Helping more parents move into work: an evaluation of the extension of New Deal Plus for Lone Parents and In Work Credit: phase 1 report

The aim of the evaluation was to explore whether the measures offered an adequate package of support to parents in London and non-London pilot areas, and if the measures, either collectively or singly, encouraged them to enter and sustain work. Couple parents, in a DWP context, include both the parent claiming benefits on behalf of the family (referred to as the ‘main claimant’), and the non-claiming parent (referred to as the ‘partner’). Because of the different conditions on benefit claimants and their partners, each parent in the couple is treated individually within Jobcentre Plus. Given the existing body of research and evidence on lone parents, this research focused on the measures which had been newly expanded to couple parents across all London districts and in ND+fLP pilot areas. IWC of £60, and the UFCC pilot affecting eligible parents in London are addressed in the final report of the research. This report covers early implementation, delivery and operational issues, together with awareness and use of ND+fLP and IWC by Jobcentre Plus staff, main claimant parents and partner parents.