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Proceeding contribution from Baroness Lister of Burtersett (Labour) in the House of Lords on Wednesday, 23 November 2011. It occurred during Debate on bill and Committee proceeding on Welfare Reform Bill.


Welfare Reform Bill

I know that I have already spoken once but I want to ask a question now rather than jump up while the Minister is speaking, because I do not think that we have covered it so far. It is about free school meals. I believe it has been made clear that free school meals as an in-kind benefit will not be taken into account as a benefit received for the cap. However, the Government are currently consulting through the Social Security Advisory Committee about how such passported benefits should be treated with the universal credit. Has the Social Security Advisory Committee been advised about what would happen if it were to recommend that free school meals should become part of universal credit cash payment? Would that bit be treated as separate so that it is not taken as part of the cap, as it would be if it were still paid in kind, or would it be treated as income for the cap? That could be quite an issue in determining whether noble Lords want to support payment in kind or in cash. If the Minister will cover that in his response, I shall be very grateful.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
732 c411GC 
Session
2010-12
Chamber / Committee
House of Lords Grand Committee
Subjects
Children Benefits rules Women Housing benefit Jobseeker's allowance Income support Overpayments Offenders Maintenance Payments Prisoners Social security benefits Repayments Employment and support allowance Universal credit
Legislation
Welfare Reform Bill 2010-12
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk