HC Deb 27 January 1989 vol 145 cc804-5W
Mr. Robin Cook

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what progress has been made in his Department's research on the impact of the April 1988 social security changes; and when the results will be published

Mr. Scott

Monitoring and evaluation of the impact of the April 1988 social security changes is a continuing process based on a wide range of detailed statistical information. Much of this is routinely published in the annual statistical inquiry, social security statistics and the monthly statistics on the social fund. The first annual statistical survey on the reformed housing benefit scheme will be published later this year.

In addition, detailed research projects are being commissioned on some subjects such as the effects of the income support earnings rules and the extent to which the social fund is meeting its objectives. Decisions on publication will be made at the appropriate time.