Jim Mitchell
Question:44 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has any plans to review the criteria for eligibility of unmarried mothers for the lone parents allowance.
Vol. 423 No. 5
44 Mr. J. Mitchell asked the Minister for Social Welfare if he has any plans to review the criteria for eligibility of unmarried mothers for the lone parents allowance.
The lone parents allowance scheme in common with all others is kept under continual review in the light of changing circumstances.
A significant feature of the scheme is the increase in the numbers of unmarried mothers in receipt of lone parents allowance in recent years. The numbers have risen from around 7,500 in 1982 to over 21,000 in 1991. Expenditure has increased from approximately £16 million in 1982 to over £79 million in 1991.