Care workers can aid in poverty data

Poverty inquiry hears from social security director

Social workers could play a role in gathering vital poverty information, according to a treasury official.

At a Tynwald inquiry this week, it was revealed the Island's benefit system has a limited capacity to store a range of data on the Island's poorest.  

However the 'Make Every Contact Count' initiative by the department of social care was touted as a means of collecting more detailed information on the issue.

Director of social security Ross Stephens, said along with a household depravation survey, a picture could be built of what has gone unrecognised by government: