Wellington, March 9 NZPA - Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has accepted a six-week leaders fellowship which will take her to the United States towards the end of the year.

Wellington, March 7 NZPA - The number of people receiving the Unemployment Benefit dropped by 4224 in February. The number on benefits altogether reduced by 10,816 in the same month.

Wellington, March 1 NZPA - Benefits and Superannuation payments will increase next month to keep pace with cost of living increases, Social Development Minister Paula Bennett said today.

Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - The Youth Court has been given new sentencing options for serious young offenders under legislation passed by Parliament today.

During its first year in office, the Government managed to run its agenda without suffering any noticeable damage. When difficulties did arise, Prime Minister John Key found remedies and shrugged them off in that way he has of making problems appear insignificant.

Wellington, Feb 17 NZPA - The Labour Party tried to find out in Parliament today how much money was going to be allocated for the new Whanau Ora social services scheme but it was told to wait for the May 20 budget.

Wellington, Feb 16 NZPA - Development of the Government's Whanau Ora policy has been a shambles, Labour leader Phil Goff says. However Social Development and Employment Minister Paula Bennett is blaming the media for confusion around the policy.

Wellington, Feb 15 NZPA - A study into Youth Court supervision orders has found they can be effective in reducing repeat offending.

Wellington, Feb 11 NZPA - Secrecy around the Government's Whanau Ora policy is a sign that ministers couldn't agree about it, Labour's social development spokeswoman Annette King said today.

Wellington, Feb 11 NZPA - ACT MP Roger Douglas is going to ask Parliament to re-introduce youth rates. Sir Roger said today he would put up a member's bill seeking the change.