§ 37. Ms BlearsTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what is his assessment of the impact of his taxation reforms on social exclusion. [141872]
§ Dawn PrimaroloThis Government believe that where work is an option, it remains the best route out of poverty and social exclusion. But those who cannot work have a right to security and support.
Over 1.1 million families are now receiving the Working Families Tax Credit (WFTC), nearly 300,000 more than its predecessor, Family Credit, at its peak. Families receiving the WFTC are receiving on average £30 a week more than under Family Credit. A lone parent on Income Support with two children under 11 is now £25 a week better off in real terms than in 1997, and a couple nearly £30 a week better off.
As a result of measures introduced in this Parliament it is estimated that more than one million children will be lifted out of poverty. And by next year the poorest pensioner households will be at least £800 a year better off in real-terms than in 1997.