The purpose of the bill
- to simplify the benefits system in order to improve work incentives
The main benefits of the bill
- making the benefits system less complex
- improving work incentives
- getting the 5 million plus people languishing on benefits into work and out of poverty
- reducing the scope for fraud and error
The main elements of the bill
- removing the confusing complexity of the benefits system, which too often leaves people afraid to make any change to their circumstances and can be a barrier to moving from benefits to work
- making people see a gain when entering work through simplifying the benefits system
- reducing the scope for fraud and error by making the benefits system simpler
- reducing unnecessary administration of benefits - currently people can have overlapping entitlements or switch between different benefits - around 200,000 people a year cycle between Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) and Incapacity Benefit (IB/Employment and Support Allowance (ESA).
Related documents
- Building Britain’s recovery – achieving full employment
- Raising expectations and increasing support
- No-one written off – reforming welfare to reward responsibility (pdf)
- Benefit Simplification Guide 2009
- Simplification and the customer (pdf)
Existing legislation in this area
- Welfare Reform Act 2009
- Welfare Reform Act 2007
- Social Security Contributions and Benefits Act 1992
Devolution
Any benefit changes will apply to Great Britain. Provision or benefits in Northern Ireland is devolved and will require parallel legislation.