Latest parliamentary news on Welfare Reform
19 April 2011 (updated on 19 April 2011)
The welfare system, unemployment, retirement age and the administration of benefits have been debated on several occasions in the House of Commons recently
Find all the latest information on the Welfare Reform Bill and other parliamentary material.
Welfare Reform Bill
The Government's Welfare Reform Bill was introduced into the House of Commons on 16 February 2011. The Bill provides for the introduction of a 'Universal Credit' to replace a range of existing means-tested benefits and tax credits for people of working age, starting from 2013.
The Bill follows the November 2010 White Paper, 'Universal Credit: welfare that works', which set out the Coalition Government’s proposals for reforming welfare to improve work incentives, simplify the benefits system and tackle administrative complexity.
The Bill had its second reading on 9 March 2011 and is currently being considered by a Public Bill Committe.
- Commons news: Second reading of Welfare Reform Bill
- 'Department for Work and Pensions White Paper: Universal Credit: welfare that works'
Keep up to date with all the proceedings and documents on the Welfare Reform Bill. Also find out how a Bill becomes an Act of Parliament.
Work and Pensions Committee
As part of its ongoing inquiry into the White Paper on Universal Credit, the committee took evidence from Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith on 9 February 2011.
Public Accounts Committee
The Public Accounts Committee published a report 10 March 2011 on reducing the cost of errors in the benefits system.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library regularly produce briefing papers which inform MPs about key issues. The Library has published briefing papers on unemployment by constituency and the Welfare Reform Bill.
- Commons Library briefing paper: Unemployment by Constituency, April 2011
- Commons Library briefing paper: Welfare Reform Bill: Universal Credit provisions
Images: PA