Read the latest social welfare news from around the UK.
Universal Credit latest
UC to continue- Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb has said he is "absolutely committed" to the government's fagship Universal Credit reform.
'Stephen Crabb should restate and reclaim the role of UC in supporting more people into work and then boosting earnings, rather than being a source of savings for the Treasury to meet fiscal targets.' argues
Where to Get help with Council Tax Bills
Since Council Tax Benefit was abolished in 2013, a local system has been introduced of 'Council Tax Support or rebate'. Each council sets its own rules and these vary depending on where you live. The schemes often are amended each year. A website now allows you to check which schemes operate in each local authority area.
Free Benefit Rates Poster 2016/2017
If you would like a free colour hard copy, then please send an A4 SAE to 60 Strathmore Road, Horfield, Bristol BS7 9QJ. You will need to specify if you would like A3 or A4 size.
Universal Credit – more news
Numbers of claimants on on UC- 203,392 as of 11/2/2016. click here for the full statistics. 40% are in employment and around 10,000 new claims are being made each month.
Pip Points Change- Cancelled
Ian Duncan Smith resigned as Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on 18/3/2016 in protest at the proposed cuts in PIP. The government has now decided not to implement these changes The new Secretary of State is Stephen Crabb. Our revised guide to the Spring 2016 budget is available- click here.
Drug Dependency and Being Sick
Caselaw has confirmed that drug dependancy or alcohol dependency may count as 'specific disease or bodily or mental disablement' and therefore towards passing the medical tests associated with ESA.
Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 Passed
The Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 introduces changes to the benefits system such as-
New State Pension Introduced
The New State Pension is being Introduced for people reaching pensionable age on or after 6 April 2016. The pension is set at maximum of £155.65(but only 13% will receive this, the rest getting less). Generally it is often more generous than the current provision.
get your At a glance Guide to Benefit Changes in the Spring Budget 2016
Click here for your At a glance Guide to Benefit Changes in the Spring Budget 2016
UC Roll Out and No Transitional Protection
New Dates announced for the Universal Credit Digital Service area expansion-
No Phones in Job Centres
The government said in response to the following question ... whether telephones with a direct connection to the universal credit helpline are available to use free of charge in every job centre. 'We no longer have customer access phones in Jobcentres.
Benefit Cap Change Delayed
The Benefit cap is being reduced to- £20,000(yearly) in benefit (£13,400 for single adults with no dependent children) for clients outside of Greater London and £23,000 (£15,410 for single adults with no dependent children)for those in Greater London.
The new levels are now expected to launch from Autumn 2016 with roll- out completed by 2017.
Mandatory Reconsideration- Have Your Say
The Social Security Advisory Committee would like to hear your views by 15/3/2016 on whether Mandatory Reconsideration is working well.
Confusion "rife" over New State Pension, say MPs
The Work and Pensions Committee's report on the New State Pension has called on the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) to make urgent changes to the information they are sending to people reaching retirement age. This information relates to the new single tier pension from April 2016.
Join our Members' Area
quote code soc 205 Code valid until 14 2 2016 Join our Members' Area- reduced rate offer! (offer applies to renewals also) Click here for a form.