July 20, 2005

Mixed News On DPB

Benefit figures released today show varying Domestic Purposes Benefit trends, according to Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB.

"In our largest region, Auckland Metropolitan, numbers continue to climb - up 5 percent over the last five years, contrary to Mr Maharey's claim DPB numbers have dropped in every region."

"Pacific and Maori people continue to be disproportionately represented on the DPB and those percentages are steadily increasing. They now make up almost fifty percent of DPB beneficiaries. While overall numbers have declined (although risen again slightly since April) Maori and Pacific parents are not taking advantage of the copious work opportunities the economy is producing."

"And on the matter of employment, the number of domestic purposes beneficiaries who have participated in paid work within the past 12 months, has dropped sharply to less than one in four. As recently as March the figure was just over two fifths. It is unclear what is driving this unwelcome trend but the statistics suggest more people are relying solely on their benefit. This will not help the productivity boost we badly need."

ENDS

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