26 March 2007 - Hutton announces timetable for welfare reform
A timetable for taking forward the Government’s ambitious welfare reforms was announced by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions John Hutton today.
Launching the timetable at an international welfare reform conference in London, John Hutton said the Government’s response to David Freud’s review of welfare reform would be in the summer.
Speaking at the event John Hutton said:
“Over the past decade the UK has seen its longest and most sustained period of economic growth for over two hundred years. There are now more people in work than ever before, with the biggest increases in the areas that started in the poorest position. But we are determined to do more to support those hardest to help back into work.
“David Freud’s report presents a compelling case for future reform – and it must now rightly start a process of consultation and debate. We want to hear the views of all those with an interest in shaping the future of welfare in Britain, before Government responds officially in the summer.
“I am today calling on all those who have an interest to make their voices heard. We are particularly interested to hear people’s views on the proposed radical extension of support from the private and voluntary sectors; the need for greater benefit simplification; and the renewal of the contract of rights and responsibilities in our welfare system.”
Stakeholders will have the opportunity to comment by email, to welfarereform@dwp.gsi.gov.uk,
or in writing to:
Welfare Reform Team
Level 2, The Adelphi
1-11 John Adam Street
London
WC2N 6HT
Minister of State for Employment and Welfare Reform Jim Murphy, who hosted the Conference welcomed the opportunity for key experts in welfare delivery to come together and discuss the issues that will face the welfare state in the years to come,
Mr Murphy said:
“There will be a number of challenges facing the welfare state over the next decade. These seminars and this conference have allowed us to debate the best approaches to these challenges.
“Solutions can not be arrived at through narrow thinking. Instead we need everyone, practitioners, experts and customers to make their views known. This will enable us as a Government to see what has not worked and correct it, what has worked and build on it and identify the challenges that are ahead of us.
“This conference does not mark the end of the debate and I look forward over the months ahead to continue engaging with people up and down the country on the issues facing the welfare state and the possible solutions that are out there. Solutions tailored to today’s problems will not be successful if they are bound by yesterday’s policies.”
Notes to editors
- John Hutton’s speech is available on the DWP website: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/aboutus/2007/26-03-07.asp
- David Freud’s review, published on Monday 05 March 2007, was commissioned by John Hutton in December 2006. A copy of David Freud’s review can be found at: http://www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2007/welfarereview.pdf
Media enquires: 020 3267 5120
Press office: 020 3267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk