Proceeding contribution from Lord Freud (Conservative) in the House of Lords on Thursday, 6 October 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Welfare Reform Bill.

Welfare Reform Bill

We expect the universal credit to be treated as social assistance, which is within the rules, so we can keep a reasonable amount of control over it. This is something that is causing great concern to countries throughout Europe. The European Commission is taking infraction proceedings against us. Twenty members have expressed strong concern. Fourteen member states have joined the UK in calling for a debate on the matter with a view to amending EU social security rules as soon as possible. This is a live and changing issue but currently, as we understand it—nothing is locked down in this area—we have designed the universal credit in a way that it is protected from some of the exportability concerns. That is our intention.

Secondary information

Type: Proceeding contribution
Reference: 730 c395-6GC
Session: 2010-12
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects: Council tax benefits Disability Disability living allowance Devolved matters Childcare Council tax Housing benefit Employment Jobseeker's allowance Eligibility Medical examinations Northern Ireland Scotland Social security benefits Wales Voucher schemes Universal credit
Legislation: Welfare Reform Bill 2010-12
Link: View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk

Welfare Reform Bill

Secondary information

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