§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether, in the course of studying welfare reform in the United States, they will study the reports of the charity Second Harvest. [HL653]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)The Government have not had an opportunity to study the reports of the charity Second Harvest. However, we are keen to learn from experiences abroad as we develop our welfare reform programme.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they suppose that key fact 2, in The Case for Welfare Reform (Department of Social Security, 15 Janaury), that the proportion of households with no one working has doubled since 1979, indicates any failure in the welfare state. [HL655]
37WA
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamMany economic and social factors have contributed to the increase in workless households. The Government's concern is to correct any deficiencies in the provision of welfare which contribute to, rather than alleviate, this problem, such as disincentives to working.
§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why they suppose that key fact 2 in The Case for Welfare Reform (Department of Social Security, 15 January), that there are nearly four million children living in poverty, indicates any failure in the welfare state; and whether they are suggesting that it is a reason for raising benefit levels. [HL656]
§ Baroness Hollis of HeighamThe Government believe the welfare state should prevent poverty, not just meet the costs of failure. Worklessness is a major cause of low incomes and we are determined to reform the welfare system so that it does everything possible to help and encourage people of working age to work where they are able to do so.