1. GEORGINA BEYER (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister for Social Development and Employment
What reports has he received on the uptake of childcare assistance under Working for Families?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE (Minister for Social Development and Employment) Link to this
I am advised that 1 year after the Working for Families childcare changes were introduced 30,300 families with 36,900 children were receiving childcare assistance. That is an incredible 29 percent more families receiving assistance since October 2004.
Has the Minister received any reports indicating how much better off people are as a result of these changes?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
Yes. Data to the end of January 2006 shows that the average weekly payment to families receiving childcare assistance was $71 per week. I am also informed that 20 percent of the families receiving childcare assistance at the end of January this year would not have been eligible for any childcare assistance from the Government under the pre - Working for Families income thresholds.
Judith CollinsHow much taxpayer money has he spent so far in writing letters to, and phoning, people who clearly do not qualify for welfare, and does he think that such a scattergun approach in providing welfare is a good use of taxpayers’ money?
Hon DAVID BENSON-POPE Link to this
Yes, this Government is not focused just on developing good policy; it is also keen to make sure that people are only too aware of the opportunities they have.