§ 38. Mr. HeppellTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what plans he has to introduce incentives to assist lone parents into employment. [79766]
§ Angela EagleThe Government have introduced a number of measures to give all lone parents the opportunity to work.
In the Budget we announced plans to increase the support available to lone parents going into work. From this October, those getting Income Support will continue to receive that benefit for two weeks when they start work and claim Working Families Tax Credit. This will give real help with meeting expenses, including child care costs, in the period up to the first payday. At present, concerns about such expenses can deter lone parents from making the move into work.
The National Minimum Wage and the Working Families Tax Credit will help ensure that work pays for lone parents. We are also helping lone parents overcome the barriers they face in moving into work through the New Deal for Lone Parents and the National Childcare Strategy.