MORE than 2,000 single parents in south Worcestershire will get extra support to help them prepare for work under new benefit rules.

Lone parents with children aged 12 plus will no longer be able to make a new or repeat claim for Income Support solely on the basis of being a lone parent.

Instead they will be able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance or, if they are not well enough to work, Employment and Support Allowance.

Some people will continue to receive Income Support if they are in receipt of the middle or highest rate of Disability Living Allowance for one of their children, receive Carer’s Allowance, or are fostering.

There are currently 2,120 lone parents claiming Income Support in Worcester, Malvern, and Wychavon, 390 of which have a youngest child aged between 11 and 16.

Parliamentary under secretary Kitty Ussher said: “These changes will help lone parents, who can work, get closer to the labour market, opening up a range of opportunities to get training and skills.

“Specialist lone parent employment advisers will help lone parents prepare for work by building their skills and confidence, as well as offering practical help with CV training and finding appropriate childcare."

The Government said it plans to further extend this support to lone parents whose youngest child is 10 from next year and whose youngest child is seven from 2010.

The changes are part of plans to eradicate child poverty by 2020.