§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if single mothers using the Single Gateway will be expected to provide the necessary information for pursuing child maintenance payments on their first interview. [79215]
§ Angela EagleThe Single Gateway will build on the existing close working relationship between the Benefits Agency and the Child Support Agency. Since last year, lone parents have been helped to complete a child support application when they are visited by Benefits Agency staff at the start of their Income Support claim. Likewise, under the new arrangements, we will help parents with care to pursue child support at the earliest possible stage.
Securing regular child maintenance is one of the keys to helping lone parents move from benefit back into the labour market by providing them with a portable income which will supplement their earnings.
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