Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Freud (Conservative) on Tuesday, 20 July 2010.

Benefits

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government, further to the Written Answer by Lord Freud on 29 June (WA 243), whether they will commission research on the health and ethical issues involved in providing single persons dependent on drugs or alcohol with benefits above a basic income support level.

Answer: Drug and alcohol addiction is one of the most damaging root causes of poverty, and helping people who are trapped on benefits through drug and alcohol addiction so that they can recover and find employment is a top priority for the Government. The department has recently published research examining the issues surrounding benefit uptake in England by individuals who use illicit drugs, in particular heroin and crack cocaine, Problem Drug Users Experiences of Employment and the Benefit System, Department for Work and Pensions, Research Report No 640, June 2010. (http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/asd5/report_ abstracts/rr_abstracts/rra_640.asp). The study explores the wider context of education, training and employment for drug users as well as the role of treatment. The report found that drug users face a number of barriers to employment which can include a lack of self-confidence, mental and physical health problems, a criminal record, lack of skills and qualifications and employer discrimination. In addition, financial problems can lead to homelessness and an increase in levels of crime. The department is working closely with the Ministry of Justice to strengthen collaborative working to improve the employment rates of offenders and reduce re-offending. The department is currently undertaking similar work on alcohol misuse and will publish this upon completion as part of the department's standard research publication process.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 1054; 720 c186-7WA
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Benefits
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects: Alcoholic drinks Benefits rules Health Drugs Ethics Misuse Social security benefits Research Single people
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk