Welfare Reform Bill

Page 53, line 20, at end insert—

“(5A) Where amounts are reallocated to local government, in accordance with subsection (5), the Secretary of State shall put in place appropriate mechanisms to—

(a) ensure that the quality of service offered to claimants does not significantly differ across the country;

(b) ensure that the level of awards made to claimants does not significantly differ across the country;

(c) ensure that there is a uniform national appeals process in place; and

(d) provide for an independent review of decisions taken by local authorities.”