Child Poverty Bill
10:41 am
Dawn Primarolo: You are absolutely right in noting how drug addiction and alcohol misuse in families act as a barrier to the parent getting work. The National Treatment Agency for Substance Misuse is working with local partnerships and Jobcentre Plus on employment; I would be happy to send the hon. Gentleman a note on that. They are looking at how movement into employment—I am sure that we all agree that employment is the best route out of poverty—is prevented or does not occur because of addiction. It is important that we focus the provision of services, both through Jobcentre Plus and the local partnerships, on families with children—though not exclusively on such families—and address the hon. Gentleman’s point.
The issue rests with the Department of Health but, because of the impact on children in families, it also comes under my brief, to ensure intensive support. That goes back to the hon. Gentleman’s earlier point about whether relationships are stable within the family and the consequences of that for children. Work is being undertaken and I see it as part of the employment, education and skills remit to look at drugs and alcohol, which is another area where there can be neglect, and an inability for the child to benefit from Sure Start and outreach. Specific strategies are being developed in relation to substance misuse and alcohol, which echoes another point that the hon. Gentleman made earlier. The stubbornness of some of the causes of poverty in particular families and the necessary strategies needed are clearer now.
The first five years in education are more important than the next 45 years. The investment in the early years, and the fact that that is now beginning to show progress through this year’s early years foundation stage results, show how important it is to work at that early stage. Education has a role to play in future skills and employability. The strategies on narrowing the gap and raising attainment in both primary and secondary schools have a crucial role to play in contributing to the overall strategy. They are being taken forward and are clear successes in what are still the relatively early stages. The hon. Gentleman will know that it takes quite a long time to see the effects.
Finally, I share the hon. Gentleman’s interests and concerns about the family. It is important that we understand the causes and how to support stable and positive relationships and parenting because of the clear benefits to the child. In my view as a Minister, to put the child at the centre is to ask what are the supporting requirements to ensure that that child can flourish. I will be happy to send a copy to all Members of the Committee.