Welfare Reform Bill
George Hollingbery welcomes simplification of the benefits system.
George Hollingbery (Meon Valley) (Con): The right hon. Gentleman makes a persuasive case on the detail-clearly a lot of it remains to be found, but this is a confusing and complex matter. Will he admit that the current system is unsustainably complicated? There are 8,600 pages of guidance on benefits administration at the DWP and 2,000 pages for local government, and there are 30 different benefits to administer. Change is required. If we have a framework and consult widely, we will have a better system.
Mr Byrne: The Opposition want welfare reform that sticks. When so many details are unclear, the danger is that the Bill will unravel progressively as it comes into effect.
