Welfare Reform and Work Bill Report Stage: Clause 1, 4, 7 and 8, House of Lords 25 January 2016
The Equality and Human Rights Commission welcomes the aim of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill to encourage and help more people to work (where they are able to).
However, we have concerns that some of the measures in the Bill could exacerbate, rather than reduce, existing inequalities and that they may undermine progress towards fulfilment of the UK's obligations under national and international human rights law.
The Commission has already raised concern that the impact assessments and human rights memorandum which accompany the Bill do not fully assess the effect of the Bill on equality and human rights. This may make it difficult for Parliamentarians to properly consider the Bill’s implications.
This briefing supports Amendment 1 which would insert a New Clause after Clause 1, Amendment 2* which would insert a New Clause before Clause 4, and Amendments 8 and 11 to Clause 4.
It also supports Amendment 24 to Clause 7 and Government Amendments 29 and 30 to Clause 8 of the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.
Last Updated: 25 Jan 2016