asked the Minister for Social Welfare the number of families at present in receipt of a family income supplement; the average payment to each family; and if she has any plans to alter this scheme to target more effectively payments to the less well-off.
Written Answers. - Family Income Supplement.
22.
The number of families at present in receipt of a family income supplement is 4,834. The average payment is £10.62 per family.
I have been concerned at the relatively low take up on this scheme and I have had it examined with a view to relaxing the conditions to enable a greater degree of take up.
One area of particular concern has been the definition of full-time working. The existing regulations provide for the payment of family income supplement where one or more parent is in full-time paid employment of not less than 30 hours a week. Experience has shown that some families on low earnings do not qualify for the family income supplement payment as a result. I am glad to be able to announce today that the Government have agreed to my proposal to reduce the number of hours worked per week to enable families in these circumstances to qualify for family income supplement from 30 to 24. I am satisfied that this is an important step in improving the scheme to the benefit of those in low paid employment.