§ Mr. BurnsTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many policy reviews are currently being carried out within her Department; what is the cost to date of those reviews; and when each review is expected to report. [40901]
§ Mr. DenhamWe are reviewing the major components of the Social Security system. On 26 March, we published a Green Paper, New Ambitions for our Country: A New Contract For Welfare, which sets out the Government's principles for welfare reform, indicates the issues to be tackled and identifies a series of proposed success102W measures by which we can monitor progress. We are currently seeking views on its contents. The consultation period ends on 31 July.
In accordance with our manifesto commitment, we have also instigated a review of pensions and we will be publishing a Green Paper on Pensions later this year. Further announcements on other areas will be made in due course.
The costs of this activity are being met from within existing Departmental running costs.