§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will restore the income support entitlement of young people aged 16 and 17 years.
§ Mr. BurtThe Government's policy of providing a guarantee of a youth training (YT) place to all young people who want one, instead of their depending on social security benefits, is the most effective way of encouraging young people to make the most of their opportunities. However, income support is available to those vulnerable groups of young people who are unable to participate in YT and to those seeking a YT place who would otherwise be at risk of severe hardship. We have no plans to restore general entitlement to income support, but we are monitoring closely the operation of these rules with a view to streamlining their administration where possible.