§ Mr. Wainwrightasked the Paymaster General how the allowances are to be administered for those enrolling on the job training scheme; and if any legislation is envisaged to allow for continuity of receipt of housing benefit.
§ Mr. LeeTraining allowance is paid at an amount equal to unemployment/supplementary benefit in payment immediately before the start of training. It will be increased if benefit would have increased had the person remained unemployed; it will not decrease during training. Participants previously entitled to certificated housing benefit are entitled to standard housing benefit, topped up as appropriate by housing benefit supplement.
Because of the links with benefit rates, training allowance is assessed and paid by unemployment benefit office staff who have the necessary expertise. Payment is normally made fortnightly by Girocheque posted to the participant's home address. The training allowance and housing benefit arrangements are being monitored in pilot areas and will be reviewed in the light of experience.