§ Mr. Frank FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research he has undertaken into the halving of the population of single parents who work rather than draw income support; and if he will make a statement. [27220]
§ Mr. BurtResearch commissioned by this Department on changes in lone parenthood between 1989 to 1993, due to be published shortly, suggests that the proportion of lone parents in work is now increasing steadily and that the increase is directly associated with the 1992 change in the qualifying hours condition in family credit. Benefit statistics show that in 1988 there was one lone parent on family credit for every 10 on income support; by 1994, this ratio had improved to around one for every four.
The Department commissions extensive research on lone parenthood and the barriers to working for all those on income support. A large part of the reduction in the proportion of lone mothers in employment since the 1970s is accounted for by an increase in the proportion of lone mothers with a child below school age. The introduction of assistance with child care costs in family credit housing benefit and council tax benefit in October 1994 should help to address changes caused by changes in the composition of lone parenthood.
The table shows that the proportion of lone mothers in work fell from 47 per cent. in 1977 to 1979 to 41 per cent. in 1991 to 1993—general household survey data. These figures include those working part time within the rules of income support and supplementary benefit. However, the number of lone parents in work is now actually increasing—from around 375,000 in 1980 to around 500,000 in 1992.
§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what representations he has received from landlords about the impact of the proposed housing benefit changes on the availability of private rented accommodation to people on housing benefit; and if he will make a statement. [28304]
§ Mr. Roger EvansThe Department has received a number of representations from landlords. These have expressed concerns about a number of aspects of the proposals. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is considering the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee, together with representations received as a result of consultation with the local authority associations.
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§ Mr. BradleyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will reconsider his plans to tighten restrictions in housing benefit rent levels. [29084]
§ Mr. Roger EvansMy right hon. Friend the Secretary of State is currently considering the report of the Social Security Advisory Committee on the proposed changes. He is also considering views expressed by the local authority associations.