§ Mr. Barry JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Wales if he will make a statement on the Government's policy on welfare reform for disability benefits. [19527]
§ Mr. DenhamI have been asked to reply.
We are committed to modernising the Social Security system so that it helps people to work as far as they are able; provides appropriate support to those who cannot work; and makes the most effective use of the resources available.
As a first step we are undertaking a comprehensive review of the Department's expenditure. The review is wide-ranging and includes consideration of the complex range of benefits paid to people who are disabled or have health problems. We want to end the exclusion of disabled people; to empower them to play a full part in society, and to develop an approach which focuses on people's abilities and their capacities, rather than only their disabilities and incapacity.
452WAs part of this process, up to £195 million has been made available from the Windfall Tax to test a range of options to help people with long-term health problems or disabilities to move into, or remain in, work.
We will, in due course, consider how many proposals for change should be taken forward.