HC Deb 26 February 2004 vol 418 cc553-4W
Mr. George Osborne

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the effects of economic inactivity on the children of economically inactive parents. [152940]

Mr. Pond

There are a number of DWP reports in this area that highlight a range of outcomes, mainly negative, for children whose parent or parents are not in employment. The reports are as follows and are available in the Library.

Millar, J. and Ridge, T. (2001) Families, poverty, work and care. A review of the literature on lone parents and low-income couple families with children. DWP research report 153. Ermisch J., Francesconi M. and Pevalin D., (2001), 'Outcomes for children of poverty', DWP research report no. 158. Vegeris S. and McKay S., (2002), 'Low/moderate families in Britain: Changes in Living Standards 1999–2000', DWP research report 165.

External research has also substantiated the findings of DWP commissioned research.

Mr. George Osborne

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what assessment he has made of the relationship between economic inactivity and social exclusion. [152941]

Mr. Pond

The Government recognize that inactivity and social exclusion are closely related. An analysis of the extent and causes of inactivity and policies to address these is set out in the report "Full Employment in Every Region", produced jointly by the DWP and the Treasury and published in December 2003. The Government have made tackling poverty and social exclusion a key priority since 1997 and their strategy and progress is outlined in the DWP report "Opportunity for All; Fifth Annual Report 2003". Both reports are available in the Library.

Two other studies which show that becoming economically active and moving into work is associated with increased social inclusion, improved living standards, and self esteem are also available in the Library. These are Marsh and Rowlingson (2001), Low/Moderate-income families in Britain: Changes in 1999–2000. DWP Research Report 165 and Marsh and Perry (2003), Family Change 1999 to 2001. DWP Research Report 180.