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Welfare Reform Bill

There has of course been engagement with the Department of Health in developing the proposals, but I shall try to get a more detailed response for the noble Baroness before I finish. I can reassure noble Lords that a positive test result will not be used in isolation to decide that a claimant is a problem drug user, and it would never on its own lead to a requirement to comply with a rehabilitation plan. If the test result is positive, they will be directed to attend a further appointment for assessment. If a person fails to take part in a drug test without good cause, they may be subject to a benefit sanction, but they will have a right to appeal against that. The remaining amendments focus on the rehabilitation plan, which is a key component of the new drugs programme. The rehabilitation plan will be a single document which will integrate treatment plans with the other steps that a claimant needs to take to move towards gaining work. It will be drawn up between the employment support provider and the claimant. Not all drug users will be required to follow a rehabilitation plan. It will apply only where a claimant has a dependency on, or a propensity to misuse drugs; this is a factor affecting their ability to obtain or remain in work; and their condition requires and is susceptible to treatment. However, where those criteria are met they will be required to agree a rehabilitation plan and do their best to make progress against it. If they fail to do so without good cause they may be subject to benefit sanction.