MPs debate amendments to Welfare Reform Bill
11 November 2009 (updated on 22 April 2010)
The Commons debated Lords amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill which proposes the reform of the benefits system by improving support and incentives for people to move from benefits into work
- Commons Hansard: Welfare Reform Bill
- Video and Audio: Welfare Reform Bill
- Bills before Parliament: Welfare Reform Bill
- About Parliament: Passage of a Bill
The Bill covers the following key areas:
- reforms the benefits system by abolishing income support and moving all claimants on to either jobseekers’ allowance or employment and support allowance
- aligns the contribution conditions between employment and support allowance and jobseeker’s allowance
- introduces a regime of benefit sanctions for non-attendance at jobcentres
- requires job search by partners of benefit claimants
- abolishes adult dependency increases in the carer’s allowance and maternity allowance
- introduces work-focused interviews for the over-60s
- requires work-related activity in return for receipt of employment and support allowance
- introduces a requirement for births to be registered jointly by both parents
- provides additional powers for the enforcement of child maintenance arrears