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Devolution: Wales

Answer

My ministerial colleagues and I are in regular contact with ministers in the Welsh Government about a range of matters relevant to Wales. My department continues to work closely with the Welsh Government on changes to Department for Work and Pensions responsibilities relevant to the Welsh Government.Two changes to the benefit system will lead to the transfer of funding to the Welsh Government to implement schemes which in England will be administered by local authorities.Firstly, council tax benefit is being abolished and the Welsh Government will be funded to bring forward a replacement scheme in Wales.Secondly, the Welfare Reform Bill 2011 abolishes the discretionary social fund, introduces payments on account to replace crisis loan alignment payments and eventually budgeting loans. It also paves the way for the delivery of new local provision to replace community care grants and crisis loans for general living expenses. The Welsh Government will be funded to bring forward replacement arrangements. The Minister for Welfare Reform has met Leighton Andrews, Welsh Minister for Education and Skills to discuss issues including council tax benefit and the social fund on 21 March 2012. The Minister for Pensions, has been in contact with Carl Sargeant, Welsh Minister for Local Government and Communities, to keep him fully informed of progress with respect to developments on the social fund. The devolved administrations will determine the most appropriate arrangements for Wales and Scotland.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

102194; 543 c250-1W

Session

2010-12

Subjects

Devolution Departmental responsibilities Department for Work and Pensions Wales

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk