Benefits: Eligibility

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Thursday 9th January 2025 Lords Chamber

[Lord Cryer (Lab)]

The noble Baroness raises a perfectly reasonable question. However, I point out that the mandatory reconsideration process was changed—this was under the previous Government, to give them credit. For one thing, it was brought in-house, whereas it used to be contracted out, and made more straightforward. More recently, as was contained in the White Paper which I talked about earlier, assessors have been given more time. The noble Baroness will be aware that, some time ago, there was a system of target-driven assessments. That is what led to the fairly inhumane treatment of people who were disabled. The system is not perfect—and through bitter personal experience I agree that it is not perfect. It has been improved, but we are looking to improve it further through the consultation in the spring.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, I want to follow on from the Question from the noble Viscount, Lord Younger. The Work and Pensions Secretary has said:

“If people repeatedly refuse to take up the training or work responsibilities, there will be sanctions on their benefits”.


Please can the Minister provide the House with a rough date for when he thinks we can expect to see these sanctions introduced?

[Lord Cryer (Lab)]

I appreciate the noble Earl’s question. The new regime of sanctions will not start to see the light of day until spring next year, with the Green Paper and the consultation, but sanctions are already in place.

I should correct one thing. I mentioned earlier the youth guarantee, in response to the noble Lord. I said that it applied to 18 to 24 year-olds, but it applies to 18 to 21 year-olds. I apologise for that error.