Welfare Reform Bill: Shaw Trust comment

As the largest provider of employment opportunities for disabled people within the UK, Shaw Trust welcomes the new Welfare Reform Bill.

We see it as a substantial step forward in assisting people with disabilities or illnesses into employment and out of the welfare benefit trap.

We are particularly pleased to see a far greater role for Third Sector organisations detailed in the bill.  Experience and study has shown that clients are more comfortable dealing with Third Sector organisations, which are extremely efficient at achieving positive outcomes.

The advantages of such organisations are that they are flexible, innovative, highly cost-effective, and above all they are values-driven, seeking always to put the service user at the heart of delivery. 

However, we are concerned over funding of the programmes detailed in the bill.  Research by Shaw Trust and the National Audit Office indicates that both the economy and the exchequer benefit from the return of benefit clients to the world of work. 

As such, there is a clear argument for as great an investment in this field as possible.  Shaw Trust would welcome movement on the proposition to use these savings identified within Annually Managed Expenditure (AME) to fund the Departmental Expenditure Limit (DEL) in its efforts to fund Pathways to Work delivery.

For further information please contact Julian Burnell at Shaw Trust:
Telephone: 07725 307988
Email: Julian.Burnell@shaw-trust.org.uk