Mr Major’s Written Parliamentary Answer on School Leavers (Benefit) – 24 July 1986

Below is the text of Mr Major’s written Parliamentary Answer on School Leavers (Benefit) on 24th July 1986.

Mr. McLoughlin Asked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will make a statement on the position of school leavers who claim social security benefit.

Mr. Major Guidance on the eligibility of school leavers for supplementary benefit is contained in the “S Manual”, paragraphs 225-2292, and in circular S51/85. I am aware that there has been some confusion following a decision by Social Security Commissioners last year which meant that certain young people who had always been regarded as still being at school for benefit purposes became eligible for supplementary benefit in their own right from Easter, with a concomitant loss of child benefit rights to their parents. There is also evidence that some children who have left school before the legal date may have been claiming benefit. The Government’s policy remains that young people who are (or should legally be) still completing their education should normally be treated as dependent upon their parents. We intend to refer to the Social Security Advisory Committee proposals to ensure that the law continues to reflect this intention.