Daily Roundup: Out-of-work benefits, 16-19 bursaries, and childcare research

Some British towns and cities contain welfare ghettos where more than half the working age residents depend on out-of-work benefits, according to an investigation by the Centre for Social Justice. Parts of Denbighshire in Wales, Birmingham, Blackburn with Darwen, Wirral, Tendring and North East Lincolnshire are the worst affected, the report says. The Signed On, Written Off report found that in Liverpool there are nearly 70 neighbourhoods where the number of people
claiming out-of-work benefits is 30 per cent or higher, followed by Birmingham (49 neighbourhoods), Hull (45 neighbourhoods), Manchester (40 neighbourhoods), Leeds (37 Neighbourhoods) and Knowsley (31 neighbourhoods).

A bursary that replaced the education maintenance allowance (EMA) has been given a positive review by education institutions. NatCen Social Research surveyed more than 2,200 providers about the success of the 16 to 19 bursary, which was introduced in 2011. Among further education and sixth-form colleges, 73 per cent of respondents said it had a positive impact on participation. Within the same providers, 84 per cent said the bursary was effective in targeting those with greatest financial need. Results were lower in sixth-forms, where 61 per cent saw positive results on participation and effective targeting.