Fourth Report - The Benefits System in Wales
Select Committee
Welsh Affairs Committee
HC 337
17 March 2022
Government response
The Benefits System in Wales: Government response to the Committee’s Fourth Report of Session 2021– 22, and correspondence from the Welsh Government · published 6 Jul 2022
Recommendations & Conclusions
8 results
5
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 81
The UK Government must urgently review the level at which Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is...
Recommendation
The UK Government must urgently review the level at which Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) is set. At only £96.35 per week, it is equivalent to only 20 per cent of the average wage—compared to 100 per cent in Germany and …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to review Statutory Sick Pay levels, stating that it is reviewed annually and that more than half of employees receive more than the statutory minimum from their employer. They are keeping the system under review.
Wales Office
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9
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 85
However, in light of concerns about the rising costs of living, there is a need...
Recommendation
However, in light of concerns about the rising costs of living, there is a need for a discussion about how to ensure benefits are adequate, affordable and sustainable. On the basis of the evidence presented there is a need for …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government rejects the recommendation for an urgent review of various benefit policies, stating they have constructive engagement channels with the Welsh Government already.
Wales Office
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10
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 86
It is clear that current benefit levels are inadequate.
Recommendation
It is clear that current benefit levels are inadequate. In the short term, the £20 uplift should be reintroduced at the Budget in March 2022 and extended to legacy benefits.
Government Response Summary
The UK Government rejects reintroducing the £20 uplift and extending it to legacy benefits, citing its temporary nature during the pandemic and providing over £37bn in support for the cost of living.
Wales Office
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17
Conclusion
Rejected
Para 117
We welcome the establishment of an Interministerial Group on Welfare, as part of the recently...
Conclusion
We welcome the establishment of an Interministerial Group on Welfare, as part of the recently published Review of Intergovernmental Relations. However, while this will provide an important forum for bringing together the four UK governments to discuss welfare and social …
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Government Response Summary
The UK Government rejects the need for a bilateral intergovernmental body for the UK and Welsh governments to engage on welfare policy, stating they already have constructive engagement channels.
Wales Office
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18
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 118
The two governments should establish a UK-Welsh government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on Social Security.
Recommendation
The two governments should establish a UK-Welsh government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on Social Security. Such a Board could build on the good examples of joint working which were seen during the pandemic. Minutes of its meetings should be published.
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to establish a UK-Welsh government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on Social Security, stating that existing engagement channels are sufficient.
Wales Office
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19
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 119
UK Government ministers should consult with the Welsh Government in advance of new social security...
Recommendation
UK Government ministers should consult with the Welsh Government in advance of new social security policies being implemented, especially in areas linked closely to devolved areas of competence such as housing and skills. The UK-Welsh government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to consult with the Welsh Government in advance of implementing new social security policies, stating that existing engagement channels are sufficient.
Wales Office
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32
Recommendation
Rejected
Para 161
It is important to make the distinction between devolving the administration of certain welfare benefits...
Recommendation
It is important to make the distinction between devolving the administration of certain welfare benefits and the wholescale devolution of welfare and we recommend that, as a first step, the UK-Welsh Government Inter-ministerial Advisory Board on Social Security should undertake …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the recommendation to assess devolving administration of benefits to Wales, stating it has no intention to devolve social security to the Welsh Government.
Wales Office
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33
Recommendation
Rejected
In the event of the Welsh Government submitting formal proposals to the UK Government, the...
Recommendation
In the event of the Welsh Government submitting formal proposals to the UK Government, the DWP should provide us with an update in 12 months regarding the nature and progress of its discussions with the Welsh Government. (Paragraph 162) The …
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Government Response Summary
The government rejects the premise of the recommendation, reiterating it has no intention to devolve social security to the Welsh Government.
Wales Office
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