Welfare reform
Following a series of consultation events with our membership, we submitted a detailed response to the Government Green Paper 'No-one Written Off - reforming welfare to reward responsibility'. We welcomed proposals to improve links between JobCentres and local drug services and to provide individualised support to help people with drug problems into education, training and employment. We expressed serious concerns about other aspects of the proposals, particularly the threat of benefit sanctions to underpin a new welfare regime for problem drug users.
Transcript of DrugScope evidence to the Welfare Reform Bill Scrutiny Committee
DrugScope's Chief Executive Martin Barnes, and Director of Policy, Dr Marcus Roberts gave oral evidence to the Scrutiny Committee considering the Welfare Reform Bill (10th February 2009). A Hansard record of the session is available here (scroll to '11.54 am - Q24').
Video of DrugScope before the Welfare Reform Bill Committee
A video recording of DrugScope's oral evidence to the Welfare Reform Bill Scruitiny Committee is currently available on the parliamentlive.tv website. The session on the specific measures for problem drugs users begins at 01.25 mins.
DrugScope's proposals for amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill
DrugScope amendments
(PDF 114KB)
Note: Information on the progress of the Welfare Reform Bill is on the parliament.uk website here.
