Plan to set local benefit levels
Author: The Guardian - Sep 6, 2009
Controversial plans to decentralise the welfare state by giving councils the right to set their own regional levels of benefit are being considered by the Tories.
The ideas, floated under the John Major government in 1995 but rejected as too radical, are being examined as part of David Cameron's push to devolve as much power as possible to the local level and away from Whitehall. They would mean councils being handed a lump sum from Whitehall to spend as they want on welfare and employment programmes, rather than the entire system being driven centrally, with uniform benefit levels being set nationally.
Last night Lord Hanningfield, a Tory spokesman on business in the Lords and leader of Essex County Council, said the changes would mean money being spent more efficiently and according to local needs. "From David Cameron down, I think everyone believes this sort of thing should be looked at," he said.
His preference would be for local authorities to determine for themselves how much should be spent on benefits and employment programmes, and who would be eligible. Councils would be free to set benefit levels according to people's ages and the local cost of living. "The cost of living is far higher in Essex, say, than it is in Cornwall, so people do not need the same level of benefit," he said. "And someone who is 17 does not need the same amount as someone who is 30."
Related Pages
Future Models of Public Service Delivery
Community groups to be helped to bid for council services
Councils agree payment-by-results scheme for troubled families
PluggedIn: Social media and councils
Over 60% of commissioning groups to be led by former PCT staff
Breathing new life into regeneration
by Alex Thomson, The MJ
Let the local authority clamour for more devolved power begin
by Steven Howell (in the Guardian, Public Leaders Network)
Local regeneration is about economic and social wellbeing
by Alex Thomson (in the Guardian, Local Government Network)
England's new mayors prove a force for good
by Alex Thomson (in The MJ)
Crossing the border
Posted in Structures, Collaborations and Working Across Borders
What can elected mayors do for our cities?
Posted in Local Government Management and Organisation
Credit Where Credit's Due
Posted in Local Government Finance
A New Era for Council Housing?
Posted in Planning, Housing and Economic Development
Pensions: Infrastructure Investment Conference
[Jun 26, 2012]
Report Launch: Grow Your Own Way
[May 23, 2012]
Report Launch: Credit Where Credit's Due
[Mar 5, 2012]
Blue Labour and the Politics of Place
[Feb 9, 2012]
- "Localis is fast gaining a reputation for pre-empting the localist agenda, producing thought provoking research and practical policy ideas"Anthony Seldon, author and political commentator
- "Localis’ commitment to decentralisation crosses party boundaries, and their research illuminates policy problems with new practical thinking"Prof George Jones, LSE
- "Localis offers a great blend of a passion for innovation, grounded practical ideas and unswerving belief in the possibilities of local governance"Derek Myers, Chief Executive, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea
