Member

Universal credit has succeeded in reducing unemployment benefit claims and moving people into work by providing support and strict job-search conditions. However, the incentives in the sickness benefit system, particularly the limited capacity for work-related activity allowance—the so-called LCWRA category—have led to individuals receiving significant support without any meaningful obligation to re-engage with the workforce. So, I should like to touch briefly on welfare reform proposals and the delays. Here, I diverge from the views of the noble Baroness, Lady Lister, and one or two others who have spoken. The Government have picked up from where we left off with the opportunity for substantial reform. Suggestions in the media about scrapping the LCWRA category, abolishing the work capability assessment or introducing a duty to engage—if that is the way it is described—with work coaches are certainly encouraging.