Has the 'Working for Families' scheme been a success?

Pauline and Ken Gaoa with their children Kathryn (7), Ethan (6) and Josie (4) at their home in Balmoral. Working For Families has enabled Pauline to stay home with the kids after Josie was born in 2005. Photo / Natalie Slade

Opinion

Labour's $1.5 billion Working for Families package has driven a net 1200 parents out of the paid workforce - achieving the opposite of its aim to "make work pay".

An evaluation by Inland Revenue and Social Development Ministry researchers has found the $60 a week in-work tax credit lured 8100 sole parents into paid work. But 9300 second-earners in two-parent families dropped out of work because higher tax credits let them stay home with the children.

But Labour social development shadow minister Annette King said yesterday the contrasting results were "two good outcomes".

Has the 'Working for Families' scheme been a success? Here is the latest selection of Your Views: