- Lilac
....
Free couples counselling could save billions, say ministers
by Emma Hilton
A new Government initiative which is to offer free taxpayer funded counselling to couples on the rocks, hopes to save billions in the future.
Work and Pensions Secretary Ian Duncan Smith is keen to implement the programme after the divorce rates in Norway fell for 15 consecutive years after the introduction of a similar "relationship education programme".
The programme of "relationship support" is going to cost an estimated £30 million, and will see British cohabiting partners with children as well as married couples, attend counselling sessions in Sure Start Children's Centres.
The counselling is intended for those who are going through "relationship stress", and will involved advice being given on how to stay together.
Smith has said that the benefits of the initial expenditure will be reaped when severe cuts across the public sector come into play, as research has suggested that the cost to the taxpayer of family breakdown is £24 billion a year. He went onto say that by investing money now, savings can also be made on additional benefits such as tax credits, income support and housing benefits for single parents and their children who are left in financial turmoil after a family break up.
No comments:
Post a Comment