HC Deb 19 June 2000 vol 352 c80W
22. Mr. David Heath

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what safeguards he will introduce to ensure the welfare of dependants of individuals who have had benefit withdrawn for non-compliance with community orders.[124968]

Angela Eagle

Hardship payments will be available for people in vulnerable groups and others at risk of hardship who have had their Jobseeker's Allowance or Training Allowance withdrawn. Similar arrangements already exist for making hardship payments where Jobseeker's Allowance is withdrawn as a result of employment sanctions. Income Support will not be withdrawn altogether, but will be reduced by 40 per cent. or 20 per cent. of the single person's adult rate, subject to their circumstances; premiums for children, other members of the family, disability etc. are not affected. JSA hardship payments are calculated in a similar manner. All claimants entitled to Housing Benefit when sanctioned would continue to receive it.