House of Commons Reverses Welfare Amendments

The Government has rejected changes made to the controversial Welfare Reform Bill in the House of Lords. The House of Lords made a number of amendments to the Bill, including excluding child benefits from the £26,000 cap on annual benefits.

However, the Government reversed this, and other amendments, and will now use a rule allowing the Commons to decide on bills with large financial implications to prevent any further amendments. The Bill represents the biggest revamp of the benefits system for 60 years.

Critics claim the reforms will have a major impact on vulnerable unemployed benefits claimants, such as the sick and disabled. The Labour Party has said it will consult lawyers over the legality of the Government’s tactics.