§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will commission research into the level of debt among those on social security benefits; and, if not, why not.[HL868]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Department of Social Security (Baroness Hollis of Heigham)Data on debt are already collected as part of our research focused on specific groups of social security benefit recipients. For example, the Programme of Research into Low Income Families (PRILIF) provides information on debt for families with dependent children receiving benefits. The PRILIF studies have included questions about family welfare, involving debt in terms of borrowing, use of credit and financial difficulties families were facing in the form of problem debts. Questions have also been asked about mortgage and rent arrears, difficulties in paying household bills, problems in the repayment of consumer credit, the use of financial services/loans and any consequent problem debts. Income support recipients have been asked about their use of Social Fund grants and/or loans.
In addition, surveys conducted as part of the evaluation of the earnings top-up pilot collected this data for unemployed people and low-paid workers without children. We also review external research reports covering all aspects of social security including levels of debt among benefit recipients. We have no plans to commission further research specifically focused on debt among those in receipt of benefits.