§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the regulations so as to define the severe hardship which unemployed 16 to 17-year-olds need 369W to suffer in order to qualify for income support as being automatically met if they live in a household which is already in receipt of a means-tested benefit.
§ Mr. BurtAny 16 or 17-year-old at risk of hardship can already receive help under the severe hardship provision if seeking work and youth training and living in a household which is in receipt of a means-tested benefit. The provision allows for a flexible response to particular circumstances. Legislation would reduce this flexibility.