User:Bodnotbod/Inapacity benefit

This page is where I shall draft an article on the proposed welfare reform of incapacity benefit which should prove to be immensely controversial as it goes through Parliament. I'm inspired to follow this as I've enjoyed following the Terrorism Bill 2005 (which I shall continue to work on).


 * Queen's Speech 2004: "My Government will continue with legislation to provide a statutory framework for dealing with the financial, health and welfare decisions of those people who might lack capacity through mental illness or disability."


 * Queen's Speech 2005: "My government will continue its reform of the welfare state, in order to reduce poverty further, offer greater equality, and match rights with responsibilities. My government will introduce legislation to reform support for housing costs. A bill will be introduced to establish benefits which will facilitate a return to employment, while offering long-term support for those unable to work."


 * Labour Party Manifesto 2005: "We will help people who can work into rehabilitation and eventually into employment, recognising the practical assistance to disabled people of the Access to Work scheme.We will build on the successful Pathways to Work programme and reform Incapacity Benefit, with the main elements of the new benefit regime in place from 2008.The majority of claimants with more manageable conditions will be required to engage in both work-focused interviews and in activity to help them prepare for a return to work.Those with the most severe conditions will also be encouraged to engage in activity and should receive more money than now.We will continue to welcome new independent and voluntary sector partners to provide job-seeking services."