§ Mrs. FyfeTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if a single parent claiming income support will be able to have one interview to cover New Deal, income support, housing benefit, Child Support Agency and other benefit-related matters. [60873]
§ Angela EaglePersonal advisers working in the New Deal for Lone Parents already offer lone parents on Income Support a comprehensive package of support and advice.
The DSS and the London Borough of Camden are already working together to pilot new arrangements for lone parents.
From June 1999 we will also pilot a more integrated service through the Single Work Focused Gateway. This will start in four areas from June, with a further eight pilots from November 1999.
At initial contact if appropriate an interview will be arranged within three working days usually held at the office. The interview will be conducted by a personal adviser who will provide a balanced package of work focused help and financial support. The adviser will be able to access information on the options available and provide a personalised calculation of potential in-work income including tax credits. Information on Housing Benefit and Child Support issues will be available at this point of entry.