Question
Restricting access to public funds to those with settlement rights will most likely require primary legislation. When will such a Bill be brought forward?
Answer
The Government are not restricting benefits for those with settlement rights. The right hon. Gentleman is absolutely right that not only does that require primarily legislation, but it would create two-tier settlement rights. The rules on no access to public funds apply before somebody can achieve settlement to make sure that those who have had to fall on the state to seek assistance are still working for a period before they apply for settlement.
Verdict: GREEN (76/100)
The reply directly answers the question: the Government says it is not restricting benefits for people who already hold settlement rights. It explains why it will not bring forward a Bill on this, pointing to the legal complexity and the two-tier settlement system such a change would create. It does not give a timetable, but the position is stated clearly enough that most askers could move on without needing to resubmit the question.
How we got there
| Question item | Coverage | Specificity | Rationale |
|---|---|---|---|
| When the Government intends to bring forward a Bill to restrict access to public funds to those with settlement rights. | Addressed | Direct | The reply effectively declines the premise: it states the Government is not restricting benefits for those with settlement rights, notes such a change would primarily require legislation and would create two-tier settlement rights, and explains that the no-public-funds rules operate before settlement, with a work requirement before applying. This gives a clear reason for not bringing forward such a Bill, which answers the item even though it does not give a timetable. |