Consultation
26.In July 2008 the consultation No one written off: reforming welfare to reward responsibility (Cm 7363) was published setting out proposals for welfare reform.  At the end of the consultation period, and following the publication of an independent review of conditionality in the benefits system by Professor Paul Gregg Realising potential: A vision for personalised conditionality and support, the White Paper Raising expectations and increasing support: reforming welfare for the future (Cm 7506) was published.
27.In Northern Ireland 100 copies of the consultation paper were issued to a broad spectrum of interested groups, individuals and various political parties as well as the Social Development Committee. Nine replies were received and most were broadly supportive of the thrust of the proposals – the aim to reduce unemployment levels and reduce and eliminate child poverty, the simplification of the benefits system and greater parental responsibility for maintenance payments for those living apart. The comments were considered in developing the provisions of the Welfare Reform Act 2009 and the Welfare Reform Act (Northern Ireland) 2010.