Welfare benefit simplification
Encyclopedia
also known as Universal Benefit, Single Benefit, Core Benefit, Single Core Benefit
With the general complexity of welfare systems, there are occasional requests for simplification of welfare systems.
The general aim is to head towards a simple system of benefits. This may also include a simplified system based on the individual rather than on identifiable groups reflecting the reasons for welfare assistance (e.g., unemployed, incapacity).
Work and Pensions Committee has announced an inquiry to "examine the feasibility of simplifying the UK benefit system".
Particular areas of interest are likely to include:
In the late 1980s Minister of Social Welfare Dr Michael Cullen announced the then Labour Government’s intention to move to a universal benefit. The Labour government subsequently lost the next election and the policy was dropped by the incoming National government.
In 2001 the Labour-led government began its overhaul of social welfare with Pathways to Opportunity. Its aims were to:
On October 26, 2006 the Labour-led government announced a number of changes to the welfare system.. The changes include continuing to align rules and criteria of different benefits.
With the general complexity of welfare systems, there are occasional requests for simplification of welfare systems.
The general aim is to head towards a simple system of benefits. This may also include a simplified system based on the individual rather than on identifiable groups reflecting the reasons for welfare assistance (e.g., unemployed, incapacity).
United Kingdom
The British House of CommonsBritish House of Commons
The House of Commons is the lower house of the Parliament of the United Kingdom, which also comprises the Sovereign and the House of Lords . Both Commons and Lords meet in the Palace of Westminster. The Commons is a democratically elected body, consisting of 650 members , who are known as Members...
Work and Pensions Committee has announced an inquiry to "examine the feasibility of simplifying the UK benefit system".
Particular areas of interest are likely to include:
- the consequences of historical benefit changes and reform on the current system
- the effectiveness of the Benefits Simplification Unit, progress of the Department for Work and PensionsDepartment for Work and PensionsThe Department for Work and Pensions is the largest government department in the United Kingdom, created on June 8, 2001 from the merger of the employment part of the Department for Education and Employment and the Department of Social Security and headed by the Secretary of State for Work and...
Simplification Plan and implications of the Freud review - international examples, where benefit systems have been reformed and/or developed to retain relative simplicity
New Zealand
Also known as Working New ZealandIn the late 1980s Minister of Social Welfare Dr Michael Cullen announced the then Labour Government’s intention to move to a universal benefit. The Labour government subsequently lost the next election and the policy was dropped by the incoming National government.
In 2001 the Labour-led government began its overhaul of social welfare with Pathways to Opportunity. Its aims were to:
- create a simpler system
- make work pay and investing in people
- support families and children
- ensure mutual responsibilities
- build partnerships
- tackle poverty and social exclusion
On October 26, 2006 the Labour-led government announced a number of changes to the welfare system.. The changes include continuing to align rules and criteria of different benefits.