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Proceeding contribution from Lord McKenzie of Luton (Labour) in the House of Lords on Thursday, 22 October 2009. It occurred during Debate on bill on Welfare Reform Bill.


Welfare Reform Bill

That is exactly right—the requirement to do so will be set down, so that it is absolutely clear for people who have to operate these arrangements. We will not sanction customers if we believe that they have not understood the requirements on them, and customers have the right of appeal. But we have common cause with the noble Lord, Lord Freud, on this—that dealing with the matter other than in primary legislation is the best way. It gives us scope for flexibility if in due course we should want to change or enhance those requirements. The noble Lord, Lord Kirkwood, was right in saying that as regards sanctions, it will always be a decision-maker and always a Jobcentre Plus person who will ultimately deal with this. No contractors can take decisions to sanction people. Clearly, training is an important issue around that and we shall discuss it later. Clearly, issues around the number of cases of good cause should be part of a monitoring and evaluation process and I have no doubt that they will be. I hope that that explanation satisfies noble Lords and I commend the amendment. Amendment 17 agreed.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
713 c882 
Session
2008-09
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords chamber
Subjects
Disability Disability living allowance Childcare Consent to medical treatment Jobseeker's allowance Income support Domestic abuse Drugs Interviews Employment schemes Jobcentre Plus Mental illness Medical treatments Low incomes Misuse Lone parents Standards Reform Social security benefits Social security Social Fund State retirement pensions Training Work experience Unemployed people Sanctions Uprating Employment and support allowance
Legislation
Welfare Reform Bill 2008-09
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk