Single parent families could face more debt
Within the next three years, a lone parent whose youngest child reaches the age of seven, could be forced into debt when the government transfer their income support to jobseekers allowance and expect them to seek work.
Over 40% of 750,000 single parents will be classed as actively looking for work and will be expected to show that they are conscientiously looking for employment, by providing proof of applications. Surviving on a single wage to support a family without encountering serious debt problems is difficult already, and there is much speculation that taking away income support for many single parent families will make debt inevitable.
Claimants, who have been unable to find employment within one year, will be expected to take part in community work or their benefits will be stopped completely.
At present, over 295,000 single parents claim income support for children between the ages of seven to sixteen to support their family and avoid falling into debt.
From October 2008, single parents will no longer be able to claim income support when their youngest child reaches twelve years of age. By 2010, this age limit will be reduced to seven years of age. Instead, they will be transferred to jobseekers allowance.
Kate Green, Chief Executive of the Child Poverty Action Group is absolutely appalled by the decision which could mean debt for many a UK family. She says, “Taking money away from families who are already poor, will simply increase poverty and many children will have their health and well-being put at risk.”
Claimants will be given a token sum of just £20 a week to help them to apply for work. Once in employment, children will have to be placed in pre- or after-school care, if their school hours coincide with their parents working hours.
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