§ Sir Archy KirkwoodTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what plans he has to(a) increase the Adviser Discretion Fund levels for lone parents and (b) allow for multiple Adviser Discretion Fund awards to those with multiple barriers to finding employment. [170041]
§ Jane KennedyWe have no plans to increase the Adviser Discretion Fund levels for lone parents as we believe that the current levels are sufficient. The730W maximum amount from the ADF that a lone parent can access in a 12 month period is £300. However, the average amount awarded by the fund is £91. These levels are kept under review.
In exceptional circumstances where lone parents need assistance totalling more than £300, the award of a higher amount from the ADF may be authorised.
There is no limit to the number of elements in an award, provided these total less than £300.
Personal Advisers can already make more than one award to a lone parent from the Adviser Discretion Fund. Each time a lone parent requests assistance from the ADF their Personal Adviser will check that they are eligible for help and that using the fund is removing a barrier to employment.
§ Paul HolmesTo ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what the average payment from the Adviser's Discretionary Fund was in each of the last five years; how many people have been given payments from the fund in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [171589]
§ Jane KennedyThe information is in the table.
Advisor Discretion Fund1 Number of award Average value of award July 2001 to March 2002 104,388 60 April 2002 to March 2003 138,370 76 April 2003 to March 20042 345,189 97 1The Adviser Discretion Fund was introduced in July 2001. 2Latest available figures. Source: Department for Work and Pensions Provision and Adviser Division.