The Welfare Reform Bill has now been passed in Parliament, after being 'ping-ponged' between the House of Commons and the House of Lords for several weeks, following rejections by peers.

The billl introduces an annual cap on benefits that can be received and makes changes to many types of payment. It will replace many benefits with a single Universal Credit.

The aim of the reforms is to simplify the benefits system and to "make work pay", however, concerns have been raised by children's groups and other organisations that the reforms will leave the most vulnerable people worse off financially. The Joint Committee on Human Rights has also published a new report warning that it will risk the right of disabled people to live independently.

The bill will now go forward to receive Royal Assent.

http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-12/welfarereform.html

http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/joint-select...

More information about welfare reform is available on the Department for Work and Pensions website.

http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/