Written question asked by David Drew (Labour) on Thursday, 2 July 2009, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2009. It was answered by Lord Knight of Weymouth (Labour) on Tuesday, 14 July 2009 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Social Security Benefits: Research

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what research her Department is undertaking into the effects of consumer debt on the benefits system.

Answer: My Department part funds the Wealth and Assets Survey. The survey is a longitudinal survey that collects information about the economic well-being of households and individuals including their assets and debts, pension provision, how wealth is distributed and factors that may affect financial planning. The survey panel is made up of 32,000 households who are interviewed once every two years. The first full wave findings are due to be released at the end of 2009, with the second wave currently being undertaken.In relation to debt, the Wealth and Assets Survey collects information on household non-mortgage debt and on respondents' attitudes to debt. The survey also collects information on the benefits and tax credits that respondents are in receipt of.The Office for National Statistics is conducting the survey which is partly funded by my Department along with several other Government Departments such as BIS, HMT, HMRC, CLG, the Scottish Government and the Cabinet Office.

Secondary information