The welfare system is about to change and the Government's proposals are radical.
The welfare system is about to change and the Government's proposals are radical.
The aim is to help more people off benefits and into work.
This means you will have the chance to have your comments included as part of the consultation.
The changes are complex but the main points are:
- Incapacity Benefit to be abolished by 2013.
- Income Support will also be scrapped.
- A simplified, two benfits system
- Employment Support Allowance for those with medical problems which limit their ability to work
- Jobseekers' Allowance for those who are fit to work.
- Unemployed drug users will be denied welfare money unless they accept treatment to help them break the habit.
- Lone parents with children aged seven or more will be expected to seek work.
The reforms signal a massive biggest shake-up of the modern welfare system.
James Purnell says the changes would put responsibility "right at the heart of the welfare state" and help transform the lives of millions of people across the country.
A full copy of the green paper can be found on the Department of Work and Pensions website.
NOW GET YOUR VOICE HEARD . . .
Mr Purnell wants your views and opinions.
So this is your chance to ask him about the new benefit proposals.
How will they affect you?
Will the new system be fairer for all?
Will new rules make the benefits system more effective?
Just fill in the form below and we'll do the rest.
The top 10 readers' questions will be sent to Mr Purnell and the answers carried next week online.
