§ Mr. McGradyTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what consultation will be undertaken with the 533W local communities, members of the public, voluntary organisations and charitable groups in respect of forthcoming legislation on social security benefits. [17889]
§ Mr. FieldOur manifesto set out our commitment to review and reform welfare in consultation and partnership with the people. We aim to modernise the structure and delivery of Social Security to encourage financial independence, while simultaneously promoting social cohesion and well-being; to develop an active welfare system which supports work, savings and honesty; and to help tackle effectively unjustifiable social and economic inequalities.
We want to encourage widespread debate throughout the country. For example, we have already completed the first part of the consultation exercise on the Pensions Review. Further consultation will follow in due course. We will also be publishing a Green Paper on Welfare Reform at the turn of the year which will set out the principles underlying the new directions for welfare in the 21st Century.