A CHARITY has warned that thousands of single parents in Bolton could be plunged into poverty because of changes to the benefits system.

New rules were brought in yesterday which mean lone parents will no longer be able to claim for Income Support solely on the basis of being a lone parent.

They will have to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance instead, which means they must be actively seeking work, or Employment and Support Allowance if they are not well enough to work.

The Government says the new rules will help single mums and dads back into the workplace.

But single parent charities have warned that the 3,620 lone parents claiming Income Support in Bolton will come under extra pressure.

It comes after the Social Security Advisory Committee, an independent body which scrutinises social security legislation, urged the Government not to press ahead with the changes.

The charity, One Parent Families/Gingerbread, has warned that lone parents may be trapped in low-paid jobs or lose benefits. It also cites other problems parents could face, such as finding appropriate childcare.

Chief executive of the charity, Fiona Weir, said: “These changes will push lone parents into an increasingly difficult labour market, without giving them the support they need to negotiate it.

“We are extremely concerned about the possible impacts on children of benefit cuts, on those parents who do not take up jobs, and of the ability of Jobcentre Plus to cope with these changes at a time when their services are likely to be pushed to the limit.”

But 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.

“This will give lone parents real choice about their future. At a time when we face global economic challenges, it’s essential that we give people more not less opportunity to find work and support themselves and their families.”