DWP benefits system changes under Pat McFadden, Digi Mart USA News: Pat McFadden has confirmed that some changes to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) benefits system are already underway as the Labour Party government works to address the NEET crisis, referring to young people not in education, employment or training. He made the comments to ITV while visiting Copenhagen, Denmark.
Mr McFadden is in Scandinavia to analyze the country’s benefits model. Asked what more immediate steps were being taken, he cited three things: “We are acting now – we’ve changed the universal credit rules.
We’re acting on fraud and error. We’ve changed the rules in the Motability scheme.
So, there are things that we’re doing now.”
He also said two significant reports are expected in the coming weeks from Alan Milburn and Stephen Timms on different parts of the benefits system. Mr McFadden suggested the government’s response to those reviews would be to bring forward new legislation in Parliament.
“When they come out, we will respond to them. I expect us to legislate next year, so we’ll be taking action in the near future in response to those reports,” he said.
On funding, Mr McFadden said: “Well, we’ve started [investment]. We’re putting £2.5billion in over the next few years.
There is more investment in employment support for long-term disabled people of all ages through Pathways to Work. So I agree that you need to invest, and we are doing that.” He acknowledged that there is always debate about money and said he would make the case for investment in the forthcoming spending review, adding that the picture would become clearer over time.
Mr McFadden said the government needed to move past the events of last year. “I think we have to turn the page on what happened last year.
I hope we’re having a different conversation now about what the system is for. Are we spending too much on consequences and not enough on opportunity?
How can we change that equation? Where should we really be putting our effort?”
He added that since Andy Burnham became Prime Minister, the discussion has included what the national government should do compared with what should be handled locally through mayors or other forms of local government. “When the [welfare] reports come out, we will bring forward legislative proposals next year, and of course Parliament is going to have to decide on them.
I’ll make the case, but you’re right: ultimately, Parliament will have to decide.”
Mr McFadden concluded: “It’s not going to work like that. What we’re going to have to do is change the way the system works so that it gives people a future, not just an income.”
