18569 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment

18569 (2026). Ricardo Menéndez March to the Minister for Social Development and Employment: How many people, if any, have had their benefit reduced or cancelled because they were in a relationship, in each quarter since January 2023?

Hon Louise Upston: I refer the member to the attached table, which provides: • The Number of working-age main benefit cancellations for the reason 'Change in Marital Status' from 01 January 2023 to 31 March 2026, by quarter. • Number of working-age main benefit declines for the reason 'Change in Marital Status' from 01 January 2023 to 31 March 2026, by quarter. I am advised that the Ministry of Social Development is unable to provide information on ‘benefits reduced’ as this would require a review of individual client files, and substantial manual collation, which would divert staff from their core duties. In accordance with the Speaker’s Ruling 210/6, I consider that the time, and hence the expense, of answering this part of the Member’s questions is not in the public interest. This is also my response to WPQ 18570 (2026)