United Kingdom reforms

The United Kingdom, via David Freud, who was advisor to the Secretary for Work and Pensions but defected to the conservatives in early 2009, has probably been the most innovative in thinking about welfare reforms but slow to act on those ideas. 

Single parent benefits

The main reforms currently underway involve gradually lowering the age of the youngest child before work-testing applies to Income Support (previously Lone Parent benefit). The age reduced to 10 in October 2009 and will reduce to 7 in October 2010.

Incapacity benefits

New claimants for an Incapacity benefit (now called Employment and Support Allowance) face a rigorous work capacity assessment. So far 38 percent have been assessed fit to work and put on the unemployment benefit (Job Seekers Allowance).

<http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2010/january-2010/dwp009-10-190110.shtml>
<http://research.dwp.gov.uk/asd/workingage/esa_wca.asp>

Existing Incapacity claimants will be moved over and tested later in 2010.

A proposal to drug-test claimants suspected of drug abuse, and ensuing requirement to attend motivational planning aimed at reducing or eliminating their habit is also under consultation.

<http://www.dwp.gov.uk/newsroom/press-releases/2010/march-2010/dwp045-10-150310.shtml>