Benefits claims show big drop

The number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants has dropped by 0.9 per cent in the last six years, compared to the national average of 0.3 per cent.Those claiming Incapacity Benefit has fallen 1.4 per cent, compared to 0.4 per cent nationally.

It means there are now 17,240 claiming Incapacity Benefit across the borough and 5,430 on Jobseeker's Allowance.

Doncaster Council's economy and enterprise overview and scrutiny panel examined new targets to reduce the numbers claiming benefits by 2,200 between now and May 2009.

A number of initiatives will continue to be run to help people back to work, including the pathways to work scheme, giving personal adviser meetings to those struggling to work, handing out job grants and supporting people with disabilities.

A report before the committee said: “Historically, figures for both Incapacity benefit claimants and Jobseeker's Allowance have been reducing across Doncaster.”

Areas with the highest rates of those on benefits included Hatfield and Stainforth, Bentley, parts of Rossington and Conisbrough and the town centre.