§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if she will publish a leaflet informing lone parents what help they can expect, and when, if they obtain paid work. [38234]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyThere are already leaflets available which give information on the benefits payable to families in work with low incomes, including lone parents. Leaflet NI261 is a guide to Family Credit and leaflet RR2 is a guide to Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit.
Leaflet LP15 on the New Deal for Lone Parents outlines the help available for lone parents trying to get into work and gives a summary of the help available through benefits once the lone parent has obtained work.
Benefits Agency staff and New Deal for Lone Parents personal advisers are also available to give information on the precise amount of benefit available in each individual's circumstances. In the New Deal for Lone Parents, that advice is a component of the package of tailored help and advice provided for individual participants.
§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security, pursuant to her answer of 2 March 1998,Official Report, column 505, on lone parents, if she will update her earlier answer to cover the period from 23 July 1997 to 28 February 1998. [37593]
§ Mr. Keith BradleyInformation on the operation of the New Deal for Lone Parents is available up to and including 28 February 1998.
As at 28 February 1998:
22,127 lone parents have been contacted.5,249 initial interviews have been arranged, and 4,395 lone parents have attended interviews.3,936 lone parents have agreed to participate in the programme following initial interviews.1,289 lone parents have found jobs following agreement to participate in the programme.A full independent evaluation of the New Deal for Lone Parents is being undertaken, to report in Autumn 1999. This will assess the overall effectiveness of the programme in helping lone parents move into employment.