§ Mr. Nicholas BennettTo ask the Secretary of State Cor Social Services if he will review the new regulations introduced on 11 April in the reference to the removal of benefit from households without dependent children where one partner is working 24 hours a week or more; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottNo. Income support is not payable where either partner works on average 24 hours or more a week. However, claimants in vulnerable groups who are affected by the changes to full-time work rules will be provided with transitional protection as outlined in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Saffron Walden (Mr. Haselhurst) on 28 April at columns253–54. In addition, housing benefit is available to people on low income if they are responsible for rent or rates.