In March 1998, the Government published its Green Paper on welfare reform, New ambitions for our country: A NEW CONTRACT FOR WELFARE (Cm 3805). This set out the framework to the Government’s programme of welfare reform, based on the Government’s central principle of work for those who can, and security for those who cannot.
Following publication of the Green Paper, the Government published consultation documents on fraud and a new approach to Child Support in July 1998. Further proposals were announced in Autumn 1998 for the reform of disability and bereavement benefits and the introduction of a Single Work-Focused Gateway (re-named “ONE”) to the benefits system.
The Pensions Green Paper, published in December 1998, proposed a new structure for pensions, including a new State Second Pension to reduce the extent to which low earners have to rely on means-tested benefits, and encouragement for higher earners to save and provide for themselves. Consultation on the proposals in the Pensions Green Paper ended on 31 March 1999.
Overview Background to the Act