DEPARTMENT FOR WORK
AND PENSIONS News Release (DRC-124) issued by COI News Distribution
Service. 14 January 2008
A major step
forward in disabled people's rights is promised in the
Government's new Welfare Reform Bill, introduced today.
The Welfare Reform Bill, which builds on the White Paper
published in December, contains a new "right to control"
for disabled people, which recognises that they are the experts in
their own lives.
The right to control is just one of a package of measures that
promises to transform people's lives contained in the new
Bill, which is formally laid before Parliament today. Others
include changes to provide more help for workless parents, drug
users and the long term unemployed.
The Government's welfare reforms are the biggest shake-up of
the benefits system for 60 years.
James Purnell said:
"The Government is increasing the real help available to
everyone claiming benefits during the economic downturn. We will
not leave anyone behind as we face up to the global financial crisis.
"This Bill will allow us to bring about the most radical
reform of the welfare state for generations. When times are tough,
it is more important than ever that we provide people with the
extra help they need.
"This includes giving more control to disabled people.
Disabled people know better what they need in their lives than
someone sat at a desk in Whitehall.
"Our reforms promise greater support for people on benefits
and a more flexible, personalised system to help them find
sustainable employment. In return we expect people to take up this
help, and work with us to help themselves."
The Bill takes forward measures outlined in the Welfare Reform
White Paper Raising expectations and increasing support: reforming
welfare for the future.
Some of the key reforms supported by the Bill are:
* Lone parents and partners of people with younger children and
disabled people who could work with support, will be expected to
take part in training or other activities to help them move nearer
to the job market.
* Requirements for the long-term unemployed to "work for
their benefits"
* Measures for the rehabilitation of drug misusers
* And trailblazing a new right for disabled people to control how
public resources are used to meet their individual needs
Employment Minister Tony McNulty added:
"These reforms are all about transforming people's
lives, creating a fairer benefits system, which supports people as
individuals, not just claimants.
"Many people claiming benefits, including lone parents and
disabled people or those with health problems can work with the
right help and support. We want to make sure that when jobs become
available they are ready to take them."
The introduction of the Bill is a significant milestone in the
Government's welfare reform plans. A number of measures have
already been introduced.
In October, a new benefit for disabled people and those with
health problems, was launched. Employment and Support Allowance
ensures those who could work are given the help and support they
need to get back to work, whilst providing additional support for
those who can't work.
Under new rules introduced in November, thousands of lone parents
now get extra support to help them prepare for work. Lone parents
of children aged 12 plus will no longer be able to make a new or
repeat claim for Income Support solely on the basis of being a
lone parent. This will apply to lone parents whose children are
seven and over from October 2010.
The first reading of the Welfare Reform Bill in Parliament
follows the publication of the Welfare Reform White Paper Raising
expectations and increasing support: reforming for the future in
December and the Welfare Reform Green Paper No-one written off:
reforming welfare to reward responsibility in July.
Notes to editors
1. A full copy of the Welfare Reform Bill can be found at: http://www.parliament.uk
2. The Welfare Reform White Paper can be found at : http://www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform/raisingexpectations/
3. The Welfare Reform Green Paper, No-one written off: reforming
welfare to reward responsibility, is available at http://www.dwp.gov.uk/welfarereform/noonewrittenoff
DWP Press Office: 020 3267 5144
Website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk
NEWS RELEASE