Disturbing DPB Trends

New figures show some disturbing trends developing amongst DPB families, according to Lindsay Mitchell, petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB.

"The average age of children relying on the DPB is increasing and the average family size is growing."

"Since 2000 there has been a six percent increase in the number of children aged ten or older while the number of pre-schoolers has dropped by two percent."

"Families with 3 or more children climbed nearly five percent while families with 6 or more have increased by almost fifty percent."

"These developments reflect the increasing time parents stay on this benefit and the high number of children being born onto a benefit."

"The other major concern is the disproportionate number of Maori children appearing. Of the twelve New Zealand regions, seven featured more Maori than any other ethnic group, including New Zealand European."

"The percentage of DPB recipients who are teenage parents has remained stable. This group produces the majority of long-term beneficiaries."

According to Mrs Mitchell, "All of these developments point to an increasingly ingrained lifestyle. There will always be people who resort to the DPB temporarily, which affects absolute numbers at any given time, but the core of long-termers is steadily growing."

Lindsay Mitchell petitioner for a Parliamentary review of the DPB petition forms available from www.liberalvalues.org.nz e-mail dandl.mitchell@clear.net.nz ph/fx 04 562 7944

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