While the number of people on benefits is rising, there are positive signs, says Social Development Minister Paula Bennett.

Universities may have to turn students away from popular degrees if they are not allowed to lift student numbers.

Tonight's Big Night In will be a step down memory lane for actors Martin Henderson and Anna Hutchison.

The Govt appears to accept it cannot deny the benefit to young people who refuse work or training until there are enough training places available.

John Key has announced a $152 million plan to create work, education and training opportunities for unemployed youth after the number out of work rose from 4000 last June to 17,000 this June.

In the jelly wrestling match that was Bennett versus the beneficiaries this week, I think Bennett gets the honours.

Paula Bennett is prepared to say sorry for the release of private income details of two solo mothers if a Privacy Act complaint is upheld.

Paula Bennett has asked her officials to look into setting up a loan to help solo parents cover their extra study costs.

Paula Bennett says one of the solo mothers whose benefit details she made public is not angry and didn't feel her privacy had been breached.