§ Mr. FieldTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security when the Government expect to publish their response to the submissions made on the Green Paper on Welfare Reform. [61797]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Green Paper on Welfare Reform set out a clear philosophy for the welfare state. "Work for those who can, security for those who cannot" is the274W foundation of our programme. It received overwhelming support. The public's response demonstrated first a widespread recognition of the need for welfare reform, and secondly, endorsement of our approach. We are now responding by putting those principles into practice.
On 28 October, we published three documents, "A new contract for welfare: Principles into Practice", which set out the significant progress that has already been made on welfare reform; "A new contract for welfare: Support for Disabled People", which set out detailed proposals to reform benefits for people with a long-term illness or disability; and "A new contract for welfare: The Gateway to Work", which set out plans for a single gateway to the welfare system.
We also published on 18 November "A new contract for welfare: Support in Bereavement" which set out proposals to reform bereavement benefits.
As announced in the Queen's Speech, we will introduce a Welfare Reform Bill in the current session. We will make further announcements in due course.