Policy Overview

The UK Government's Welfare Reform Bill follows the consultation paper, 21st Century Welfare published in July 2010 and a White Paper launched in November 2010.

The Bill introduces a Universal Credit (UC), a new integrated working age benefit that will replace the following existing benefits.

• Working Tax Credit
• Child Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

• Disability Living Allowance to be replaced by Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

Other reforms include changes to discretionary elements of the Social Fund and devolving Council Tax Benefit to Scottish Parliament.

It is likely that the Bill will conclude its legislative passage in early 2012, with some of the proposed changes starting in 2013.

Follow the progress of the UK Government's Welfare Reform Bill