§ 14. Mr. DayWhat the benefits status of those under-25s who take part in the new deal will be (a) during the gateway period and (b) during their participation in any of the four options. [29087]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Social Security (Mr. Keith Bradley)The new deal for 18 to 24-year-olds gives young unemployed people real choices to improve their employability and their chances of fully participating in the labour market. During the gateway, young people will continue to receive jobseeker's allowance, provided they satisfy the normal eligibility conditions. Once they enter an option, they will receive either wages or a training allowance.
§ Mr. DayWill young people who choose an option other than the employment option be better off than on benefit? If so, will the extra funding come from the social security budget?
§ Mr. BradleyAs I have explained, if young people take one of the options, they will receive either wages or a training allowance. If they receive a training allowance, they will be able to have passported benefits such as housing benefit and council tax benefit, which clearly come out of the social security budget.