Department of Health and Social Security: Social Security Policy Group, Division...

BN 149

1971-2001

This series comprises records of the Policy Branch and its responsibilities for supporting the family, particularly the increasing number of one parent families, and is initiatives towards looking into incentives to work, unemployment, poverty traps, the interaction with benefits and tax, free welfare food and NHS charges.

This series is arranged in file reference order.

FSU, FYC, LPF, LPT, PBO

Public Record(s)

English

• Department of Health and Social Security, 1968-1988
• Department of Health and Social Security, Social Security Policy Group, 1974-1988
• Department of Social Security, 1988-2001
• Department of Social Security, Social Security Policy Group, 1989-1996

451 file(s)

Open unless otherwise stated

From 2014 Department for Work and Pensions

Topics

Labour

Taxation

Food and drink

National Health Service

The Department for Work and Pensions became custodians of the series in 2001 when it replaced the Department of Social Security, 1988-2001. The series was previously held by the Department of Health and Social Security, 1968-1988.

1979 to 2000

Series is accruing.

This series meets TNA's Acquisition Policy theme 2.2.1.5 Formulation and delivery of social policies, documenting the work of the Social Security Policy Group, Division B. The files have been selected in line with OSP5 5.2.3.

The Family Support Policy branch was created in 1983 as a result of the Finer Committee's recommendations of supporting the family, particularly the increasing number of one parent families.

With the doubling of families with lone parents and the majority claiming means tested benefits, Supplementary Benefit/Income Support and who were therefore on minimum benefit rates and living in poverty. There was also a growing dependency on welfare, a growth in fictitious desertions/separations, as lone parents were entitled to benefit on the 'grounds' they were entitled to benefit as they were required at home to look after children under 16 years of age. The branch looked at incentives for lone parents and low income families to work, and enabling them to be 'better off' in work. This was achieved with in introduction of Family Credit, passport benefits and help with childcare costs, these policies culminated with the New Deal for Lone parents.

Prior to 1983, records were created by Social Security Policy Group, Insurance Division L, Branch 1 (1980-1981) and the Supplementary Benefits and Family Support Group; Division SPDII/FS, Family Support, Branch 1 (1982).