(DWP) New support and responsibilities for lone parents

Under the current rules lone parents can claim Income Support until their youngest child reaches 16. As a result of these changes, from November 2008 those lone parents, whose children are aged 12 and over, will move off Income Support and onto Jobseeker's Allowance if they are capable of work or Employment and Support Allowance if they cannot work because they have a disability or health condition.

Under the new proposals, first outlined in January 2006 in the Green Paper published by John Hutton, lone parents of older children will have increased contact with a Jobcentre Plus employment adviser for bespoke support and, for those that can, to help them find work.

The Government understands that lone parents need to balance responsibilities for their children with work requirements, paid work has benefits that go beyond making families better off. It improves the health and well-being and future prospects of both parents and children.

There will be additional flexibility for lone parents claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, as we recognise that some lone parents face circumstances that need special consideration. This includes taking into account the availability, suitability and affordability of childcare, including in the school holidays.

Secretary of State James Purnell said:

"More than a million lone parents across the UK are already working, supporting themselves and their families. The number of lone parents in work has risen by 11.6 per cent since 1997, meaning an extra 320, 000 lone parents now have a job. Work is the best route out of poverty and these reforms will offer lone parents access to a range of support to help move into paid work and stay there."

As well as offering one-on-one back to work support Jobcentre Plus employment advisers can also offer Better Off In-Work calculations to show how much more money lone parents will have if they work, skills checks and advice on financial support such as In-work Credit, which is a tax-free weekly payment of £40 (£60 in London), available for up to a year.

Advisers also offer practical support such as helping lone parents find local, affordable childcare, discuss time management and arrange guaranteed interviews through Local Employment Partnerships.

The Government plans to further extend this support to lone parents whose youngest child is 10 from 2009 and whose youngest child is seven from 2010.

If the regulations are approved by Parliament they will come into force from 24th November 2008.