§ Mr. CummingsTo ask the Secretary of State for Employment how many 16 and 17-year-olds, by sex, are currently denied benefit for not taking up the offer of a place on a youth training scheme within the Seaham and Peterlee areas; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ScottI have been asked to reply. The information is not collected because refusal to take up the offer of a place on a youth training scheme need not, of itself, deny benefit to 16 and 17-year-olds.
The Secretary of State has the power to direct that, where unavoidable hardship would result if benefit were to be withheld, a young person will be entitled to income support even though that young person would ordinarily not be so entitled.
Each case is considered on its merits. Factors which are taken into account are the young person's health and vulnerability, including the threat of homelessness; the availability of any income or savings; the prospects of a speedy entry into YTS; the availability of casual work; whether the person has any friends or relatives who could 475W put him or her up or otherwise offer assistance; and the financial commitments of the person and the prospects of postponing such payments, for example of a hostel charge.