§ 29. Ms WardTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what measures his Department is taking to assist lone parents to find work. [68037]
§ Angela EagleThe Government are committed to providing viable choices for lone parents who, in the past, were written off to a life on benefit.
The New Deal for Lone Parents which was launched nationally on 26 October offers all lone parents on Income Support, for the first time, a personal adviser service to help them overcome the barriers to employment. The programme provides support and advice on training needs, jobsearch, better-off in-work calculations, child care and in-work support for those who need it. Current progress under the programme suggest that our approach is in tune with what lone parents want: the vast majority of lone parents who attend an initial interview decide to participate in the programme.
In addition to this, the Working Families Tax Credit will make work pay and the National Childcare Strategy will also help lone parents move into work: the Childcare Tax Credit under the Working Families Tax Credit will provide more support towards helping parents with child care costs; and a total investment of £470 million in the National Childcare Strategy, including £170 million from the Lottery for new out of school child care—to ensure that good quality affordable child care is available in every neighbourhood.