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Proceeding contribution from Lord McKenzie of Luton (Labour) in the House of Lords on Monday, 22 June 2009. It occurred during Committee proceeding and Debate on bill on Welfare Reform Bill.


Welfare Reform Bill

I acknowledge that. This is why it is useful to have these exchanges. We need to reflect on how we can seek to address those fears genuinely and explain fully to people what is intended. I acknowledged that these can be sensitive times for people, particularly those who are vulnerable. I have dealt with the point about the safety net. My noble friend Lady Turner also said that it was inevitable that we would use the powers in the Bill as a stepping stone to applying full JSA conditionality to all groups. I stress that this is not the case; we acknowledge that some groups on income support have significant responsibilities that should take priority over actively seeking work, and there is no intention to introduce full JSA conditionality for those groups until they are in a position to benefit from an increased level of activity. I have dealt with the position of carers and the fundamental reason why we seek to support this provision. On the basis of what I have said, I hope that the noble Baroness will withdraw the amendment and that Clause 7 will stand part of the Bill.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
711 c402GC 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Staff Disability Childcare Carers Advisory services Childminding Women Employment Jobseeker's allowance Income support Jobcentres Domestic abuse Interviews Income Jobcentre Plus Earnings rules Home education Mental illness Medical treatments Pilot schemes Parents Lone parents Social security benefits Social security Welfare tax credits Schools Special educational needs Training Unemployed people Labour market Employment and support allowance
Legislation
Welfare Reform Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk