In a further extension to the New Deal programme, the Chancellor today announced support for lone parents with children over five years of age, available from next April.

Parents will be offered help with child care, a 'ladder of opportunity' and a guarantee of income at least £20 over that which they would receive on benefit by selecting from three choices: part-time work, full-time work, or training.

It is expected that the same support structures of a personal employment adviser, guidance and support will be made available as with other New Deal programmes.