HC Deb 04 November 1998 vol 318 cc587-8W
Mr. Green

To ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many 18 to 24 year olds had their benefits cut for refusing to take up a New Deal option by 30 September. [57870]

Mr. Andrew Smith

[holding answer 2 November 1998]: The latest available analysis shows that there were 1,352 New Deal participants aged between 18 and 24 to whom Jobseekers Allowance sanctions were applied during the period 1 January to 30 September 1998, of which 112 were for failing to take up a New Deal Option.

A further 210 people have been referred to adjudication during that period for neglecting to avail themselves of an Option, failing or refusing to attend an Option.