§ Dr. Lynne JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will publish a summary of responses to the Green Paper on Welfare Reform. [56021]
§ Mr. DarlingConsultation on the Welfare Reform Green Paper ended on 31 July, and over 1,050 responses have been received. Half of the responses came from organisations—including both national bodies and local groups, and academic bodies. Most of the remaining responses came from individuals. Seventy hon. Members also submitted responses, many from their constituents.
This has been a useful consultation on the principles that should underpin the Government's plans for welfare reform. The Green Paper set out a clear philosophy for the welfare state. "Work for those who can, security for those who cannot" is the foundation of our programme. It has received overwhelming support. The public's response demonstrates first a widespread recognition of the need for welfare reform, and secondly, endorsement of our approach.
Today I announced the publication of three documents, "Principles into Practice", "The Gateway to Work" and "Support for Disabled People", which mark the next stage of reform, containing detailed proposals for turning those principles into practice.
173WA list of the organisations and academic bodies who responded has been placed in the Library. Due to their number and size it has not been possible to accommodate responses in the library. However, copies of the list and specific responses are available on request from the Department of Social Security, by contacting the Welfare Reform Unit, 5th Floor, The Adelphi, 1–11 John Adam St., London WC2N 6HT.
§ Mr. WebbTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) what is his definition of loss in the context of his policy that welfare reform will not lead to losses for existing recipients; and what steps he has taken to ensure that no reform to date hSas lead to such a loss; [56676]
(2) if his policy of ensuring that no current recipients of social security benefits lose as a result of the Government's welfare reform programme takes into account real terms losses from non-indexation of benefits. [56515]
§ Mr. Darling[holding answer 26 October 1998]: We are today announcing reforms for people of working age. Details of how they will affect existing recipients of Social Security benefits are in the documents "Principles into Practice", "The Gateway to Work" and "Support for Disabled People" being published today. We are also announcing today details of the review of benefit rates.