Fourth Report - The Benefits System in Wales

Select Committee
Welsh Affairs Committee HC 337 17 March 2022
Report Status Government responded
Conclusions & Recommendations 33 items (15 recs)
Government Response (AI assessment · 23 of 33 classified)

Recommendations

5 results
5 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 … Read more
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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18 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. Read more
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 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 … Read more
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 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 … Read more
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 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 … Read more
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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