Welfare reform

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United Response: Disability charity launches new easy read guide to living independently and managing money

The national disability charity, United Response, is launching a new free guide today to help people with learning disabilities, who want to live more independently, make financial decisions about their future.

PCS: Welfare plans mean 'big profits for big business'

Plans by the government to further 'open up' the welfare state will simply mean "big profits for big business" the Public and Commercial Services union says.

CML: Could welfare reform restrict housing supply?

As part of its drive to reform welfare, the government is insisting that housing benefit is paid directly to tenants. But tenants, consumer groups, landlords, lenders and providers of social housing are united in opposition, and are urging the government to re-consider.

Rethink: Liberal Democrats must vote to protect the vulnerable

The charity Rethink Mental Illness is calling on Liberal Democrats to vote in favor of a motion opposing aspects of the Welfare Reform Bill at their party conference tomorrow (Saturday 17 September).

Rethink: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) consultation

Rethink Mental Illness has submitted a response to the Department of Work and Pensions about proposed changes to Disability Living Allowance (DLA) as one of a group of mental health charities. The new benefit, called Personal Independence Payment (PIP), is currently being tested and a further draft of the proposals will be published in October, once testing is finished and responses to the consultation have been processed.

NHF: One in five Liberal Democrat voters set to desert party over government’s welfare reform programme

The Liberal Democrats are facing a substantial loss in their support because of the Government’s controversial plans to slash welfare payments – with 20% of those who voted for the party in 2010 saying they are less likely to back them at the next election, according to a new opinion poll.

TACT: The Welfare Reform Bill should consider the contribution made by long-term foster carers

The Welfare Reform Bill that is presently before Parliament will introduce fundamental changes to the benefits that people receive. During all the debates, both inside and outside Parliament the interests of one small but significant group of people have been ignored: foster carers.

NASUWT: Details of Pension Tax laid bare

Commenting on the publication of the consultation documents on increases to pension contributions of teachers and other public service workers in England and Wales, Chris Keates, General Secretary of the NASUWT, the largest teachers’ union, said.

NUT comment re proposed pension increases

Commenting on the Government’s consultation on proposed pension contribution increase for 2012- 13, Christine Blower, General Secretary of the National Union of Teachers, the largest teachers’ union said.

PCS: Government undermining pensions negotiations

PCS says the government's announcement this morning about public sector pension contributions makes a mockery of the ongoing negotiations and proves that the government is determined to make people pay more and work longer in return for smaller pensions.

Friday, 30 July 2010 00:00

Work and pensions minister Iain Duncan Smith has drawn up plans to radically simplify the welfare system.

Ministers, looking to save money amid 25% departmental budget cuts, hope to introduce a system with less room for fraud and error.

They have also been looking for disincentives to stay on benefits and make sure people are better off with a wage.

Mr Duncan Smith hopes to combine tax credits and the benefits system so that a universal benefits rate can be implemented, decreasing as people find other forms of income.

The plans would also supplement a household's budget according to circumstances and need.

The work and pensions minister has not yet produced any figures to support his proposals.

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Welfare reform

Friday, 30 July 2010 00:00

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Friday, 30 July 2010 00:00

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