23
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Timetable for implementation
37.
As already explained, these proposals have emerged
as the result of informal consultations. At the same time,
there would clearly be presentational advantage in publishing
a full account of the proposals for public information and
comment. It is therefore proposed that there should be a
Green Paper on the programme of social security development
which would be published in November. It will be important
to make it clear in the Green Paper that the Government
recognises that the proposed sickness, injury and death
benefit scheme raises wide issues of public interest and that
the final decision on whether to go ahead with it will depend
on the public response to the Green Paper. It will also be
important to make it clear that, if the scheme did go ahead,
the Government intended to consult fully with those
representing employers and employees on the operational
details of the scheme, and modify them if it seemed desirable.
38 40. Subject to the response to the Green Paper, it is
proposed that the general aim should be to complete the
programme of development by the end of 1981. In detail,
provided there are no unexpected operational constraints, the
timetable is expected to be:-
October 1977
Apply simplified "test of
January 1978
April 1978
residence" in social security
(disability and infirmity allowance)
scheme
Establish social security appeal
board
Implement improvements in public
assistance scheme