§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the light of Lord Henley's remarks on 24th July 1991 (H.L. Deb. col. 860) that "most parents are able to, expect to, and indeed have a legal responsibility to support their children until they reach the age of 18", they will consider extending the child premium for income support to those whose children are aged 16 and 17.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Lord Henley)Those people receiving income support who have dependants aged 16 and 17 in non-advanced full-time education already receive the personal allowance for that dependant and any premiums relevant to their circumstances. The Secretary of State has power to direct that income support should be paid to any 16 and 17 year old who would otherwise suffer severe hardship. This power may be used in cases where there is delay in placing the young person in youth training and the parents are receiving income support.