§ 40. Mr. Andrew BowdenTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what recent discussions he has had on the level of income support payable to residents of private and voluntary residential and nursing homes.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardWe have had meetings with a variety of interested organisations and individuals.
§ 69. Mr. FavellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security whether he has received any recent representations that able-bodied unemployed young people under 18 years refusing to take training should be paid income support.
§ Mrs. Gillian ShephardWe have received no such representations. There is no reason why able-bodied 16 or 17-year-olds should not find work or a YTS place if they do not wish to continue their studies. If these young people refuse to take advantage of the opportunities available to them there is no justification for them to have recourse to the social security system.
However able-bodied young people who can go onto YTS but cannot live at home, for example because they have no home, would be at risk of physical or sexual abuse or are estranged from their families, can claim income support during the same period as the child benefit extension period, provided they are seeking a job or YTS place.