Welfare Reform in Scotland

The Welfare Reform Bill promises a radical overhaul to the way benefits are calculated, administered and distributed, with the aim of improving work incentives, simplifying the system and delivering vital savings.
The reforms, including the introduction of a Universal Credit, have massive implication for Scotland’s devolved services, citizens and policies. Capita’s 2nd National Welfare Reform in Scotland Conference provides a valuable opportunity to consider the impact of changes on citizens and service demand, and prepare your organisation for the new benefit system.

Featuring an expert speaker line-up, this event focuses on the key themes including:

• Implementation plans for Welfare Reform and the Universal Credit
• Protecting vulnerable groups including disabled people, tenants in receipt of housing benefits and disadvantaged families
• Improving employment outcomes for claimants and the progress of the Work Programme

With the Welfare Reform Bill expected to receive Royal Assent in January 2012, don’t miss your chance to keep up-to-date and learn how to adapt your services to the changes ahead. Attend to ensure you understand your role in reducing benefit dependency, eradicating poverty and championing employment outcomes.

• Hear from the DWP on the UK Government’s vision for Welfare Reform and get to grips with the arrangements for Universal Credit
• Participate in discussions with Scottish Government and leading experts to increase your understanding of how the changes will affect different groups and services across Scotland
• Explore how disabled people, their families and carers will be affected by the change to Personal Independence Payments (PIP)
• Keep up-to-date with how housing costs and direct payments will impact on housing policy and tenants
• Look at how social and employerled approaches can address the barriers and support the transition into employment
• Understand how the Work Programme is being rolled out in Scotland and how services will help more people into long-term employment
• Examine how advice services will ensure citizens understand the new welfare system and have the skills to manage payments and earned income