A case for changing the system

Single parent Patricia Cresswell obtained a part-time job as a graphic designer and came off income support, but because of child care costs she finished up being worse off than when she was not working. If child care costs were incorporated in income support rules she could have worked, received income support and been at least as well off as before. Appeals to an adjudication officer, a social security appeals tribunal and then the Social Security Commissioner produced no change. The case then went to the European Court of Justice and the Advocate General's opinion will be given on May 15, 1992.