Welfare Reform Bill

That is an expression that noble Lords may have heard me use before, because all politicians are temporary at all times, so the noble Lord, Lord McKenzie, should not take that remark amiss. As I said, I thought that she made a far better fist of it; perhaps it is easier the second time around and easier also for officials to get behind the purport of my sometimes rather obscure questions. If they are obscure, I apologise. I am also very pleased that the noble Baroness offered to write a letter setting out in a slightly abbreviated form what she has just said; for example, that the support entitlement and residual capability will be comprised in the shape of one interview. That is important. I do not think any of us understood that; I most certainly did not. I am delighted to hear that decision-makers are civil servants. I am not sure that many people in jobcentres would appreciate reading the noble Baroness’s extemporary remarks describing them as ““techies””, but be that as it may. The more complex decisions in benefit delivery centres are not to be contracted out, and that is a great relief. I am also delighted about the flexibility of the interview timing, which, as I pointed out when I spoke originally, many people feel is extremely important, whether it is to be extensive or intensive. Different people will have different views and different needs, and I am glad that the department appreciates that. I think that I finally have this matter straight and, on that basis, I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.