the latter joins the New Deal. The child care arrangements for people in these circumstances are as follows. Within the New Deal for Young People and New Deal 25 plus programmes, child care costs can be met where there is a genuine need and the individual would otherwise be unable to participate in a New Deal option or Intensive Activity Period. New Deal Personal Advisers decide on a person's eligibility for help with child care costs based on that individual's particular circumstances. Under New Deal 50 plus, a person starting work receives financial support through 52 weekly payments (Employment Credit) to help them during the transitional period between benefit and work. It is up to the individual whether they use this money to help meet child care costs. Jobseekers in Scotland may also be entitled to child care costs when applying for Training for Work. The Training for Work programme is the responsibility of the Scottish Executive. It is delivered by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise who have discretion to fund child care costs for participants.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

88601; 398 c651-2W;398 c649-50W

Session

2002-03

Subjects

Childcare Benefits rules Jobseeker's allowance Eligibility Employment schemes Invalidity benefits Incapacity benefit Recipients Social security benefits New deal schemes Training for work

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk