§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if those lone parents currently claiming the lone parent rates of(a) family premium, (b) child benefit, (c) housing benefit and (d) council tax benefit will be paid the increases in these benefits announced in the Budget. [37022]
420W
§ Mr. FieldLone parents who are currently receiving the higher lone parent rates of family premium in Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit, and the higher rate of Child Benefit, will continue to receive the higher rates. Those current lone parents with children under 11 who are receiving any of the income-related benefits will also receive the £2.50 increase in the under 11 child allowance rate.
421WThe increases in the family premium and Child Benefit announced in the Budget will be paid to lone parents who are not already receiving the higher lone parent rates, and to all couples with children. The Government believe it is right to increase support for all families with children, and the measures we announced in the Budget will help tackle child poverty. The increase in the under 11 child allowance will protect vulnerable families with young children. These families can face particular difficulties as the need to balance the dual responsibilities of parenting and working can restrict their opportunities to maximise income from work.
§ Mr. Duncan SmithTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what are the average initial(a) salary and (b) weekly earnings for those lone parents who have obtained employment through the New Deal for Lone Parents on taking up work in each of the control areas. [37023]
§ Mr. FieldThe full, independent evaluation of the New Deal for Lone Parents, which will report in autumn 1999, will contain information on the average earnings of lone parents who have participated in the programme and found jobs.
In the meantime, administrative data do not enable the calculation of robust average salaries or weekly earnings.