One announcement from chancellor George Osborne that seems to have been quietly reported (almost whispered) is the change to benefits for lone parents. Mr Osborne said the government expects lone parents to look for work when their youngest child goes to school.
Currently lone parents who are claiming income support benefit do not have to start looking for employment until their youngest child reaches the age of ten.
The former Labour government had caused controversy when it announced plans to reduce this age limit to seven, but under the changes announced yesterday, lone parents who are not actively looking for work once their youngest child is in school will see their payments stopped.
Most children start school at around five years of age and in some cases can be as young as four when they enter primary education.
Currently lone parents who are claiming income support benefit do not have to start looking for employment until their youngest child reaches the age of ten.
The former Labour government had caused controversy when it announced plans to reduce this age limit to seven, but under the changes announced yesterday, lone parents who are not actively looking for work once their youngest child is in school will see their payments stopped.
Most children start school at around five years of age and in some cases can be as young as four when they enter primary education.