Single-parent employment levels 2023-03-06
2023-03-06
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Single-parent employment has fallen between 2019 and 2022, raising concerns about government policies.
What assessment have you made of the implications for your policies of the fall in single-parent employment between 2019 and 2022?
We have cut the earnings taper on universal credit and increased work allowances, meaning that families are better off by £1,000 a year. Eligible parents can claim up to 85% of their childcare costs through UC, and further assistance is available through the flexible support fund.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific assessment requested about policy implications was not directly addressed
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Single parents face challenges with the childcare element of universal credit being capped at a level set in 2005 and paid in arrears.
What steps have you taken to ensure benefits go up in line with cost of childcare and to look at paying this element upfront?
We are committed to helping lone parents through work. The UC childcare element can be used to top up free childcare hours, and we support up-front costs through the flexible support fund. However, employers also play a crucial role in supporting lone parents.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific steps requested were not provided; only general commitment was given
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The single-parent employment rate had the biggest annual fall last year, breaking a long-term upward trend since the mid-1990s.
Surely you would agree that the eligible cost limit on childcare in universal credit needs to be uprated to reflect today's costs?
Under this Government since 2010, we have seen a significant increase in lone parents in work from 56.1% to 65.5% in 2022. However, there are challenges for lone parents and it is right that we look at these issues.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific request about updating cost limits was not addressed directly
We Are Committed
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The Centre for Progressive Policy reports that a quarter of parents are underemployed due to lack of affordable childcare, costing the UK over £20 billion.
How long will it be before you expect lone parent employment rates to rise again to where they were three years ago?
We have amazing childcare opportunities and support through universal credit, claiming back 85% of costs. Further assistance is available through the flexible support fund. However, it's important that not everyone goes straight back to work; individual needs must be considered.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific timeline requested was not provided
We Are Committed
Response accuracy