§ Lord Beaumont of Whitleyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they accept the recommendation of the Independent Commission on Population and Quality of Life (Caring for the Future; p. 130) that "Each country should produce … a national development plan … making explicit the strategies to be used on behalf of the poorest and most marginalised groups"; if so, whether they are going to produce such a plan; and, if not, why not.
42WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)There are no plans to produce a development plan as envisaged by the Independent Commission on Population and Quality of Life. However, this department is embarking on a strategic plan to look at the benefit system which in turn will look at the help available to the poorest and most marginalised groups in society. The best path out of poverty is work, where that is appropriate. We will therefore get 250,000 young unemployed off benefit and into work and, by cutting tax for employers who create new jobs, create opportunities for the long-term unemployed.
We will also help single mothers back into work.