HC Deb 06 December 1993 vol 234 cc113-4W
24. Mr. Gordon Prentice

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to give additional support to lone mothers and lone fathers.

Mr. Burt

We have already improved the incentives to work in the social security system so that lone parents are currently £30 a week better off in work and receiving family credit than out of work and on income support.

From October 1994, we will provide additional support for both lone parents and couples through a £40 disregard of child care costs. This will provide a powerful incentive for families to move back into work with family credit and make themselves better off.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what proposals he has to give greater support to single parent families.

Mr. Lilley

We have already improved the incentives to work in the social security system so that lone parents are currently £30 a week better off in work and receiving family credit than out of work and on income support.

From October 1994, we will provide additional support for both lone parents and couples through a £40 disregard of child care costs. This will provide a powerful incentive for families to move back into work with family credit and make themselves better off.