§ Ms LynneTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research his Department has commissioned to assess the impact of the activities of the Child Support Agency in respect of encouraging lone parents into work; and when he expects to be able to publish the results. [29522]
§ Mr. BurtThe Department has commissioned a continuing research programme with the Policy Studies Institute to look at the circumstances of lone parents. Two reports have been published
Families, Work and Benefits", Marsh and McKay. PSI Publishing 1993.Lone parents and Work", McKay and Marsh. DSS Research Report No. 25.A further study of lone parents is planned for 1995–96.In addition, the Department has commissioned research by the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough university to investigate the incentives and disincentives to leaving income support. This will include information about lone parents and a report is expected to be published in the DSS series within the year.
The CSA aims to secure regular payment of maintenance, this will give lone parents a secure financial base from which they can make a decision about moving into employment.