The proposals include introducing a more streamlined benefits system based on just two working-age benefits - the Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker’s Allowance – placing new conditions on drug mis-users and piloting a ‘work for your benefit’ scheme for long-term unemployed people.
At an event today in Newcastle Mr Purnell met with over 100 stakeholders from across the welfare-to-work spectrum to thank them for participating and taking time to respond to the consultation.
Over the coming weeks all of the responses will be read and evaluated before bringing forward the Welfare Reform Bill in the next parliamentary session.
The initial feedback shows that many of the key planks of reform suggested in the green paper No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility, have been broadly welcomed. These include:
Mr Purnell said:
"We cannot repeat the mistakes of the past and abandon another generation to a life on benefits.
“In the current economic circumstances, some concern has been expressed about whether this is the right time to press ahead with a radical reform of welfare.
“I believe that there is no better time - when it is harder to find a job, we must work harder to help people.
"I have been particularly struck by the number of responses and the range of individuals and organisations who have taken the time to contribute their views.
"Not everyone has agreed with everything, of course, but I want to thank everyone who has taken part."
The public consultation – which finished on Wednesday - has generated considerable interest.
Over 1,000 direct replies to the consultation have been received, a quarter of which have been from organisations such as charities, trade unions and private sector companies representing hundreds of thousands of people.
Ministers from the Department for Work and Pensions have also travelled the length and breadth of the country to discuss the proposals with organisations, staff and members of the public.
They have visited Scotland, Wales and every English region.
A number of round-table discussions and conferences with key groups have been held, as well as a series of ministerial webchats and internet forums which have received thousands of visits and posts. The green paper web page has received nearly 50,000 visits.
A full summary of responses to the consultation, together with the government's next steps on welfare reform, will be published within the next three months. We will be working closely with all stakeholder groups as we develop these proposals further.
Media Enquiries 0203 267 5123
DWP Press Office: 0203 267 5144
Out of hours: 07659 108 883
Website: www.dwp.gov.uk
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