Government consultation on welfare reform includes IPPR idea of Single Working Age Benefit

This is a simple flat rate benefit that would give all working age claimants the same level of replacement income, regardless of whether they were jobseekers, lone parents, unwell or disabled. The extra costs system would be revamped to ensure people with additional needs, like some disabled people and carers, had support with these costs through a streamlined system.

IPPR's Deputy Director, Kate Stanley, co-author of the paper which proposed the Single Working Age Benefit, said:

'This is yet another example of how through good research and creative ideas ippr is able to influence government thinking. In its early weeks the Coalition Government has shown that it is prepared to completely rethink areas of policy. Some of their proposals we disagree with, others we welcome - but at all times we will be looking to influence the future shape of policy through constructive engagement.'

Links
ippr's original press release, ippr welcomes more simplicity in benefits system but questions effectiveness of reforms on their own (30 July 2010)

The Department for Work and Pensions' consultation document

Kate Stanley's article for Guardian Comment is Free, Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reform deserves support (30 July 2010)

One For All: Active welfare and the single working-age benefit, by Dr Roy Sainsbury and Kate Stanley (July 2007)