Written question asked by Lord Patten (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Andrews (Labour) on Monday, 9 October 2006.

Family Breakdown

Question: Further to the Written Answer by the Baroness Andrews on 28 June (WA 160), whether it is their view that family breakdown is not a major feature of deprivation.

Answer: The Government recognise that family breakdown is a serious matter and can be a major cause of deprivation or disadvantage. We have policies in place to help tackle the consequences. But while it can be a driver of other forms of deprivation, it is not a direct measure of deprivation in its own right. Family breakdown may have negative effects on family members but conversely it may have positive effects (such as if the relationship involved violence). Measuring the negative effects of family breakdown and expressing these at an area level is therefore not possible.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 7036; 685 c34-5WA
Session: 2005-06
Related items: Family Breakdown
Wednesday, 28 June 2006
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Disadvantaged Divorce
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk