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Welfare Reform Bill

It is very disappointing that the language of the Bill does not appear to reflect the policy intended in the White Paper. As the noble Baroness, Lady Campbell, said, it certainly does not give the impression that the Government are now focusing on disabled people being in charge of their own futures. It still looks as though they are having decisions made for them, albeit after consultation. If anyone exemplifies someone who is in charge of her own life, it is the noble Baroness, Lady Campbell. I urge the Government to listen to what she says in this area as she is the expert. Gone are the days when many disabled people were content to sit back and let other people run their lives. The changes proposed in the amendment are crucial to reflect the changed climate in which these provisions are being brought forward. We support the amendments most strongly.