Welcome to August’s edition of the West London Working Provider Confederation Bulletin.

The Government has published a paper outlining options for structural reform of the benefits system. A consultation on the proposals will run until 1 October. The reforms are intended to simplify the existing system, make it less open to fraud, and increase incentives to work.

The paper sets out examples of what a reformed system might look like, including models put forward by thinktanks such as the Institute for Public Policy Research and the Institute for Fiscal Studies. These include:

• A Single Working Age Benefit - a universal entitlement which is non-means-tested for the first 12 weeks of unemployment. There would be separate provision for extra costs, and tax credits would remain the same.
• A Universal Credit – existing benefits and tax credits to be integrated into one payment.

New computer software is expected to make it possible to adjust benefits payments on a monthly basis in line with changes in income.  

You can comment on or respond to the consultation online, by clicking here.

BIS has published two consultation documents on skills policy. The first, Skills for Sustainable Growth, outlines a skills strategy for the UK. Responses are invited on topics including:

• how to optimise private investment in skills
• how to simplify the skills system
• how to improve access to careers information, advice and guidance
• how to hold colleges and training organisations to account for their performance
• how to ensure the skills system is responsive to employer needs

http://interactive.bis.gov.uk/comment/skills/

The second consultation document seeks views on how to simplify the funding system and methodology for post-19 further education and training.

http://www.bis.gov.uk/FE-funding-consultation

The consultations are both open until 14 October.

In the last e-bulletin we highlighted the announcements from the Coalition Government about the Work Programme. Since then DWP launched a discussion facility and have published a questions and answers log – click here for more details.

Ingeus has been awarded the contract to deliver the West London Sustained Employment Programme (to be renamed), funded by London Development Agency and West London Working. The programme will be delivered across the six West London boroughs and will run for 2 years from October 1st. 2,000 economically inactive residents will be supported, with 600 people registering on the programme for 1:1 and training support into sustained employment.

The programme will target Incapacity Benefit claimants, lone parents (with a child under 7) and partners in low-income households who have been out of work for 12 months or longer.

Ingeus will be working in partnership with five local subcontractors across West London. Ingeus will deliver in Brent, Ealing and Hammersmith and Fulham, with Catalyst Community Housing covering Harrow, Adult Training Network in Hounslow and P3 in Hillingdon. Ingeus will also work with Open Age to support over 50s accessing the provision and Urban Futures to help clients into employment at Heathrow Airport.

Ingeus is keen to establish referral routes with local partners and ensure that the service meets the needs of West London's most disadvantaged communities. If you would like to discuss how to refer people to the programme and how to work in partnership with Ingeus, please contact Ronan Smyth on rsmyth@ingeus.co.uk or on 07812 203492.