Recommendation 6

DWP maintains that it does not collect or publish regular statistical updates on uses of the Flexible Support Fund, on the basis that it does not want to detract from its discretionary nature. The FSF is a core element of support for working parents, and without this data, the Department cannot verify whether it is being used as intended. We appreciate that the Department has sent us data for some recent years on request, but recommend the Department commit to publishing an annual update on Flexible Support Fund spending. (Paragraph 45) Caps and maximum reimbursement