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Welfare Reform
Includes: welfare reform, legislation, regulations, universal credit, benefit cuts, benefit direct etc
Digital universal credit system is plagued by errors
07 September, 2024
Liberal Democrat Tom Brake says computer crashes and delays have left families in debt and at risk of eviction
Commons response 'rules out' replacing Universal Credit
08 November, 2019
DWP minister says any replacement system would require a similar level of investment
DWP has 'misleading' Universal Credit ads banned
07 November, 2019
Advertising Standards Authority says the ads "did not accurately reflect the evidence"
Watchdog bans government's Universal Credit adverts for being 'misleading'
06 November, 2019
Government newspaper adverts about Universal Credit were misleading, the advertising watchdog has ruled
Benefit claimants to get more cash to help with funeral costs
05 November, 2019
Funeral Expenses Payments scheme to provide up to £1,000, in addition to paying for essential costs of burial or cremation
'Cull claimants' comments overshadow end of benefits freeze
04 November, 2019
Tories condemned for backing candidate who said benefit claimants "need putting down"
Corbyn reinforces Labour pledge to scrap 'damaging' UC
01 November, 2019
"Real change is coming," said the Labour leader in his first major speech ahead of the General Election in December
£10 million fund to help vulnerable people claim Universal Credit
01 November, 2019
Funding will be available to partner organisations, including charities, from April 2020 to help vulnerable people claim Universal Credit
DWP ducks behind 'disproportionate cost' over Universal Credit questions
01 November, 2019
No stats for alternative payment arrangements
The bedroom tax is still ruining lives. Its victims need to know they matter
31 October, 2019
The cruelties of 'welfare reform' have not gone away. As the election looms, politicians must shift their focus beyond Brexit
'Charity shops too expensive': Soaring rent arrears and food bank referrals for Universal Credit claimants in Islington
30 October, 2019
Universal Credit claimants in Islington Council have accumulated nearly four times the rent arrears as people on Housing Benefit
From the frontline - financial well-being team member Amos Phillips
29 October, 2019
Amos Phillips, financial well-being team member at Peabody, on the impacts of welfare reform and his passion for helping people
Universal credit: MPs call for action on women driven to 'survival sex'
25 October, 2019
Evidence that women are being driven to sex work because of problems with universal credit must lead to government action
Universal Credit is forcing private tenants out of their homes and to live on streets
24 October, 2019
London mayor Sadiq Khan has called for the roll-out of Universal Credit to be halted, saying it is forcing private tenants into homelessness and living on the streets
Welfare reforms are 'forcing Londoners onto the streets'
24 October, 2019
Sadiq Khan calls for powers to put the capital under rent control
DWP faces audit investigation over claimant suicides
24 October, 2019
National Audit Office wants to know what DWP claims it can't afford to say, after 24housing reported brush off to Commons question
'People need more housing benefit for rent'
23 October, 2019
Labour councillors are demanding an increase in housing benefit levels to reflect the lack of social housing
Somerset West and Taunton Council says Universal Credit has increased rent arrears
23 October, 2019
Around one third of all council tenants in the area are struggling to pay their rent
DR UK welcomes NAO investigation of suicide monitoring of welfare benefit claimants
23 October, 2019
The NAO is to investigate the Government's monitoring of suicides among benefit claimants amid concerns about links between welfare reforms and declining mental health
Two-thirds of young single parents to lose out under universal credit, think tank warns
22 October, 2019
'Reduction in generosity' for under 25-year-olds with children prompts fears already soaring child poverty rates will only increase further
Government Legal Department was consulted over 'misleading' DWP ads
22 October, 2019
Commons question confirms efforts of DWP to see controversial, unattributed Universal Credit campaign signed off
New DWP Secretary of State won't confirm an end to the benefit freeze
18 October, 2019
Therese Coffey says only that the DWP is in talks with the Treasury over benefit rates
New Scottish Government fund to improve benefit take-up
18 October, 2019
It will support charities and third sector organisations to address barriers which prevent people from applying for benefits
Poverty report urges DWP to share Universal Credit data with councils
17 October, 2019
London Councils outlines a new model of local welfare the capital's councils could lead on
Calls for benefit sanctions as rogue tenants 'costing millions'
16 October, 2019
A new report finds that problem tenants have cost the London taxpayer at least £3.4m
Benefits system automation could plunge claimants deeper into poverty
15 October, 2019
DWP spending millions on 'intelligent automation garage' to develop welfare robots to replace humans
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 12 September 2019
15 October, 2019
Experimental statistics covering the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
The Bedroom Tax in Northern Ireland: playing a dangerous game with peace?
11 October, 2019
Northern Ireland is about to experience many of the austerity policies that have been rolled out in England, including the Bedroom Tax
Government forced into U-turn over disability benefits for chronically ill
10 October, 2019
Sick claimants were wrongly denied benefits because they were not taking powerful painkillers
World Homeless Day: 3 in 4 say housing benefit should rise in line with rents
10 October, 2019
Charities call on government to invest in housing benefit to prevent homelessness
'Evictions and hardship': Universal Credit still failing private renters
09 October, 2019
SNP MP Marion Fellows calls on UK Government to increase Local Housing Allowance to pre-2025 levels
Housing benefit freeze means nine in 10 homes unaffordable for families
07 October, 2019
NHF research exposes inadequacy of Local Housing Allowance for the 1.3m families relying on it cover rent
Government holds no official record of UK food banks
02 October, 2019
House of Lords has confirmation in answer to question on food banks being set up in schools
Leigh Day Solicitors seeks clients to join a group action compensation claim for loss of disability premiums after moving to Universal Credit
01 October, 2019
Leigh Day Solicitors are bringing compensation claims claims for people who have migrated to Universal Credit before 16 January 2019 and have lost their disability premiums
Universal credit: Labour pledges to scrap welfare scheme
30 September, 2019
A future Labour government would scrap universal credit - which merges six benefits into one payment
JRF comments on Labour policy on Universal Credit
27 September, 2019
Responding to Labour's announcements on Universal Credit, Helen Barnard, Deputy Director for Policy and Partnerships at the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said:
Thousands of pounds in homes grant returned unclaimed
26 September, 2019
Thousands of pounds of grants meant to help low-income Barrow residents with their housing costs has been sent back to the Government
DWP: The shocking number of North East teenagers on Universal Credit
23 September, 2019
More than 6,000 teenagers across the North East are receiving Universal Credit
The longer Universal Credit exists in an area, the higher the need for food banks
20 September, 2019
In areas where Universal Credit has been rolled out for at least a year, food banks in the Trussell Trust's network have seen a 30% increase in demand
Universal credit wait fuels poverty and food bank use
19 September, 2019
Government urged to reduce five-week wait claimants must endure before first payment
Labour considers scrapping Universal Credit
18 September, 2019
Radical proposal for the failed 'reform' could be raised as soon as the party conference next week
Safe as Houses 3: Have government reforms to Universal Credit reduced the rent arrears of Southwark's tenants?
18 September, 2019
Southwark was one of the first areas of the country to see Universal Credit full service roll out
Universal Credit: direct rent payments 'more effective than government reforms for curbing arrears'
17 September, 2019
Direct rent payments for tenants on Universal Credit have been more effective at keeping them out of arrears than government reforms introduced last year
Scottish government slams Tories over massive welfare cuts
16 September, 2019
The Scottish Government will not stand by and let people already struggling face a reliance on food banks and the stress of debt and rent arrears
Univeral Credit probe shows 100,000 teenagers on new benefit including thousands in Birmingham
13 September, 2019
Most teens on the controversial welfare scheme are unemployed and campaigners say these latest figures highlight the number of families across the country who are struggling on low incomes
Thousands of Glasgow teens on Universal Credit
13 September, 2019
Analysis of the latest government figures shows that 1167 Glasgow youngsters aged between 16 and 19 received the six-in-one benefit in August this year
Disabled people still by far the worst affected by the bedroom tax
12 September, 2019
More than two thirds of households subject to the bedroom tax under housing benefit are in receipt of DLA, PIP, Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, or Severe Disablement Allowance
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to July 2019
12 September, 2019
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made
Average Personal Independence Payment appeal wait tops 35 weeks
11 September, 2019
Commons confirms the figure includes cases cleared both with and without Tribunal ruling
Universal Credit changes in October: Why claimants could get MORE money from next month
11 September, 2019
Universal credit claimants will see changes to their payments from next month
Prorogation times out answers over future for welfare assistance
10 September, 2019
MHCLG minister says written Commons question asked in July could not be answered ahead of the House being suspended
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 8 August 2019
10 September, 2019
These experimental statistics cover claims, monthly starts and people on Universal Credit up to 8 August 2019
Welfare mitigation in Northern Ireland needs 'another four years'
10 September, 2019
Commons report raises fears of a "cliff edge" fall in claimant income should mitigation end in March 2020
Parents and guardians given extra time to claim back childcare costs with Universal Credit
09 September, 2019
An extra month to claim back childcare costs could mean parents avoid missing out on up to £1,100 per month
The DWP's Universal Credit changes coming in next month - what you need to know
09 September, 2019
The Department for Work and Pensions will be introducing a change in October that should benefit those receiving UC
Government testing Universal Credit bulk uploads with social landlords after delays
05 September, 2019
The government is testing a system that allows housing providers to upload information about Universal Credit tenants' rent changes in bulk with a number of social landlords
Five-week UC wait causes 'stress and ill health'
04 September, 2019
Briefing calls on today's spending review to reduce the amount of time people wait to receive the first payment
Benefits freeze leaves a third of claimants 'with £100 to live on a month'
02 September, 2019
Chief executive says people are losing sleep and unable to afford essentials
Benefits row as DWP criticised for refusing payments to dying man
02 September, 2019
A man whose terminally ill brother was refused disability benefits has accused the Department for Work and Pensions of being "shambolic and incompetent"
Two in five benefit claimants found to have less than £100 at end of month
02 September, 2019
Citizens Advice calls on government to clearly commit to ending the benefits freeze and recalculating LHA
Bedroom tax applies even when children must share very small rooms
30 August, 2019
A court ruling has prompted the government to remind councils that the bedroom tax applies even when children are forced to share very small rooms
From the frontline Universal Credit and the broken housing safety net
30 August, 2019
The five-week wait is five weeks too long
Over half of landlords letting to Universal Credit tenants experiencing arrears
23 August, 2019
Universal Credit is causing tenants to fall behind with their rent
Research reveals extent of PRS Universal Credit arrears
23 August, 2019
Majority of landlords say arrears only started after tenants were subjected to "welfare reform"
State of the PRS (Q1 2019) A survey of private landlords and the impact of welfare reforms
22 August, 2019
Universal Credit is forcing tenants into rent arrears
Commons report reinforces links between welfare reform and housing insecurity
21 August, 2019
The government is accused of focussing on tackling the symptoms of homelessness rather than addressing root causes
One year of campaigning against DSS discrimination
20 August, 2019
August 2018 marked the launch of our DSS discrimination campaign. It's an issue we were repeatedly seeing highlighted as one of the most consistent and pernicious problems our clients were encountering
DWP rejected chance to take 200,000 people out of poverty
16 August, 2019
Commons report confirms DWP refused a request to ease the benefits freeze earlier this year - despite overachieving on related savings
Report dismisses DWP 'scaremongering' claims over Universal Credit
16 August, 2019
Work and Pensions Committee sees DWP struggling to reassure sceptical claimants that they will be well-supported in moving to UC
SFHA pushes for key changes to 'welfare reform'
15 August, 2019
DWP Minister noted for non-answers challenged to face-to-face meeting
Calls for investigation as quarter of a million people have been sanctioned under Universal Credit
13 August, 2019
CAS has called for an urgent investigation into the sanctions system as new figures released by the DWP today reveal a quarter of a million people across the UK have been sanctioned under Universal Credit
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 11 July 2019
13 August, 2019
These experimental statistics cover the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
Government faces third legal challenge to Universal Credit migration arrangements
09 August, 2019
Two men with severe disabilities, known as TP and AR, have twice already successfully challenged the government in relation to the migration arrangements
Social landlords face huge admin burden over Universal Credit issue
08 August, 2019
Social landlords have warned they face a huge administrative burden next year unless the government implements reforms to the way rent changes for tenants claiming Universal Credit are processed
'Innocent people caught up' in UK welfare state surveillance system
08 August, 2019
UN investigator's warning comes as disabled rights activists claim police and DWP are sharing data on protesters
Discretionary Housing Payments funding for Maidstone reduced by government
08 August, 2019
A councillor has hit out at the government's decision to cut a vital budget used to prevent families from becoming homeless
Capita seeks to reverse 'reputational damage' after death of claimant
06 August, 2019
Benefit-assessment company Capita is going to court to try to reverse the "reputational damage" it says it suffered after a claimant died
Welfare safety net is broken
06 August, 2019
As a nation, I believe we all want a decent safety net: if you're facing a difficult moment in life, the state should be there to help you
Surge in EU citizens unfairly refused access to universal credit
05 August, 2019
'Hostile environment' of benefits system leads EU nationals to destitution
Benefit cap statistics: background information and methodology
02 August, 2019
Information about benefit cap statistics and methodology including the purpose, source, definitions and limitations of statistics covered
Benefit Cap: number of households capped to May 2019
02 August, 2019
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and May 2019
Two-child benefits limit hurts the poor
02 August, 2019
The cap pushes a million children deeper below the poverty line
Government urged to scrap 'nasty' two-child limit on benefits
31 July, 2019
Figures show nearly 600,000 children are adversely affected by policy
DWP 'carefully considering' latest legal reverse
31 July, 2019
The Department had cleared thousands suffering from mental health conditions as eligible for disability benefits
Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit claimants: statistics related to the policy to provide support for a maximum of 2 children, April 2019
31 July, 2019
This information is about the policy of providing support for a maximum of 2 children in Child Tax Credit and Universal Credit, which came into effect in April 2017, and includes statistics relating to the exceptions to the policy
DWP again ducks behind 'disproportionate cost' over Commons question
29 July, 2019
Repeating a familiar pattern, "cost" is cited as the reason why a Parliamentary Question on Universal Credit can't be fully answered
Universal Credit Claimants blocked from challenging DWP decisions
26 July, 2019
Britains poorest forced to jump through hoops to obtain benefits justice
Property remains a good 'long-term investment'
25 July, 2019
Although new capital gains tax rules could cost some landlords thousands of pounds when they sell up, property is still a relatively safe long term investment
Man spent housing benefit on 'other things' - then demanded compensation from council
25 July, 2019
Watchdog said council failed over payments notification but ruled resident was responsible for his own finances
Universal Credit pilot to launch
24 July, 2019
Today, regulations will come into force to enable the delivery of a Universal Credit migration pilot based in Harrogate
National Housing Federation response to new Conservative Party leader
24 July, 2019
We congratulate Boris Johnson MP on his election as leader of the Conservative Party
DWP admits it's interviewed 1,400 benefit claimants under caution over Universal Credit scam
24 July, 2019
A scam ensnared supposedly innocent benefit claimants - but now it emerges they have been given a vigorous assessment by the DWP
Rudd stresses work with PRS over application of Local Housing Allowance
24 July, 2019
Work and Pensions Secretary says reassessment of LHA should be a priority with benefits freeze thawed
Redcar and Cleveland Council to axe £150k chief exec job
24 July, 2019
A council is to scrap its £150,000 chief executive role as part of cost-cutting measures
Housing sector calls on Johnson to step up development investment and fix Universal Credit
24 July, 2019
Housing bodies and sector figures have reacted to the imminent appointment of Boris Johnson as the new prime minister
Universal Credit among worst examples of welfare reform 'in the history of humankind
23 July, 2019
Commons Work and Pensions Committee says Universal Credit application process should come with a health warning
Boris to be PM, so what can we expect on housing?
23 July, 2019
Boris Johnson will become the UK's next Prime Minister, so what does this mean for housing - and in particular the private rented sector?
Universal credit: Disabled people to get backdated benefit payments
23 July, 2019
More than 13,000 disabled people are to receive backdated benefit payments after the government accepted a court ruling over universal credit
Poor universal credit advice costs claimants thousands, MPs say
23 July, 2019
DWP accused of failing to help those who unnecessarily signed up for the benefit
Edinburgh calls for short-term lets licensing regime
23 July, 2019
The City of Edinburgh Council has set out its case for a licensing regime to be introduced for properties being rented out for more than 28 days in a calendar year
DWP urged to option direct Universal Credit payments to landlords
22 July, 2019
Parliamentary report also says direct payment should be by default where there is a history of rent arrears or debt
Regulator urges providers to address accountability to tenants
22 July, 2019
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) has urged social housing providers to consider how accountable they are to tenants, as it published its Consumer Regulation Review today
Food banks scramble to stop a million children going hungry over holidays
22 July, 2019
More families turn to food parcels to make up for loss of free school meals, extra childcare costs and benefit payment delays
West Midlands Mayor goes 'blue on blue' to battle homelessness
22 July, 2019
Tory West Midlands Mayor Andy Street has gone 'blue on blue' to back an urgent rethink part of the benefits system to tackle homelessness
New Universal Credit report: MPs back RLA suggestions
22 July, 2019
Plans to improve the Universal Credit system by ending the benefits freeze and promoting direct payments to landlords have been put forward by a cross-party group of MPs
The Section 21 Consultation
22 July, 2019
Over the weekend the Government published a consultation on plans to axe Section 21-so called 'no fault' repossessions in the private rented sector
Industry rages against Labour's
22 July, 2019
Calls by Labour's London Mayor Sadiq Khan to secure powers to implement private sector rent controls are facing increasing opposition
New homeless families outnumber new social homes by 8 to 1
22 July, 2019
Analysis of the latest homelessness statistics by the National Housing Federation has found that for every one new social home built in England, eight families are accepted as homeless by their local council
DWP ready to spend millions on marketing and advertising
19 July, 2019
Commons question confirms the sum as thousands are driven to destitution by 'welfare reform'
DWP urged to option direct Universal Credit payments to landlords
19 July, 2019
Parliamentary report also says direct payment should be by default where there is a history of rent arrears or debt
Council tenants on Universal Credit 16 times more likely to abandon tenancies
16 July, 2019
Council tenants on Universal Credit are 16 times more likely to abandon their tenancies and three times more likely to be evicted than those receiving housing benefit
Tories rule out ringfencing funds for Local Welfare provision
16 July, 2019
DWP minister says there are are "no plans" to ringfence funding for local welfare provision despite evidence of rising destitution
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 13 June 2019
16 July, 2019
These experimental statistics cover the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
Councils struggle to sustain cash draining Universal Credit 'subsidies'
15 July, 2019
Fourth annual Universal Credit survey from NFA and ARCH warns already unsustainable situation could be even worse
Next PM 'needs to end benefit freeze' with destitution on the rise
15 July, 2019
Call from Amber Rudd coincides with report exposing the extent of families routinely unable to afford regular meals, wash clothes or provide children with basics
'Halt universal credit pilot,' MSPs tell UK government
12 July, 2019
MSPs are calling for a stop to the next stage in the rollout of universal credit over fears about the impact it will have
MSPs fear Universal Credit pilot 'punishes the working poor'
12 July, 2019
The roll out of Universal Credit has been littered with mistakes and it is vital that this latest pilot is put on hold
Universal credit: Fraud victims may still have to pay money claimed
11 July, 2019
Victims of a Universal Credit scam may still have to repay money fraudulently claimed on their behalf
Benefits system for terminally ill people to be reviewed
11 July, 2019
Amber Rudd calls for 'honest evaluation' of widely criticised regime of special rules
Welfare failures and cuts fuelling extreme poverty
11 July, 2019
Heidi Allen and Frank Field say families haunted by 'constant spectre of destitution'
DWP climbs down on climb down over 'a bit of a muddle'
11 July, 2019
24housing story reveals the "muddle" to be the application of DWP policy towards victims of Universal Credit advance loan scams
DWP to review how the benefits system supports those with a terminal illness
11 July, 2019
Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd announced today that the DWP will set up an "honest and in-depth evaluation" of how the benefits system supports people nearing the end of their life
Opposition MPs claim climbdown by DWP over Universal Credit fraud
10 July, 2019
Commons hears claimant victims would not have to cover losses and could even see legacy benefits restored
DWP faces urgent questions over Universal Credit fraud
10 July, 2019
Universal Credit was supposed to reduce error. Instead it is the most error-riddled of all benefits, and it's only getting worse
Universal credit: Multi-million pound scam targets claimants
09 July, 2019
Tens of millions of pounds of public money is believed to have been stolen, with claimants left owing hundreds
DWP continues to deny Universal Credit information requests
09 July, 2019
Department offers familiar response to a series of written Commons questions
DWP faces sanction over £200k Universal Credit 'propaganda' campaign
09 July, 2019
Department under investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority with campaign branded "misleading" and "highly damaging"
Widow takes on council and wins
09 July, 2019
RLA trainer and Universal Credit and Housing Benefit expert Bill Irving shares a recent case from his files, examining issues around renting to family members
DWP in a 'distressing pattern' facing fresh questions over its future
09 July, 2019
Select committee lands another blow on Universal Credit amid revelations of massive organised fraud
DWP staff cut by 21% since universal credit rollout began
08 July, 2019
Ministers accused of making 'reckless and irresponsible' reductions to workforce amid rise in staffing errors that leave claimants 'cleaning out their savings to survive'
DWP accused of 'incompetence or cover up' over claimant deaths
05 July, 2019
DWP minister already branded "flippant" denies key documents were kept hidden from independent reviews of fitness-for-work tests
New online system for agents and landlords to receive tenant benefit payments set for launch
04 July, 2019
A new online system for landlords and lettings agents to receive direct payments from tenants on Universal Credit is set to be launched before the end of this year after a successful trial
UK: 'Bedroom tax' case to be heard at Supreme Court
03 July, 2019
An appeal is to be heard in the UK's highest court on Wednesday in an important constitutional case on the powers of specialist tribunals and local authorities relating to the 'bedroom tax'
MPs 'short-changed' on Universal Credit questions
03 July, 2019
DWP says written Commons questions too expensive to answer
DWP payment errors reach record levels
01 July, 2019
New stats show benefit overpayments and underpayments have topped their highest total since records began
Twelve held in Blackburn tenant benefit scam probe
27 June, 2019
Twelve people have been arrested amid concerns that unscrupulous landlords have stolen welfare benefits from homeless people
Two-child benefit limit pushes families further into poverty
26 June, 2019
Parents report stress and strained relationships as a result of benefit cut
Mentally ill universal credit claimant receives less than £6 for month after £312 deducted for sanctions
26 June, 2019
This poverty has no prejudice. This is the kind of thing that drives people to homelessness, and to suicide
DWP followed policy in denying dying man benefits
21 June, 2019
Stephen Smith, 64, from Liverpool, weighed 38kg and was gravely ill at time of death
Disability Charities Lodge Complaint Over DWP's 'Myth-Busting' Universal Credit Ads
20 June, 2019
The group has dubbed the adverts "deliberately misleading"
Agents can keep incentive payments from councils - but only if the landlord agrees
20 June, 2019
Already well documented in the press, rising rents in the private rented sector combined with cuts to housing benefits following the introduction of Universal Credit, have made letting to councils a less attractive proposition for private landlords
Universal Credit Local Housing Allowance rates
20 June, 2019
Monthly Universal Credit Local Housing Allowance rates for England, Scotland and Wales from 2014 to 2019
Five week Universal credit wait having a devastating impact on disabled people
19 June, 2019
Disabled people face unavoidable costs as a result of their disability
Universal credit is failing military veterans
18 June, 2019
Veterans with complex needs report overwhelmingly negative experiences of benefits system
Harrogate's great migration: why the leafy district has been chosen to trial Universal Credit
18 June, 2019
Picturesque Harrogate is the first area chosen to trial migration to Universal Credit
Government to seek volunteers for first switch to Universal Credit
14 June, 2019
The government will seek volunteers to become the first people to switch directly from the old benefits system to Universal Credit
Single mother wins court battle after being forced into homelessness due to housing benefit shortfall
13 June, 2019
Supreme Court rules it was unlawful for Birmingham Council to try force mother-of-four to spend money intended for basic daily living needs on rent because housing benefit had been reduced
Sheffield council backs universal basic income trial
13 June, 2019
City moves closer to hosting pilot of 'radical' scheme Labour has vowed to trial if in power
Universal credit delays a factor in sex work
13 June, 2019
Minister apologises for DWP memo dismissing link between long waits and survival sex work
Universal Credit responsible for increasing rent arrears
12 June, 2019
Universal credit has greatly increased rent arrears, with immediate action now needed in order to tackle the issue
Major bank ends 'no DSS' mortgages
12 June, 2019
The latest industry pledge comes amid bids to end discriminatory practices to those claiming benefits
Supreme Court rules that subsistence benefits should not be used to cover rent shortfalls
12 June, 2019
The Supreme Court has just given judgment in the case of Samuels v Birmingham City Council, where the court was asked to consider whether a home should have been considered affordable where the housing benefit did not meet the full rent
Around 1 in 2 Universal Credit claimants have benefit deducted to repay an Advance Payment
12 June, 2019
Around 1 in 2 of Universal Credit claimants have a deduction to repay an Advance Payment
Holyrood challenges Westminster on Universal Credit rent arrears
12 June, 2019
But delegates at Housing Scotland 2019 get talk of "compassion" from DWP boss
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 9 May 2019
11 June, 2019
These experimental statistics cover the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
DWP accused of 'rewarding failure' after companies given £630m for more disability benefit tests
10 June, 2019
Contracts condemned as 'nonsensical' by campaigners who point to flaws in medical assessments
Minister slammed for speaking 'DWP waffle' during Commons debate
07 June, 2019
Rent arrears raised at Westminster Hall session on Universal Credit and debt
Esther McVey sparks Universal Credit fury on Andrew Marr by claiming she's not to blame for flaws
07 June, 2019
The MP was asked whether she regretted the effects of the controversial benefits system
Universal Credit blasted for 'turning families into Government guinea pigs'
07 June, 2019
Spiralling debts and suicide attempts - MP lays bare the horror of Universal Credit in savage new attack
Millions more Universal Credit claimants to have rents paid straight to landlord
07 June, 2019
Under new rules, private renters will be offered the chance to enrol in a system that could make their budgeting a lot simpler
Derby Jobcentre worker defends Universal Credit and claims it's brilliant
07 June, 2019
There have been success stories
Universal Credit Advance Payments are pushing people to use food banks
06 June, 2019
A quarter of all Universal Credit claimants had payments reduced by above 20% to pay back a debt, including Advance Payments. Four in ten were paying over 10%
Universal Credit: ever-growing number of people left in arrears
05 June, 2019
Universal Credit is still pushing tens of thousands into financial crisis just weeks ahead of the second half of its introduction
Universal Credit claimants with tax credit overpayments
31 May, 2019
This publication provides ad hoc statistics about Universal Credit customers with tax credit overpayment debts
Councils need 100% of sales receipts to help domestic violence survivors
30 May, 2019
LGA responds to Crisis/APPGEH report saying receipts could be re-invested in initiatives adapting to welfare reform
Universal Credit: charity launches complaint over DWP ad campaign
30 May, 2019
An anti-poverty charity has lodged an official complaint over a government-backed Universal Credit ad campaign, claiming the content is "deliberately misleading"
Universal Credit: 120,000 people on the DWP benefit have fallen behind on rent payments, with some being evicted from council houses
29 May, 2019
Universal Credit is causing hardship and debt for many of our tenants
Universal Credit in Crisis: Hundreds of struggling Sussex residents leave councils with £1million deficit
29 May, 2019
Struggling Sussex Universal Credit claimants are in financial crisis with unpaid bills leaving them hundreds of pounds in debt
'Faster benefits needed' to stop more child poverty
24 May, 2019
A classroom of children a day could fall into poverty unless benefits changes are brought in sooner
Universal credit scam leaves vulnerable UK families penniless
24 May, 2019
Councils and police warn of fraudsters posing as officials to steal claimants' details
DWP probes universal credit fraud case
24 May, 2019
A Department for Work and Pensions minister will investigate a fraudulent loan company that stole an applicant's identity to apply for universal credit
Universal Credit delays left nurse so desperate for cash she sold her kids' toys and racked up thousands in debts - and says it's 'destroyed' her
24 May, 2019
Therese Nakitende says receiving the Universal Credit she is owed has been like "getting blood from a stone"
The DWP's Universal Credit propaganda tells you everything you need to know about this government
23 May, 2019
The DWP have spent £250,000 on an advert attempting to depict criticism of Universal Credit as fake news
Universal credit hardship 'linked to prostitution'
22 May, 2019
Benefits reform forcing women to sell sex for cash, food or shelter, MPs' committee told
NUJ condemns DWP adverts as an insult to disabled people
22 May, 2019
The National Union of Journalists has condemned the DWP for running a misleading PR campaign about Universal Credit
The DWP's "Universal Credit Uncovered" newspaper advert backfires
22 May, 2019
A four-page "advertisement feature" in Metro attempts to bust myths - but simply reinforces the welfare system's problems
Universal Credit loan company fraud claim: Minister intervenes
21 May, 2019
A minister is urgently investigating how a woman was duped by an online loan company that pocketed her benefits
Universal credit: 10% deducted from claimants
20 May, 2019
Our benefits system was created to anchor people from being swept into poverty - so why is the government clawing back £1 in every £10 paid to people most in need of our support?
MPs demand details of DWP's universal credit advertorials
17 May, 2019
Amber Rudd challenged on cost of campaign and accuracy of its claims about new benefit
'Last resort' Universal Credit deductions top £39m
17 May, 2019
Figure for sums taken for essential services in October last year is up from a £9m statistical start in April 2017
Lone parents lose benefits cap challenge at supreme court
16 May, 2019
Justices reject appeal despite Lord Wilson saying impact of cap was 'undoubtedly harsh'
Exclusion of poor tenants highlights fatal flaw in housing policy
15 May, 2019
The government's pledge to tackle rough sleeping is utterly thwarted by its welfare reforms and spending cuts
Londoners discriminated against 'because they're on benefits'
15 May, 2019
Having interviewed tenants on housing benefits before, I knew that calling round estate agents trying to find properties to rent to them was going to be difficult
Benefit cap: 'undoubtedly harsh' yet not unlawfully discriminatory
15 May, 2019
Today, the Supreme Court has acknowledged that the household benefit cap is not achieving its stated aims and is inflicting poverty on people
Universal Credit debt advice tool gets 9,000+ visits in three months
14 May, 2019
Money and Pension Service's money guidance contact centre was also received around 1,100 enquiries regarding Universal Credit
Universal Credit sparks rent arrears crisis as council's housing income falls by £28m
14 May, 2019
Council chiefs launched pilot scheme to slow down mounting debts from tenants
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 11 April 2019
14 May, 2019
Official experimental statistics including the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
Welfare shake-up 'will double number of children in poverty'
13 May, 2019
Half of low-income families will lose thousands of pounds a year
Labour would trial universal basic income if elected
13 May, 2019
Shadow chancellor says pilot schemes would be held in Liverpool, Sheffield and the Midlands
Rudd announces Universal Credit sanction changes
10 May, 2019
Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has ended financial sanctions for claimants that last for three years - the longest length will now be six months
Social landlords offered 'solution' to Universal Credit arrears
10 May, 2019
Study of five registered landlords finds an £60,000-£130,000 increase in rent arrears per thousand tenants
Association calls for amendment to Universal Credit shortfall
10 May, 2019
Curo has identified many tenants struggling to cover the cost of their weekly rent
Benefit cuts 'have made private renting unaffordable'
09 May, 2019
Renting privately across most of England has become unaffordable for people on benefits, housing charities have warned, with people in some areas short of at least £100 a month
Low Universal Credit levels leaving people at risk of homelessness
09 May, 2019
The money residents on Universal Credit are receiving through benefit payments is falling behind renting costs in London and putting people across the capital at risk of becoming homeless
People in Derbyshire are living on '£2 a day' because of Universal Credit
09 May, 2019
The system has also caused significant problems for the Trust including a "large increase" in arrears
Basic Income As Common Dividends: Report Launch with Guy Standing
08 May, 2019
Every adult in the UK should receive a weekly basic income of £48
Providers and tenants short-changed over UC
08 May, 2019
Issue initially ignored by DWP now seen as posing a serious problem for housing providers and tenants
DWP staff 'do not grasp' UC guidance
08 May, 2019
Council says its staff had to tell Universal Credit staff how their own rules and regulations worked
Labour-backed report urges trials of universal basic income
07 May, 2019
John McDonnell, who commissioned study, hints a form of UBI could become policy
Slow response to universal credit errors 'bizarre'
07 May, 2019
DWP officials took months to correct payment mistakes
UC support to those with severe disabilities 'unlawful'
03 May, 2019
The High Court declaration represents the latest blow to the DWP and Universal Credit
Universal credit regulations ruled unlawful by high court
03 May, 2019
Terms would leave thousands with severe disabilities worse off by about £100 a month
Former top judge says UC 'breaches rule of law'
02 May, 2019
Further scathing criticism for the reform said to show a systemic failure to meet basic legal standards
Benefit Cap: number of households capped to February 2019
02 May, 2019
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and February 2019
Universal credit is 'Orwellian'
01 May, 2019
Sir Stephen Sedley says digital benefits system is also failing to meet legal obligations
Universal credit claimants being underpaid as they are 'left in the dark' about entitlements
01 May, 2019
'Inadequate' communications and administrative errors risk claimants being underpaid
Benefit claimants at risk of 'destitution' if DWP fails to prepare for Universal Credit roll-out
01 May, 2019
The DWP risks leaving benefit claimants "destitute" if it fails to properly prepare for the roll-out of Universal Credit
Universal credit claimants left in the dark about their entitlements
01 May, 2019
Universal credit claimants are routinely in the dark about how much they should receive
Report reveals UC pressures on frontline staff
26 April, 2019
Concerns are raised around the "managed migration" process of placing benefit claimants onto Universal Credit
Charities stress need for urgent reform of welfare reform
26 April, 2019
DWP maintains denial of reform driving poverty as one food bank charity alone distributes well over one million emergency parcels
MPs call on landlords to scrap 'no DSS' clauses in rental ads
25 April, 2019
Critics compare refusal of people on benefits to 'no blacks, no Irish, no dogs' signs
Universal credit and its impact on household incomes: the long and the short of it
24 April, 2019
n this research we investigate who wins and loses from universal credit, and by how much
Almost two million people will lose £1,000 a year with UC
24 April, 2019
Those claiming disability benefits will be the worst affected
Benefits claimant 'disgusted' by DWP after 'lying bitch' comment
23 April, 2019
Woman forced to appeal against incorrect PIP decisions three times in five years
Seriously ill, emaciated man who was denied benefits by DWP dies
23 April, 2019
Stephen Smith's case sparked outrage after his benefits were cut and he was told to find a job
From the frontline - Universal Credit officer Trevor Davies
16 April, 2019
Trevor Davies, Universal Credit officer at County Durham Housing Group, tells us about helping tenants to manage their finances and his frustration at having to issue food vouchers
Rightmove asks for 'conversation' with housing minister over 'No DSS' listings
16 April, 2019
Rightmove has asked for a "conversation" with the Ministry of Housing about 'No DSS' lettings listings
MS Society campaigns to scrap the PIP 20 metre rule
16 April, 2019
The PIP 20 metre rule is failing people with MS. And people are losing their independence as a result
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 14 March 2019
16 April, 2019
Official experimental statistics for the number of people on Universal Credit
Calls for Universal Credit housing benefit to automatically go to landlords
15 April, 2019
Calls have been made for the housing element of Universal Credit to automatically go to landlords
DWP to restore disability benefits of woman it called 'lying bitch'
15 April, 2019
Department does U-turn, amid calls for it to be stripped of delivering disability benefits
DWP accused of treating UC inquiry 'like dirt'
11 April, 2019
MPs want the Department for Work and Pensions to give a fresh response to their report on childcare
'The power to wreck your life': Tens of thousands of disabled people denied benefits for extra month
08 April, 2019
'I couldn't understand how I'd gone from lifetime support to a reduced award when my symptoms had gotten worse'
Benefits freeze costs families three months of food shopping
08 April, 2019
Joseph Rowntree Foundation says a fourth year of freeze puts poverty-stricken families £560 worse off on average
'Unjustifiable' benefits freeze means another tough year ahead for low income families
08 April, 2019
Families in poverty face another year of frozen benefits from 8th April, amid the uncertainty of Brexit
TDS is latest to produce tools to help agents through Fees Ban
04 April, 2019
Tenancy Deposit Scheme is the latest player in the private rental sector to launch online tools to help letting agents cope with the Fees Ban
Councils say homelessness act not adequately funded
04 April, 2019
Up to 67% of councils feel they lack the funding to meet new duties to tackle homelessness, analysis has found
Newark and Sherwood District Council's policy and finance committee to consider bringing council housing back in-house
04 April, 2019
THE company that manages 5,500 council homes across Newark and Sherwood could be axed and brought back in-house by its sole shareholder, the district council
Housing First gathers pace in Scottish cities
03 April, 2019
Scotland could be free from most visible, acute forms of homelessness "within three years"
Britain needs decent new council houses - not just musicals about them
03 April, 2019
A new production celebrates a famous Sheffield estate but glosses over dire levels of inequality and housing waiting lists
Three million homes needed to end homelessness
03 April, 2019
A year ago, the government hailed the Homelessness Reduction Act as "the most ambitious legal reform in decades" - as it rolled out new duties on councils to prevent and relieve homelessness
Housing association completes first Right to Buy pilot sale
01 April, 2019
One of the UK's largest housing associations has completed its first Voluntary Right to Buy sale
A consensus statement on the use of sanctions in the benefits system and entitlement to personalised support
29 March, 2019
The use of sanctions in the benefits system and entitlement to personalised support
Strip DWP of responsibility for ill and disabled people
26 March, 2019
Scathing report says trust has been shattered by sanctions and botched benefits reforms
Universal credit: More than half of claimants have money deducted from payments
21 March, 2019
Deductions made when claimants have outstanding debts with their utility companies or landlord
'Flippant' DWP minister says many tenants in rent arrears before claiming UC
21 March, 2019
But Justin Tomlinson acknowledges analysis is underway with social housing providers as to the "true level" of arrears
'I'm 57 and my parents have to feed me': the universal credit digital obstacle course
19 March, 2019
The digital-by-default benefit is causing problems for up to half of all claimants
Welfare funding stopped by at least 20 English councils
18 March, 2019
A welfare scheme offering emergency financial support to England's poorest families is no longer available in a host of council areas
Universal basic income 'would cost less than value of benefit cuts since 2025'
18 March, 2019
Economists' report follows plan from New Economics Foundation in backing proposal
Ministers warned 82% of households unable to escape benefit cap
12 March, 2019
Only 18 per cent of those currently affected by cap have been assessed as capable of looking for work
Rudd rules out early end to benefits freeze
12 March, 2019
Work and Pensions Select committee told "the freeze stays", as Rudd quashes speculation of a thaw in the Spring statement
800,000 claimants 'could have been' forced onto UC without transition cash
12 March, 2019
Work and Pensions Committee hears it's "hard to estimate" how many joining the system are existing claimants whose circumstances had changed
Commons committee calls for overhaul of 'cruel' benefits cap
12 March, 2019
Damning report says government "doesn't have the objective or moral grounds" to keep the cap
Pay compensation for universal credit errors
11 March, 2019
Amends for officials mistakes' should match benefit sanctions
Anger as tenants told 'pay a little extra each week' to avoid Universal Credit rent arrears
11 March, 2019
Families say they're already struggling and will find it hard to find the money to make up the shortfall
Universal Credit pilot to launch in North Yorkshire
11 March, 2019
The Work and Pensions Secretary has announced that benefit claimants in Harrogate will be the first to move from old style benefits to Universal Credit
DWP staff face 'a taste of their own medicine'
11 March, 2019
Think tank calls for claimant compensation where errors by job centre staff cause hardship
End the benefits freeze this year to boost the incomes of working families
08 March, 2019
The Treasury has been urged to boost the living standards of low-income working families by ending the freeze on benefits and tax credits and increase them in line with inflation at the Spring Statement next week
No more 'no DDS?'
08 March, 2019
The government has set its sights on tackling landlords and letting agents who (in its words) "potentially discriminate" against tenants who are on benefits
Ensuring Universal Credit doesn't disadvantage women
08 March, 2019
The structural financial inequalities faced by women in work are well documented, with the UK gender pay gap still sitting at 8.6% for full time employees
Government urged to end benefit freeze in Spring Statement
08 March, 2019
The Treasury has been urged to boost the living standards of low-income working families by ending the freeze on benefits and tax credits and increase them in line with inflation
Injustice of the benefits system
08 March, 2019
Anne Williams does not think she will ever recover from an experience that nearly left her homeless
Two big wins in the fight against DSS discrimination
07 March, 2019
Over the last year we've been campaigning hard to end the discrimination people on housing benefit face when they try and rent a home
Rudd admits disabled people feel 'put on trial for seeking support'
06 March, 2019
Minister says she wants to leave language of 'scroungers and shirkers' in the past
Welfare reforms and financial hardship leaving people 'on brink' of losing homes in Darlington
06 March, 2019
More people are on the brink of losing their homes in Darlington due to a "perfect storm" of financial hardship, welfare reforms and a reduction in public services
'Suicidal' mum, 37, fearing homelessness after benefits 'cruelly' cut
05 March, 2019
The mum, from the West Midlands, suffers Crohn's disease and is now petrified of losing her home
Housing benefits costs taxpayers £22bn a year - more than we spend on police
05 March, 2019
High rents and rising house prices could be to blame for the country's enormous housing benefit bill
Disabled pensioners freed from 'unnecessary' benefits checks
05 March, 2019
Disabled pensioners will no longer face "unnecessary" repeat assessments to continue receiving benefits
Rudd makes further concessions on welfare 'reform'
05 March, 2019
An overhaul of Personal Independence Payments assessment confirmed - but campaigners call for more
End to unnecessary benefit reassessments for disabled pensioners
05 March, 2019
The Work and Pensions Secretary has announced new measures to support disabled people, including stopping unnecessary reassessments for disabled pensioners
Doubling of the housing benefit bill is sign of something deeply wrong
05 March, 2019
Headlines about house prices, rent levels, the collapse in rates of owner-occupation among the younger generation and, indeed growing homelessness abound
Dad blasts Universal Credit over fears family 'could lose hundreds of pounds'
04 March, 2019
Gary Prince has been told if he comes off housing benefits he would forfeit the £470 per month child tax credits
Government looks to ban 'No DSS' letting adverts
04 March, 2019
The government has called for an end to letting adverts that discriminate against tenants claiming housing benefit
Three-quarters of Universal Credit claimants unaware of missed rent consequences
01 March, 2019
Three-quarters of Universal Credit claimants are unaware that their housing cost payments can be cut if they miss the rent
DWP 'preparing answers' on Universal Credit satisfaction rates
01 March, 2019
Parliamentary question probes extent of differentiation between live and full service on overall satisfaction rates
DWP to fix rent change process for Universal Credit claimants
28 February, 2019
Ministers have agreed to amend the way rent changes for social tenants claiming Universal Credit are processed, easing the administrative burden for landlords
Mixed age couples: benefit impacts of ending access to Pension Credit and pension age Housing Benefit
28 February, 2019
This publication provides analysis relating to mixed age couples estimated to be affected by the change in policy from 15 May 2019
Universal Credit full service omnibus survey
28 February, 2019
This report presents findings from 2 waves of tracking research with recent Universal Credit full service claimants
More than 235,000 Universal Credit claimants have had payments cut
27 February, 2019
The payment cuts mean more people are struggling to make ends meet
SFHA calls for pause to Universal Credit 'natural' migration
27 February, 2019
Concern that change of circumstance claimants 'naturally' migrated will not benefit from safeguards
Council owed £400k in rent after universal credit roll out
26 February, 2019
People on universal credit are leaving Brighton and Hove City Council almost £400,000 short when it comes to paying their rent
UK income inequality increasing as benefits cuts hit poorest
26 February, 2019
Average income of the poorest fifth of the population shrunk by 1.6% last year
Childcare providers and nursery school owners hit by Universal Credit cuts
22 February, 2019
DWP rules mean funding for providing childcare is being treated as personal income
Universal Credit could be overhauled after government admits rent payments problem
22 February, 2019
The move could affect thousands of Merseysiders
May urged to give benefits claimants a choice amid PMQs
21 February, 2019
PM references Shelter to find a "solution" to those on benefits often barred from renting in the private sector
DWP concedes to issue with calculating UC for social tenants
20 February, 2019
Letter to landlords confirms changes are being considered over the 53-week rent year
No figures for UC free prescription penalty notices
20 February, 2019
Parliamentary question raises issue of penalty notices for claimants with valid entitlement to free prescriptions
Applications to South Tyneside Council for 'crisis loans' from struggling families have surged since the roll out of Universal Credit
20 February, 2019
The numbers appealing to South Tyneside Council's Welfare Support Team has leapt by about 200%
Universal Credit can loosen the grip of poverty, but further reform is needed
20 February, 2019
Universal Credit has the potential to help families locked in poverty, but the Government must make urgent improvements in its design, funding and delivery if it is not to drive some towards destitution
'I'm only eating one meal a day': How Universal Credit is 'failing' self-employed people
20 February, 2019
Mark Sorensen, 28, a self-employed furniture designer, says he feels 'dehumanised' by the system
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 10 January 2019
19 February, 2019
Official experimental statistics including the number of people and households on Universal Credit, starts and claims
Universal Credit statistics: revision to number of people on Universal Credit and restoration of data on durations
19 February, 2019
Notice about a revision to the people on Universal Credit figures, and the restoration of data on the durations of time spent by individuals on Universal Credit
Benefit sanctions statistics to October 2018
19 February, 2019
Sanctions statistics for Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit, data to October 2018
DWP inflexible over UC assessment flexibility
18 February, 2019
Minister references regulation to claim claimants face "uncertainty" without fixed start dates for assessment periods
There's a way to change Universal Credit payments from one monthly installment
18 February, 2019
If you're struggling, there's a way to reorganise payments
Managing Money on Universal Credit
14 February, 2019
How design and delivery of Universal credit affects how people manage their money
May winces under PMQ 'friendly fire' over UC
14 February, 2019
PM visibly uncomfortable to hear Tory MP say welfare state was "no longer holding up the most vulnerable - but dragging them down"
Skint Britain: Friends without Benefits Episode 1 Clip
14 February, 2019
When the residents of Hartlepool became guinea pigs for the roll out of Universal Credit a series of events were triggered that even the government didn't predict
The effect 'bedroom tax' and Universal Credit is having on people in North Tyneside
13 February, 2019
North Tyneside Council is considering building small 'starter homes' to help cash-strapped renters
Welsh housing minister writes to Rudd over 53-week Universal Credit issue
13 February, 2019
A Welsh housing minister has written to work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd expressing concern that social tenants on Universal Credit will lose out next year because of a quirk in the calendar
Rents at risk without DWP data share
13 February, 2019
Welsh providers fear tenants falling behind on payments without advance notice of Universal Credit transfers
Universal credit rollout linked to rising food bank use
12 February, 2019
Work and pensions secretary says benefit payment delays could have led to increase
Government refuses to act on DWP 'inhumanity'
12 February, 2019
Potential overhaul of DWP sanctions is fobbed off, despite admission that Universal Credit has led to rocketing foodbank use
UC claimants refusing zero-hour jobs risk sanction
08 February, 2019
But DWP minister skirts around the issue of such sanctions as policy
UC rollout to 'worsen' NI housing crisis
08 February, 2019
Recent NIHE report showed almost 20,950 children in families waiting for social housing and at least 13,636 in 'housing stress'
Who's who: Islington's rough sleeping chief slams short-term tenancies
07 February, 2019
Islington' Council's new permanent street sleeping chief Sarah Turley speaks to Lucas Cumiskey about austerity, Universal Credit and short term tenancies and the impact they are having
DWP claims 53-week year will not affect tenants on Universal Credit
07 February, 2019
The government has shifted its position to claim that the 53 rent weeks next financial year will not have an impact on social tenants receiving Universal Credit
Families missing out on 'vital funding' under benefit cap
07 February, 2019
DWP figures show that 74% of single-parent families had their housing benefit capped last year
Benefit Cap: number of households capped to November 2018
07 February, 2019
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and November 2018
RLA urges a right to direct UC rent payments
06 February, 2019
Citizen's Advice report reveals 49% of those it helps with Universal Credit are in arrears over housing payments
Universal Credit: 'I've nearly lost my house twice'
06 February, 2019
A mother of three says she has nearly been made homeless twice in two years due to the new Universal Credit benefits system
Act now to fix Universal Credit
06 February, 2019
Research by the National Landlords Association has found that 73 per cent of landlords who let to tenants on Universal Credit have experienced rent arrears in the last year.
Call for universal credit overhaul amid fears of looming evictions crisis
05 February, 2019
Citizens Advice reveals half of claimants seeking benefits assistance are at risk of being evicted
The lonely and destitute who will walk miles for a free meal in Birmingham
04 February, 2019
Welfare cuts and loneliness are driving people onto the streets of Birmingham in search of food
Gender of bank account holders on Universal Credit
31 January, 2019
Ad hoc statistics on couples claiming Universal Credit (UC), specifically the gender of the person whose bank account receives the UC payment
13,000 tenants in Wales at risk of UC underpayment
30 January, 2019
Community Housing Cymru calls on UK Government to change UC formula to account for year-on-year flexibility
'I've absolutely had enough': Tory MP embarks on anti-austerity tour
25 January, 2019
Heidi Allen joins former Labour MP Frank Field on mission to highlight the poverty caused by her party's policies
Universal Credit technicality threatens hundreds of thousands with underpayment
25 January, 2019
Hundreds of thousands of social housing tenants on Universal Credit are set to have their housing costs underpaid in the next financial year due to a quirk in the calendar which means 53 weekly rent payments will fall due
DWP landlord rent payment portal won't be live until Summer
23 January, 2019
With the heat on, the London Assembly Housing Committee hears the portal is still some way off
MP seeks 'crucial' Universal Credit reforms over domestic abuse risk
23 January, 2019
An SNP MP has urged the UK Government to accept amendments to its Domestic Abuse Bill to tackle the increased risk of financial abuse under the current Universal Credit system
Commons committee launches inquiry into 'natural migration' to Universal Credit
23 January, 2019
The UK Parliament's work and pensions committee is today launching a new inquiry into the process by which people claiming existing benefits move onto Universal Credit if they have a change in their circumstances
Mentally ill people more at risk of losing benefits
22 January, 2019
Concerns that DLA system discriminates against those with psychiatric disorders
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 13 December 2018
22 January, 2019
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 13 December 2018
53-week rent year, rent reduction and Universal Credit - briefing
21 January, 2019
We've produced a briefing focusing on the upcoming 53-week rent year and how this impacts on rent reduction and the calculation of Universal Credit
Universal Credit - latest news for housing associations
21 January, 2019
We set out the latest updates on Universal Credit, including a proposed change to the way rent is paid to landlords and the Christmas early payment schedule
PIP appeal left disabled man 'stressed and humiliated'
18 January, 2019
An east Belfast man who has a long-term lung condition has been "humiliated" by a seven-month battle for Personal Independence Payment
Support visits if you need help to claim benefits
18 January, 2019
The Department for Work and Pensions Visiting Team can visit you at home to help you with your benefit claim
Welfare 'reform' puts new social housing in NI at risk
17 January, 2019
Report outlines risk posed by rent arrears to the building and maintenance of social housing
Benefits rule changes could cost pensioners in UK thousands a year
16 January, 2019
From 15 May, new pensioners with partners under 65 can no longer claim pension credit
Changes to disability benefits cost £4bn in extra welfare payments
16 January, 2019
OBR's figures will bolster disability groups' calls for overhaul of PIP system
Government welfare watchdog questions Universal Credit managed migration pilot
16 January, 2019
Ministers' proposals for the 10,000-person pilot for moving existing benefit claimants onto Universal Credit could prove a missed opportunity
Changes to benefits for mixed age couples
16 January, 2019
The government announced today changes to benefits for mixed age couples that will be introduced from 15 May 2019
More than 17,000 sick and disabled people have died while waiting for welfare benefits
15 January, 2019
Ministers accused of 'failing people at the most vulnerable point in their lives' after it emerges nine disability claimants die each day while waiting for decisions on disability support
The Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019: SSAC correspondence
15 January, 2019
A letter to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the Universal Credit (Managed Migration Pilot and Miscellaneous Amendments) Regulations 2019
Could changes to Universal Credit now persuade landlords and agents to accept housing benefit tenants?
14 January, 2019
The Government is to start working on an online system that will let private landlords access rents directly from tenants on Universal Credit
Amber Rudd announces further Universal Credit changes - at a job centre
14 January, 2019
But latest concessions still come with a defence of 'principle' and no acknowledgement of damage done
Four single mothers win high court benefits battle against DWP
14 January, 2019
Women succeed with action over 'fundamental problem' with universal credit system
Universal credit to be paid to main carer in attempt to help women
11 January, 2019
Work and pensions secretary Amber Rudd unveils package of changes to benefits system
Universal Credit: personal welfare
11 January, 2019
A speech delivered by the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions at Kennington jobcentre about the future of Universal Credit
Amber Rudd sets out fresh approach to Universal Credit
11 January, 2019
Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd sets out an ambitious new future for Universal Credit
PRS landlords welcome thaw in benefits freeze
11 January, 2019
Freeze as applied to housing benefit is seen as a key driver of homelessness from PRS
High Court deals huge blow to welfare 'reform'
11 January, 2019
Judges say relevant regulations on Universal Credit have been "wrongly interpreted" at Secretary of State level
Council branded 'meanest in the country' after penalising housing payment claimants over smoking and Sky TV
10 January, 2019
North Lincolnshire Council receives £350,000 from the Government for discretionary housing payments but sends much of it back
Rudd 'still considering' when to give MPs vote on Universal Credit roll-out
09 January, 2019
Amber Rudd has told MPs she is "still considering" when they will be given a vote on the full and final roll-out Universal Credit
Universal credit: Vote to extend benefit to three million delayed
07 January, 2019
The next stage of the universal credit rollout is to be scaled back amid concerns about the controversial new benefits system
DWP agrees to change Universal Credit direct payments schedule
07 January, 2019
Direct rent payments to social landlords for tenants claiming Universal Credit will change to be paid on a monthly cycle
Stealthy changes mean that soon one in five families with children will be losing some Child Benefit
07 January, 2019
Six years ago today, Child Benefit was first withdrawn from families containing someone whose annual income is above £50,000 a year
Life on Universal Credit: Father, 42, who suffered heart attack and has 4% kidney function forced to live in a freezing cold caravan
07 January, 2019
Martin Weaver says he had to give up his one-bedroom flat as he couldn't afford the rent - he now sometimes stays in lay-bys without heat
Benefit cap: single mothers make up 85% of those affected
04 January, 2019
DWP records show 134,044 households had support capped, with single mothers accounting for 114,337
Single mums hit hardest by benefit cap
04 January, 2019
New DWP figures show single mums make up 85% of all households whose incomes have been limited by the policy
Council rent arrears expected to double as impact of Universal Credit begins to bite
04 January, 2019
Rent arrears from council tenants are expected to double in Barnsley as the full impact of the Government's switch to the controversial Universal Credit system takes hold
Government benefit delays 'wreaking havoc' on disabled people's lives as nearly 100,000 wait more than two weeks
03 January, 2019
Delays branded 'recruiting sergeant for food banks and money lenders' as proportion of ESA claims taking longer than 10 working days soars to one in five
Those claiming the Universal Credit roll-out was well intentioned aren't affected by it. My family was
03 January, 2019
My dad's phone pings at 3:40am on a Sunday. "You need to read a message in your Universal Credit journal"
Universal credit: Surge in families begging for money online as benefit plunges households into destitution
02 January, 2019
Number of people crowdfunding for donations to help them afford housing, bills and other basic necessities on universal credit rises five-fold in a year
Universal Credit: 250,000 parents and workers forced onto benefit WITHOUT full protection
02 January, 2019
Tories claim existing benefit claimants won't see their income drop. Yet 273,747 people were forced to leave Tax Credits and join the new system without proper protection in just one year
Bron Afon residents in Torfaen are £74,000 in arrears since the introduction of Universal Credit
02 January, 2019
Social housing tenants in Torfaen have been struggling to keep up with their rent since Universal Credit was introduced in the area
Hard-up Walsall people suffering due to Universal Credit
02 January, 2019
It is claimed that recipients are facing increased debt and rent arrears
DWP say working families on Universal Credit will get £630 extra from Saturday April 6
01 January, 2019
April 6 is the day to look out for when working families in the UK get a little bit extra money in their pockets
Get in debt or turn down job? Universal Credit's 'stark choice'
24 December, 2018
The Universal Credit system leaves too many UK claimants with children facing a stark choice between turning down jobs or getting into debt
Universal Credit's 'stark choice' for claimants with children
24 December, 2018
The Work and Pensions Select Committee says the way parents pay for childcare up front, then claim it back afterwards is a "barrier to work"
DWP showed 'shocking disregard' for disabled claimants
21 December, 2018
Accusation a response to Commons statement confirming 4,600 disabled claimants denied rightful payments
Universal Credit - latest news for housing associations
21 December, 2018
We set out the latest updates on Universal Credit, including a proposed change to the way rent is paid to landlords and the Christmas early payment schedule
Struggling with universal credit in Hartlepool
20 December, 2018
Universal credit was designed to simplify the benefits system, but its introduction has seen some people worse off, and some have had difficulty claiming their money
Challenge to 'two-child' benefit cap reaches Court of Appeal
20 December, 2018
Two mothers are challenging the government's controversial 'two-child' benefit cap in the Court of Appeal
Moving from DLA to PIP: changes to PIP law from 23 November 2017
20 December, 2018
A summary of changes to PIP which affect how the Department for Work and Pensions decides PIP claims
Rudd will consider Universal Credit rollout delay to boost 'public confidence'
19 December, 2018
Work and Pensions Secretary strikes conciliatory tone before Commons committee
DWP made 'serious error' removing disability premiums from UC
19 December, 2018
Key Commons committee slams present transition plans as dividing disabled claimants
Universal Credit migration could be 'disastrous' for disabled people
18 December, 2018
Universal Credit could have "disastrous" consequences for disabled people if the managed migration goes ahead as currently planned
Housing Benefit and structures and services: Local Authority Insight Survey Wave 34
18 December, 2018
This report presents findings on Housing Benefit fraud and error and limiting absences outside Great Britain, and changes to local authority structures and services
Social security watchdog warns on planned Universal Credit switchover
17 December, 2018
The government should not force all claimants to make a fresh application for benefits to avoid payments being cut off, when Universal Credit is rolled out to existing claimants next year
Figures suggest Universal Credit is driving homelessness and evictions
14 December, 2018
Households relying on Universal Credit may be more than twice as likely to become homeless or evicted from social housing as those on the old benefit system
Research finds most landlords won't let to previously homeless youths
14 December, 2018
Only 19% of private landlords would let to a young person claiming Universal Credit
Starting to bite: how Universal Credit is making people homeless
14 December, 2018
New figures unearthed by Inside Housing suggest Universal Credit could be pushing more people into homelessness
Gordon Brown: I didn't think I'd see child poverty again in my lifetime
14 December, 2018
Ex-chancellor's tax credits started to erase problem - but universal credit reverses trend
Universal Credit: how we got here
13 December, 2018
The first stage of Universal Credit was fully rolled out this week
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments: April to September 2018
13 December, 2018
Analysis of local authorities' use of Discretionary Housing Payments (England and Wales) from April to September 2018, based on local authority mid-year returns
Universal Credit (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018: SSAC correspondence
13 December, 2018
Correspondence between SSAC and DWP about The Universal Credit (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018
A rock and a hard place: the Universal Credit frontline
12 December, 2018
Universal Credit was meant to simplify the welfare system and give people control over their finances
Committee warns of 'insufficient information' on key Universal Credit regulations
12 December, 2018
A committee has warned the House of Lords has "insufficient information" to approve crucial regulations paving the way for the next stage of Universal Credit
Universal Credit rolled out to whole of UK
12 December, 2018
Universal Credit has today reached every Jobcentre in the UK - meaning new benefit claimants will no longer be able to use the old welfare system
Universal Credit desperation: Cash is soaked up at alarming rate
11 December, 2018
Stafford people need the financial help to survive
Campaigners in 'frontline fight' against Universal Credit evictions
11 December, 2018
National Housing Summit hears of a need to fight UC arrears evictions on the same terms as the fight against Section 21
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 8 November 2018
11 December, 2018
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 8 November 2018
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to October 2018
11 December, 2018
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made
Universal Credit was underpaid by £30m last year
10 December, 2018
The Department for Work and Pensions underpaid Universal Credit by £30m last year, two-thirds of which was down to 'official error'
Grenfell Tower MP calls for Universal Credit launch delay
10 December, 2018
The MP whose seat is home to Grenfell Tower has urged the government to delay next week's launch of Universal Credit in the area, saying it could leave survivors without income at Christmas
The benefit cap is harming struggling families
07 December, 2018
At Shelter, our solicitors and many other legal aid housing lawyers frequently represent families who are struggling in unimaginable ways under the household benefit cap
Mum of three shares a single, cramped room with her kids after being in temporary housing for two years
06 December, 2018
Carly Stutter, 30, shares a single room in Croydon with her three children - with just two beds between them
Labour vows to restore legal aid for benefits appeal cases if elected
04 December, 2018
Move would encourage DWP to get decisions right first time, reducing MoJ costs
Disabled man 'being threatened with eviction' after benefits were stopped
03 December, 2018
A disabled man from Tewkesbury says he is being 'threatened with eviction' after falling behind with his rent after his 'benefits were stopped'
Homes lost because of the benefits cap and 'bedroom tax'
30 November, 2018
Those who are deemed to have spare rooms get their housing benefit cut
Universal credit is 'broken'
30 November, 2018
Average levels of rent arrears among council tenants on universal credit are more than three times the level of those on legacy benefits
Universal Credit tenants slip back into rent arrears after long period
29 November, 2018
Tenants claiming Universal Credit for long periods persistently struggle to pay their rent and even build up more arrears despite government attempts to improve the situation
Universal credit problems and rise of food bank use
29 November, 2018
Universal credit is a new system which rolls six benefits into one payment
UC roll-out means 100,000 children facing family hardship over Christmas
28 November, 2018
Housing provider says majority of the 110,000 UK households now moving to UC will have to borrow money to see them though the festive season
Stop DSS Discrimination: Live blog
28 November, 2018
This blog rounds-up everything we're doing in the fight to end DSS discrimination
DWP launches awareness campaign for Universal Credit landlord portal
27 November, 2018
The government has launched a campaign to improve the understanding of Universal Credit among landlords
Universal Credit: Single mums take government to court
27 November, 2018
A single mum who relies on universal credit is challenging the government's benefits scheme for being "irrational"
Universal Credit and homeless people
27 November, 2018
Information about Universal Credit for homeless people, those at risk of homelessness and the organisations supporting them
Police Scotland link robbery rise with UK benefits changes
26 November, 2018
Police Scotland has claimed UK government benefit changes may be linked to a rise in robberies
NatWest close branches after housing-benefit protests
26 November, 2018
Protests sparked by clause in bank's buy-to-let mortgage agreement forbidding landlords renting to 'DSS' tenants
Food banks fear winter crisis as universal credit is rolled out
26 November, 2018
Charities are stockpiling emergency supplies and appealing for donations and volunteers
Universal Credit leaves ex-builder with just '£14 a fortnight' to live on
26 November, 2018
Mark Harris has been forced to use a Foodbank as he struggles to survive on Universal Credit
Big re-boot for the Universal Credit Landlord Portal
26 November, 2018
DWP launches six-week campaign promoting the portal a month after RLA warned of rent arrears reinforcing need for urgent change
Universal credit: More than half of people denied benefit have cases overturned on appeal
26 November, 2018
Hundreds of vulnerable people left out of pocket for months due to incorrect refusals, with true number of wrong decisions likely to be far higher
Is Universal Credit the Tories' number one priority?
26 November, 2018
During a Politics Live discussion on universal credit, the Times columnist Rachel Sylvester said she was shocked at the benefit system#s continued roll out
Amber Rudd recognises 'real problems' with Universal Credit
23 November, 2018
New work and pensions secretary pledges to help out single parents who are signed up to the scheme
MPs call for government to delay parliament vote on Universal Credit roll-out
22 November, 2018
A cross-party group of MPs has urged ministers to delay the next parliamentary vote on the migration of Universal Credit until after the government's benefit policy watchdog has assessed its plans
Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland: A Scoping Report
22 November, 2018
A number of changes to the benefits system have been applied in Northern Ireland since 2008
From the bedroom tax to 'taking in a lodger'
22 November, 2018
Is there any 'minister' at the DWP capable of at least faking empathy?
Research reinforces benefit changes driving increase in PRS homelessness
21 November, 2018
As a UN report damns government's "callous" approach to benefits, report says LHA rates are behind a rise in evictions
Poor families could take in lodger to beat benefit cap
21 November, 2018
Tory attacked as out of touch for saying families living in poverty could renegotiate rent
PIP: Department 'cannot' scrap terminal illness form
21 November, 2018
A department has said it cannot scrap a requirement that terminally ill people sign a form stating they have less than six months to live to secure benefits
MPs blast banks for discriminating against tenants on benefits
20 November, 2018
Government told to address 'housing blacklist' operated by mortgage lenders
Universal Credit is coming to Burton, Stafford and Cannock
20 November, 2018
It has proved controversial so far
Govan Law Centre launches Universal Credit campaign
20 November, 2018
Govan Law Centre has called for a new resilience strategy to challenge the adverse impact of Universal Credit in Scotland
Rudd offers 'same old, same old' over Universal Credit
20 November, 2018
New Work & Pensions Secretary goes into denial over UN report that accused ministers of going into denial
'I was forced into prostitution by Universal Credit'
19 November, 2018
The Universal Credit benefits system is forcing some women to turn to sex work
Amber Rudd to inherit Universal Credit roll-out
19 November, 2018
New Secretary of State for Work and Pensions named on the day a damning UN report says rising UK poverty is a "political choice"
Universal credit: Amber Rudd to listen to 'expert guidance'
19 November, 2018
Work and Pensions Secretary Amber Rudd has agreed to listen "very carefully" to concerns over universal credit, conceding the system "can be better"
The impact of the roll out of Universal Credit in two North East England localities: a qualitative study
16 November, 2018
"It's hitting people that can least afford it the hardest"
Universal credit linked to suicide risk
16 November, 2018
Research for Gateshead council finds system increases depression and anxiety
Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up: financial year 2016 to 2017
15 November, 2018
Estimates of take-up of income-related benefits for Great Britain for the financial year 2016 to 2017
DSS Discrimination: letting agent excuses
15 November, 2018
Our DSS discrimination campaign has lifted the lid on practices and policies many would like to believe simply didn't exist in 2018
Draft Universal Credit (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018: SSAC report and government statement
14 November, 2018
A Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) report on the draft Universal Credit Regulations 2018, and the government's response
London women tell UN poverty envoy about impact of welfare cuts
13 November, 2018
Residents of deprived Newham describe domestic abuse and hunger to Philip Alston
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 11 October 2018
13 November, 2018
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 11 October 2018
Bereavement Support Payment statistics, April 2017 to June 2018
13 November, 2018
Statistics on DWP administered benefits
Benefit sanctions statistics to July 2018
13 November, 2018
Sanctions statistics for Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Universal Credit, data to July 2018
Universal credit will cost more than system it replaces
12 November, 2018
600,000 families could be worse off
Universal credit: Rent arrears double for benefit claimants
12 November, 2018
Council tenants on universal credit have on average more than double the rent arrears of those still on housing benefit
Back in Credit? Universal Credit after Budget 2018
12 November, 2018
The Budget 2018 work allowance increase means that the number of working families that gain from the switch to UC increases by 200,000
Landlords pushing up rents to exploit housing benefit shortfall
09 November, 2018
Benefit cuts and unscrupulous landlords have combined to create an explosion in temporary housing that is costing taxpayers more than a billion pounds a year
Date set for 18-21s housing benefit ban reversal
08 November, 2018
The ban on housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds will be scrapped at the end of the year
One in 10 rental homes advertised as excluding benefits claimants
08 November, 2018
Shelter says landlords insisting 'no DSS' causes misery and is likely to be unlawful
One in 10 rental properties in England 'likely to be advertised unlawfully'
08 November, 2018
New research exposes iceberg tip extent of discrimination against benefit claimants
Crisis calls for review of 'pointlessly cruel' DWP benefit sanctions
07 November, 2018
Commons committee says human cost of sanctions is too high - Crisis sees a hard hit to the homeless
Government open to 'data share' between housing associations and DWP
07 November, 2018
SSAC report on Universal Credit commits to "further discussions" on data sharing to help manage claimant migration
Universal credit leading to rise in food bank use
06 November, 2018
Trussell Trust says benefits system is failing to protect claimants from hunger
Universal credit: Claimants 'to get more time to switch'
06 November, 2018
Universal credit claimants will be given more time to switch to the new benefit
MPs: protect housing allowance from benefit sanctions
06 November, 2018
The government must stop deducting money from Universal Credit claimants' allowances if they have already been 'sanctioned'
MPs call for review of 'pointlessly cruel' benefit sanctions
06 November, 2018
Work and pensions committee concludes that current scheme carries too high a human cost
Sharma rejects scrutiny of new Universal Credit rules
06 November, 2018
Work & Pensions Committee won't get new rules ahead of Commons because that would "diverge from the standard process"
MPs urged to consider voting down new rules on universal credit
05 November, 2018
Frank Field fears new regulations on switching to the benefit could leave many people worse off and struggling to cope
Benefit cap leaves poor families with mounting debt
05 November, 2018
Key welfare reform disproportionately affects ill or disabled people
McVey concedes to 'more careful planning' over UC roll out
05 November, 2018
Commons hears of new measures to ease migration following Budget announcement of an extra £2.7bn to boost the 'reform'
LA Welfare Direct Bulletin 11/2018
02 November, 2018
These LA Welfare Direct bulletins provide information, that affects Housing Benefit and other areas of DWP, to local authority staff
Half of Scots opt for alternative Universal Credit payments
01 November, 2018
Almost half of those in receipt of Universal Credit chose the Scottish Government's alternative payment options when offered
Universal Credit predicted to cost more than existing benefits system
01 November, 2018
Universal Credit will cost billions more than the existing benefits system over the next five years
Benefit cap: number of households capped to August 2018
01 November, 2018
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and August 2018
Welfare reform success with 54,000 benefit cap households taking on more work
01 November, 2018
New figures show that around 54,000 households are no longer subject to the benefit cap, indicating more people are entering work or taking on more hours
Grenfell Survivors Facing Universal Credit Roll-Out Just Days Before Christmas
31 October, 2018
DWP accused of 'sneaking out' plan on Budget day
Universal credit rollout 'loads unreasonable risk' on to claimants
31 October, 2018
Government adviser Sir Ian Diamond says thousands could be pushed into hardship
PMQs: May and Corbyn clash over benefits freeze
31 October, 2018
Jeremy Corbyn used Prime Minister's Questions to question the Prime Minister over the benefits freeze
Housing Benefit statistics on speed of processing 2018 to 2019
31 October, 2018
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Hammond announces extra funding for Universal Credit
30 October, 2018
Philip Hammond has announced plans to pump more money into Universal Credit in the Autumn Budget today
Labour: vote down budget if it fails to halt universal credit rollout
29 October, 2018
John McDonnell urges MPs to unite to stop the chancellor 'forcing people into poverty'
Natwest apologises and launches review after 'No DSS' controversy
29 October, 2018
A major UK bank has said it will conduct a review after admitting it "regrets" its handling of a case where it declined a mortgage to the landlord of a tenant on housing benefit
How universal credit is fuelling Britain's homelessness crisis
29 October, 2018
Observer investigation finds system in chaos, putting chancellor under pressure to change tack
Homeless charity head 'gagged' over universal credit remarks
29 October, 2018
A charity head said she was told her organisation may miss out on National Lottery funding if she continued to criticise universal credit
Universal credit: Ministers 'in denial'
26 October, 2018
The government has been accused of presiding over a "culture of indifference" about the hardship caused by universal credit
NatWest to review lending after benefits criticism
26 October, 2018
The bank has been under pressure to change its practices after stories came out showing it refused to lend if the private landlord rented to a benefits claimant
DWP 'adrift from the real world' over Universal Credit
26 October, 2018
As if to reinforce the damning accusation from a key Commons committee, DWP minister Alok Sharma denies that rise in food bank use is solely down to UC roll-out
Housing coalition reaches out to DWP over Universal Credit support
25 October, 2018
Plea for DWP to treat supported housing providers as 'partners' to ease the impact of the roll-out on vulnerable claimants
Universal credit stops parents returning to work
24 October, 2018
Group of mothers tell Commons committee that system is unwieldy
Stephen Lloyd MP: Work should always pay - so why aren't we investing in Universal Credit?
24 October, 2018
The Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Work & Pensions repeats his party's stance on Universal Credit following a speech by Sir Vince Cable today
Government urged to intervene over banks refusing mortgages for landlords renting to benefit claimants
22 October, 2018
RLA is urging the Government to intervene to stop mortgage lenders discriminating against Universal Credit claimants
Universal credit is backward step in tackling domestic abuse
22 October, 2018
Home affairs committee report urges government to scrap single household payments
Speculation mounts as to how bad 'secret' government UC assessments are
19 October, 2018
Tories dogged Commons resistance to releasing briefing papers and analyses on UC impact taken as hiding damning findings
ESA underpayment: Who is entitled to backdated benefits?
19 October, 2018
Questions have been raised from benefits claimants after the government revealed that 180,000 people are entitled to back-payments following years of errors
Temporary accommodation no guarantee of UC transitional protection
19 October, 2018
Commons scrutiny session hears director general of the Universal Credit programme ask housing associations for help in moving tenants through the roll out
Labour fails to force government to release universal credit impact assessments
18 October, 2018
Commons votes down opposition attempt to use arcane parliamentary procedure to publish documents
Universal credit: Should the benefit be paid weekly instead of monthly?
18 October, 2018
Universal credit is paid monthly based on the idea that the majority of people in work are paid monthly
Landlords report surge in arrears among Universal Credit tenants
17 October, 2018
Almost two-thirds of landlords with tenants receiving Universal Credit have experienced a big surge in rental arrears
Labour seeks to force publication of universal credit impact analysis
17 October, 2018
Party to use opposition day debate to demand briefings on impact of changes
Government defeats Labour attempts to release UC impact papers
17 October, 2018
The government has narrowly triumphed in a Commons vote on Universal Credit
Commons bid to force release of Universal Credit impact papers
17 October, 2018
Labour try Brexit tactics to expose the extent of the government's own UC assessments in special debate session
Universal credit rollout delayed yet again
16 October, 2018
Ministers have bowed to pressure and are planning to further delay the rollout of the flagship welfare reform, universal credit
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 13 September 2018
16 October, 2018
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 13 September 2018
Millions to lose £52 a week with universal credit
15 October, 2018
Pressure on chancellor to announce increase in benefit funds in budget
Nearly two-thirds of PRS tenants claiming Universal Credit in arrears
15 October, 2018
Increasing numbers of private renters in receipt of Universal Credit are finding themselves in rent arrears
Poorest families to lose out on £210 a year owing to benefits cap
15 October, 2018
Resolution Foundation analysis shows freeze imposed in 2015 is hitting low-income households with children
Universal credit? If Iain Duncan Smith is an architect of anything, it's misery
15 October, 2018
Only a dangerous politician favours simple fixes to complex problems - they have a way of causing hardship to millions
£2bn to 'save' Universal Credit blows budget plans
15 October, 2018
Government has to balance between tax cuts and a simmering back-bench rebellion over the roll-out of UC
Charities working with Universal Credit claimants required to 'sign contracts to protect Esther McVey's reputation'
12 October, 2018
Department for Work and Pensions denies they are 'gagging clauses'
Tenant on coping with rising rent and housing benefit cap
12 October, 2018
A mother with an ill daughter described how her rent kept going up, but the housing benefit she relied on did not meet the costs
Former housing minister faces grilling over Universal Credit roll out
12 October, 2018
Alok Sharma to questioned by Commons committee on government preparation for mass UC migration
Arrears for Welsh housing association tenants on Universal Credit up 150%
11 October, 2018
Housing associations in Wales have seen rent arrears among tenants claiming Universal Credit rise 150% since December
Universal credit could repeat poll tax problems
11 October, 2018
Benefit changes coming into force next year have been compared to the poll tax - the policy that helped end Margaret Thatcher's time as prime minister
Esther McVey: Some to be poorer under universal credit
11 October, 2018
Some people will be worse off under universal credit - but they can take on more work to increase their income
MPs look to grill minister over Universal Credit as criticism mounts
11 October, 2018
The minister responsible for the roll-out of Universal Credit could face a grilling from MPs amid mounting criticism of the controversial changes to the benefits system
Universal Credit plunging Welsh housing association tenants into £2m of debt
11 October, 2018
Stats shows an overall debt increase of 150% since December last year
Halt universal credit or face summer of discontent
10 October, 2018
Ex-Labour leader says Tory welfare scheme could push millions more into poverty
The Universal Credit CON: Millions of British families could lose up to £200-a-month under new benefits changes
08 October, 2018
Millions of families could lose as much as £200 each month under new Universal Credit changes
John McDonnell urges scrapping 'iniquitous' universal credit
08 October, 2018
Shadow chancellor's demands follow warnings families could lose £200 a month in benefits
Labour wants abolition of 'shambolic' Universal Credit
08 October, 2018
And campaigners want DWP to stop hounding carers... and a report to the UN says one in five of Britain's disabled have rights violated
Food bank use will soar after universal credit rollout
05 October, 2018
Trussell Trust calls for urgent changes to policy of moving 3m people on to new system
Poverty charity presses for 'urgent changes' to UC roll-out
05 October, 2018
Leading food bank provider fears soaring demand without safeguards for claimants
Charity defends its Universal Credit link
04 October, 2018
A charity has defended its involvement with the controversial roll-out of UC after a flood of criticism from poverty campaigners
Is austerity really over? Theresa May's promise lacks key details
04 October, 2018
PM's announcement doesn't reflect current Treasury policy as departments still face cuts
Esther McVey's Universal Credit Funding Vow Under Fire From Poverty Charities
02 October, 2018
Esther McVey pledged £39 million for 'universal support'
Concern over planned eviction of tenants from supported living scheme
01 October, 2018
A group of tenants in supported living accommodation in Gloucester have expressed concern over eviction notices served by their landlord, which they say will make them homeless
Citizens Advice to provide support to Universal Credit claimants
01 October, 2018
The Department for Work and Pensions will fund Citizens Advice to provide Universal Support from April 2019
Work underway to ensure smooth roll-out of Universal Credit benefits in north-east
28 September, 2018
Preparations are under way for the roll-out of a benefit which has previously led to a rise in the number of people applying for crisis loans
The majority of people in North Tyneside who claim Universal Credit are in debt
28 September, 2018
North Tyneside Council says it predicted how the situation would unfold six months after the benefits system was introduced
Harrogate Jobcentre staff seek to bust Universal Credit 'myths'
28 September, 2018
"We don't call it that any more" whispers Harrogate Jobcentre Plus employer and partnership leader Helen Greensit, wincing slightly after hearing the words "signing on"
Labour to consider scrapping universal credit in major overhaul of 'toxic' welfare system
25 September, 2018
Margaret Greenwood, the shadow work and pensions secretary, announces a major review of the 'toxic' welfare system
Housing crisis drives more than 1m private tenants deeper into poverty
24 September, 2018
Lack of social housing and rise in universal credit sanctions hit low-income families hardest
'Yorkshire landlords now less likely to rent to Universal Credit claimants - and bad providers fill gap'
24 September, 2018
A policy director for the National Landlords Association has said that members are far less likely to rent to Universal Credit claimants than people entitled to benefits just six years ago
Welfare spending for UK's poorest shrinks by £37bn
24 September, 2018
Figures compiled after decade of austerity and obtained by Frank Field show most striking cuts are in disability benefits
Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2018
21 September, 2018
Historic and forecast benefit expenditure and caseload data usually consistent with the annual Spring and Autumn Budgets or Statements
Nearly 8m now living in council areas with no access to local welfare assistance schemes
19 September, 2018
FoI responses expose the extent to which local welfare assistance schemes have collapsed
What are councils spending on discretionary housing payments?
18 September, 2018
Local authorities are spending record sums on emergency payments to households that otherwise face eviction by private or social landlords
Universal Credit roll-out in Darlington proves 'a real success'
12 September, 2018
The roll-out of Universal Credit would spell disaster for a borough featuring areas with high levels of deprivation have proved unfounded
Fears for vulnerable as Universal Credit is rolled out in Boston today
12 September, 2018
The controversial new Universal Credit system of paying benefits is due to be rolled out in Boston from today
Universal credit: one in six not paid on time
12 September, 2018
Figures emerge as archbishop of Canterbury calls for benefit system rollout to be stopped
PM accused of 'pouring petrol on Britain's burning injustices'
12 September, 2018
Heated PMQs clash sees Jeremy Corbyn launch a sustained attack on "flawed, failing" Universal Credit and the thousands it was driving to destitution
Universal Credit: in-work progression randomised controlled trial
12 September, 2018
These documents present the findings from the evaluation of the Department for Work and Pensions in-work progression trial
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 9 August 2018
11 September, 2018
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 9 August 2018
Avoiding discrimination - a guide for letting agents and landlords
11 September, 2018
The launch of our campaign to end DSS discrimination against renters on housing benefit has suggested that some landlords and letting agents may not be fully up to speed on how their policies could be putting them at risk of breaching the Equality Act 2025
Universal Credit could be crushed if impending roll out fails
07 September, 2018
Report from the Resolution Foundation makes major recommendations as to how the 'reform' might salvage some public and political credibility
The benefits of moving: Managing the transition of existing claimants to Universal Credit
07 September, 2018
The long implementation of UC has been far from smooth and we've become all too used to negative stories about roll-out delays and, more seriously, payment problems and financial hardship for those accessing the new system
Universal credit could be sunk by next stage of rollout
06 September, 2018
Calls for further delays to fix flaws before million working families move on to benefit
Work Programme (Universal Credit) provider guidance: 2018 contract variation
06 September, 2018
Referrals to this programme ended on 31 March 2017. This guidance is for existing Work Programme participants only
Yorkshire: The following areas will move from Universal Credit live service to full service
04 September, 2018
Jobcentres located in Beverley, Bridlington, Hessle and Goole will shortly be asking their universal credit live customers to move over to universal credit full service
Universal Credit claimants needing food parcels to get by as online struggles revealed
03 September, 2018
Nearly 800 people in one North Yorkshire borough have been moved onto the new benefit and are struggling
Sadiq Khan calls for rollout of universal credit to be paused
31 August, 2018
London mayor says expansion poses 'significant threat of harm' to vulnerable claimants
Sadiq Khan hits out at Universal Credit
31 August, 2018
Mayor of London has issued a warning to government over its flagship welfare reform, saying it will be "the vulnerable who suffer the most"
Social Security Advisory Committee consultation on Universal Credit and next steps for managed migration
31 August, 2018
The RLA has submitted its response to the Social Security Advisory Committee consultation, on Universal Credit and next steps for managed migration
Freeze on housing aid is pushing private renting out of reach of benefits tenants
30 August, 2018
The benefits freeze has put private renting out of reach for low-income tenants, and put them at increasing risk of homelessness
Low-income tenants face 'heat, eat or pay rent' choices
29 August, 2018
Housing benefit freeze leaving poorest private renters with shortfall of up to £140 a week
Universal Credit Amendment Regulations: Our response to SSAC consultation
28 August, 2018
JRF's response to a SSAC consultation on proposals in the draft Universal Credit (Transitional Provisions) (Managed Migration) Amendment Regulations 2018
One in three Universal Credit claimants in Brighton and Hove are in employment
28 August, 2018
Thousands of workers in Brighton and Hove are claiming Universal Credit as their low wages are not enough to live on
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2014 to Mar 2015
24 August, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2014 to 2015
haart says it DOES arrange tenancies for those claiming housing benefit
23 August, 2018
The agency chain named as having the most branches banning benefits tenants has said that this is not company policy
Major report calls for tenants in Stoke-on-Trent's 18,400 council houses to pay rent every month
23 August, 2018
And tenants are still being hit in the pocket by the bedroom tax
Undercover check finds discrimination against tenants on benefits
22 August, 2018
Shelter plans legal action after investigation with the National Housing Federation
String of top agents warned they could be breaking discrimination law as branches 'ban benefits tenants'
22 August, 2018
A string of major agents have been named this morning as actively discriminating against tenants on housing benefit after a mystery shopping exercise found outright bans in place
Universal Credit local authority bulletins 2018
22 August, 2018
Information for all local authority staff about Universal Credit
Universal Credit - Inclusion London's response to the SSAC Committee's consultation on the 2018 regulations
21 August, 2018
Inclusion London believes the Universal Credit system is not fit for purpose and should be stopped and scrapped
Extending the housing crisis to associations is not the answer
20 August, 2018
Readers respond to the latest news on the housing crisis, including right to buy for housing association tenants and the bedroom tax's impact on single people
Rough sleeping strategy 'must address welfare and supply'
16 August, 2018
The government's Rough Sleeping Strategy must address issues of welfare reform and housing supply if it is to succeed
Nigel Adams MP defensive over Universal Credit in Leeds visit for rough sleeping strategy launch
14 August, 2018
The Minister for homelessness and rough sleeping has sought to play down the impact that benefits changes may have had on the issue during the launch of a new strategy
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 12 July 2018
14 August, 2018
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 12 July 2018
Benefit sanctions statistics to April 2018
14 August, 2018
Sanctions statistics for Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and Universal Credit, data to April 2018
LIN member report August 2018 - Council spending on discretionary housing payments
13 August, 2018
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
Third of UK's universal credit claimants hit by deductions from payments
13 August, 2018
Cuts to pay rent and utility bill arrears drive people into poverty, warn campaigners
'Crippling bedroom tax has left me penniless, starving and buying charity shop clothes' says Hull grandmother
13 August, 2018
Sue Wheeldon feels like she is being punished but says she cannot downsize for the sake of her granddaughter
The Plymouth families forced out of their homes because of the bedroom tax
10 August, 2018
More than 50 families have had to leave their homes because of the bedroom tax and a tougher new benefits cap
Housing benefit retained for all in supported housing as grant funding plan ditched
09 August, 2018
All supported housing funding will be covered by the welfare system, ending a plan to fund short-term accommodation through council grants
Jobcentre Staff Told By DWP Not To Record Number Of People They Send To Foodbanks
08 August, 2018
DWP directive masks extent of welfare system's reliance on charities
On universal credit, ministers were wrong to ignore us
08 August, 2018
Former top civil servant says his committee raised genuine concerns about the controversial new benefit that weren't listened to
The impact of welfare reforms on housing associations
08 August, 2018
Welfare reforms introduced since 2025 in the United Kingdom represent a major challenge for housing associations
How have welfare reforms impacted the private rented sector? A review of our research & policy work
07 August, 2018
The PRS has grown significantly in size over the last twenty years and now plays a vital role in providing a home for those on low-incomes and the homeless
Universal credit flaws leaving families in debt
06 August, 2018
Low-income households being wrongly benefit-capped
Benefit cap: number of households capped to May 2018
02 August, 2018
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and May 2018
Thousands of teens 'face homelessness' after Tory benefit changes delayed by six months
01 August, 2018
Many young people in Merseyside could suffer because the government has dragged its heels
Government must act on Universal Credit domestic abuse risk
01 August, 2018
Single payments of Universal Credit to households put people living with domestic abuse at risk of harm
Labour set to include pilot of radical basic income policy in next manifesto
01 August, 2018
The shadow chancellor said: 'I think it's one of those things I think we can get into the next manifesto and see, it's worth a try'
Charity expresses concern over delay in reversing 'deeply flawed policy'
01 August, 2018
Centrepoint has issued a strongly worded statement as parliament has done nothing to reverse the removal of automatic eligibility of 18-21 year olds housing benefit
Government to pay thousands to disabled men who had benefits cut
31 July, 2018
DWP was found to have unlawfully discriminated against men who were forced on to universal credit
Our concerns over timetable for moving existing disabled claimants to UC
31 July, 2018
Disability Organisations raise concerns regarding the Government's timetable for moving existing disabled claimants onto Universal Credit
Universal Credit 'Wrecking Lives' As Thousands Take Out Emergency Loans
27 July, 2018
70,000 taking out DWP's 'Budgeting Advance'
Universal Credit will 'inflict pain on Nottingham families'
26 July, 2018
The government says the aim is to simplify the benefits system
NHF calls for housing associations to play larger role in Universal Credit rollout
23 July, 2018
The NHF has called for housing associations to have a larger role in the migration of benefit claimants to Universal Credit
Universal credit IT system 'broken'
23 July, 2018
Service centre staff say glitches having harmful effect on huge number of claimants
Esther McVey admits ongoing problems with universal credit
20 July, 2018
Changes in pipeline as DWP is accused of failing to respond promptly or take expert advice
Government moves to review building regulations fire safety guidance
20 July, 2018
James Brokenshire says he will "go further" with a full-scale review of the guidelines starting in the autumn
The staggering amount Bristol council taxpayers are paying to bail out people hit by Government's benefit cap
19 July, 2018
The cap was meant to be a way to save the Government money - but the city council is picking up the bill
Government will pay arrears to thousands of benefit claimants
18 July, 2018
U-turn means repayments owed as a result of errors will be backdated to 2011
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 14 June 2018
17 July, 2018
These experimental statistics cover the number of people on Universal Credit to 14 June 2018
Is Universal Credit ready for an expansion?
13 July, 2018
Universal Credit recently made the headlines for the wrong reasons
It's official: DWP cuts are so bad councils just spent record amounts mopping them up
13 July, 2018
The DWP has cut some welfare so near to the bone that local authorities had to spend record amounts last year to make up the shortfall
Benefit cap calculator
12 July, 2018
There's a limit on the total amount of benefits that most people aged 16 to 64 can get
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments: financial year 2017 to 2018
12 July, 2018
Analysis of the use of Discretionary Housing Payment funds by local authorities
Anti-poverty coalition calls for overhaul of universal credit
11 July, 2018
End Hunger UK says payment delays and errors are pushing vulnerable people into destitution, hunger and debt
Calls to 'sanction' Esther McVey over Universal Credit rejected
11 July, 2018
Labour's attempts to "sanction" Esther McVey for her handling of the rollout of Universal Credit have failed
Labour wants McVey 'sanctioned' over Universal Credit
11 July, 2018
Opposition to call for arbitrary, vindictive DWP approach to be turned on secretary of state embarrassed by her own attack on damning NAO report
NFA and ARCH now want Universal Credit slow down
11 July, 2018
New report stresses a belief that it will not be possible for landlords to sustain present levels of support
Cross border raid on Universal Credit
11 July, 2018
Welsh housing and regeneration minister Rebecca Evans gunning for Esther McVey over the impact on vulnerable claimants in Wales
Full migration of UC by March 2023 a viable plan
11 July, 2018
The Director General of Universal Credit gives a cagey response on universal credit rollout to members of the Public Accounts Committee
Universal Credit claimants make up 25% of council rent arrears
11 July, 2018
Universal Credit households now account for 25% of unpaid council rent despite representing just 4% of tenants
Scottish Government blames Tory welfare cuts for 38% rise in Council Tax warrants over past 5 years
10 July, 2018
Shelter Scotland says "more should be done" to help people meet their payments as opposition parties renew calls for council tax abolition
DWP Universal Credit newsletter for landlords
10 July, 2018
The Department of Work and Pensions has published the first quarterly newsletter on Universal Credit
Housing Federations unite to fight 'flawed' Universal Credit
10 July, 2018
SFHA, NHF, CHC and NIFHA demand change for tenants in England alone facing more than £21m of debt
Urgent Question - Universal Credit
09 July, 2018
Live coverage of work and pensions secretary Esther McVey answering an urgent question on Universal Credit
Universal Credit: Labour says Esther McVey should resign
09 July, 2018
Esther McVey has faced calls to quit over "inadvertently misleading" the Commons about the official NAO spending watchdog's view of Universal Credit
Length of payment delays for new claims to Universal Credit
09 July, 2018
Statistics on the length of payment delays for new claims to Universal Credit that are paid late
Revealed: the DWP drove through a controversial welfare reform off the back of some very scant evidence
09 July, 2018
The DWP just quietly revealed that it had scant evidence to support a controversial change to the benefits system
Universal credit row: DWP official has 'full confidence' in NAO
09 July, 2018
Permanent secretary says DWP has good relationship with National Audit Office despite watchdog's critical report
Universal Credit roll-out forces some Ashford claimants to travel to Folkestone to sign on
09 July, 2018
A bungled Universal Credit roll-out is forcing some Ashford claimants to travel more than two hours on public transport to sign on - in Folkestone
Social care system 'seizing up' under strain
05 July, 2018
Northern Ireland's social care system could seize up unless it receives more funding, the chief social worker has warned
Risks to children 'the biggest social justice challenge of our time
04 July, 2018
Children's commissioner seeks more help for young people in vulnerable family situations
More than one in ten privately-rented homes are unfit to live in
03 July, 2018
Shocking figures reveal homes with problems such as mould, damp, a faulty boiler or freezing cold in winter
How Labour Will Act On Unhealthy Homes
03 July, 2018
In this NHS anniversary year, we are committing Labour to new action to rekindle Bevan's vision and end the scourge of substandard homes
Regulator highlights importance of providing good quality, accessible information on homelessness services
03 July, 2018
A report highlighting the importance of easy access to homelessness services information for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness has been published by the Scottish Housing Regulator.
New research exposes factors that lead to people returning to sleeping rough
03 July, 2018
Today, St Mungo's publishes peer led research outlining reasons why some people can find themselves sleeping rough after time away the streets.
Families hit by crippling cost of living need a third more income to make ends meet
03 July, 2018
Our latest research reveals how low-income families need a third more disposable income than a decade ago to make ends meet
Sofa-Surfing and Sleeping on Trains: The Rise Of 'Hidden Homelessness' And How Single Mothers Are Worst Hit
02 July, 2018
47% of people registered homeless are single mums.
Report criticises new PIP benefits payment system
02 July, 2018
A Stormont department has been urged to start recording assessments of those applying for the Personal Independence Payment after a report criticised the current process.
New report highlights benefits of short-term rentals in Scotland
02 July, 2018
Scotland's short-term rental sector generates £723 million of economic activity every year, a new report has claimed.
Homes for social rent 'have to be' part of new national planning policy
02 July, 2018
Call from LGA comes as the number of such homes tips towards historic low.
More tenants faced rent rises in May
02 July, 2018
There was an increase in the number of tenants in the private rented sector experiencing a rent increase in May compared with a month earlier at a time when supply of rented homes on offer is rising.
Landlords welcome tax incentives for longer tenancies
02 July, 2018
Landlords are today welcoming proposals being considered by the Government to provide financial incentives for those offering longer tenancies.
Abuser could 'take control of family finances' under Universal Credit
01 July, 2018
A group of MPs have warned government that Universal Credit could see an increase in abusers controlling the finances of their partners
Deprived areas 'have five times more fast food outlets'
29 June, 2018
Deprived areas such as Blackpool and parts of Manchester and Liverpool have five times more fast food outlets than affluent areas, a survey suggests.
'Two-child policy' cuts benefits of more than 70,000 families
29 June, 2018
Campaigners warn poverty will rise as low-income families lose financial support
London council launches Housing First pilot as part of £500,000 homelessness package
29 June, 2018
Newham Council has unveiled a wave of new projects to tackle homelessness, including a Housing First pilot aimed at tackling rough sleeping.
Government policy forced 190 women to prove they were raped in order to get child benefits, figures show
29 June, 2018
Tens of thousands of low income families miss out on child benefits under 'poverty-producing' measure, while mothers forced to disclose rape in order to put food on the table
'Silver splitters' fuel rising homelessness
28 June, 2018
Number of over-60s presenting as homeless at a 10-year high
English councils warn 'worst is yet to come' on cuts
28 June, 2018
Authorities risk going bust unless steps are taken to shore up budgets, ministers told
Random rental property spot checks could improve standards in the PRS
28 June, 2018
Most private landlords would oppose the idea of arbitrary checks of their rental properties by local authorities, but that has not stopped PayProp supporting the contentious proposal.
Understanding your citizens to beat the Universal Credit challenge
28 June, 2018
Understanding your citizens to beat the Universal Credit challenge
Housing 2018: Green paper 'to give regulator teeth'
28 June, 2018
Housing minister Dominic Raab says regulator will gain powers in the Social Housing Green Paper and stresses government commitment to Right to Buy
Tories forced to rewrite obscure benefits law after court finds it breaches human rights
28 June, 2018
The DWP admitted a "small group" of jobseekers had been denied a fair hearing when they tried to appeal against a benefit sanction
Child homelessness in England at highest level since 2007
27 June, 2018
123,130 children were in temporary accommodation in first quarter of 2018 - an increase of nearly 80% since 2011
Benefit or burden? The cities trying out universal basic income
27 June, 2018
Cities around the world are experimenting with basic income schemes. The benefits for residents seem obvious - but what's in it for the cities?
Domestic abuse survivors and children sleeping rough' survey finds
27 June, 2018
Women unable to get refuge place also having to sofa-surf or stay with abuser
Government publishes new and updated 'how to' guides
27 June, 2018
The Government has today (Tuesday 26th June) published new and updated information to help landlords and tenants who live and work in private rented housing.
Experiences of Living with Visual Impairment: Matching Income with Needs
26 June, 2018
Six existing benefits have been consolidated into Universal Credit - which the Government says will make the transition between welfare and work, more simple. But a new report from Thomas Pocklington Trust is highlighting changes which it feels will leave future blind and visually impaired claimants worse off
Over 10 years to save for a deposit as first-time buyers forced to rent for longer
25 June, 2018
Many would-be first-time buyers are being forced to rent longer despite a slowdown in house prices as new figures reveal that it takes an average of more than 10 years to save for a 15% deposit.
Social housing is a vanishing option for families who cannot afford to buy
25 June, 2018
Depleted stock forces young adults to pay private rents or live with their parents
Call for more council homes in Stockton to tackle homeless problem
25 June, 2018
Middlesbrough Council has already said it will consider building houses to tackle a shortage of affordable homes
New shocking report reveals more families on breadline, benefits shambles, Homelessness rising and foodbank crisis
25 June, 2018
Rising levels of working and unemployed poverty, the housing crisis, cuts to public services, insecure work and hunger
A dozen councils to receive social care innovation funding
25 June, 2018
A dozen councils to receive social care innovation funding Twelve councils have been awarded funding to explore how technology can improve social care services.
Onward report riddled with errors
25 June, 2018
A new think tank is fundamentally wrong in its analysis of private rented housing - and the number of buy-to-let mortgages is falling, not rising.
Universal Credit rollout to roll on
22 June, 2018
The Government has no plans for any U-turn, delay or halt in the rollout of universal credit, placing its faith in a flexible business plan and the 'evangelical' zeal of its jobcentre staff
SSAC consultation on moving existing claimants onto universal credit
22 June, 2018
The Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) is consulting on proposals to move existing claimants in receipt of a working age income-related benefit to Universal Credit
Government must 'wake up to universal credit flaws'
22 June, 2018
MPs criticise government for dismissing audit that revealed failings in welfare scheme
Universal Credit and recent welfare changes
22 June, 2018
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has delivered an oral statement setting out the benefits of welfare reform (check against delivery)
"Bedroom tax" is still hitting Stoke-on-Trent families hard
22 June, 2018
The so-called "bedroom tax" is continuing to hit Stoke-on-Trent hard - with demand for smaller council homes far outstripping supply and families forced into hardship, councillors have said
New research reveals rental comparison between benefit recipients and families
21 June, 2018
Welfare 'reform' making rental payments from recipients more difficult for landlords to manage.
Rise in homelessness applications in Scotland reverses nine-year trend
21 June, 2018
The number of applications for homelessness status in Scotland has gone up for the first time nine years, according to official figures.
The cost of housing for low-income renters
21 June, 2018
The 'affordability' of housing is one of the most prominent domestic public policy issues of the day, and for good reason.
Social care faces a 'dangerous shortfall' of staff, government warned
21 June, 2018
More than 75% of people say they would not like to begin a career in social care, survey finds
Why tenants think their feedback is being ignored
21 June, 2018
The Social Housing Green Paper is set to redress the balance of power between residents and social landlords. Martin Hilditch investigates what tenants would like to happen next
JRF responds to IFS report on living standards
21 June, 2018
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) today responded to a new report on living standards conducted by the Institute for Fiscal Studies and funded by the JRF.
Buck Bill passes Commons committee stage
20 June, 2018
Bill empowering tenants over unsafe homes inches closer towards statute.The Fitness for Human Bill has come through the committee stage of the Commons this morning
Scam Awareness Month: Top tips for landlords
20 June, 2018
This month is Scams Awareness Month, and the RLA is helping members to protect themselves against being the victim of a scam.
Universal Credit - landlords agree reform is needed
20 June, 2018
The RLA continues to call for the roll out of Universal Credit to be paused in the wake of a report by the National Audit Office.
Momentum improves as there is a rise in both 'to let' and 'let' properties
20 June, 2018
Following a slowdown in rental market activity in April, new letting data from the Agency Express Property Activity Index has revealed nationwide increases in both 'to let' and 'let' properties.
Number of people winning PIP benefit appeals hits all-time high - and Tories are told to get a grip
20 June, 2018
Some 14,805 people (71%) had their assessment for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) overturned by a tribunal in the first three months of this year
HB Direct newsletters: 2018
20 June, 2018
These HB Direct newsletters for local authority staff provide information that affects Housing Benefit.
Tories make disability benefits climbdown as they change reassessment rules - but campaigners warn it's not enough
20 June, 2018
More PIP claimants will be able to wait 10 years for reassessment - but Parkinson's UK branded it "a piecemeal solution for a broken system"
Universal credit flaws inflict childcare costs on new workers
20 June, 2018
Parents forced to borrow money while waiting for funds, says Save the Children
Wales gets closer to full implementation of Housing First
19 June, 2018
New youth homelessness task group has the future for Housing First in Wales in its remit.
New research reveals rental comparison between benefit recipients and families
19 June, 2018
Welfare 'reform' making rental payments from recipients more difficult for landlords to manage.
Tory MPs challenge Theresa May to adopt radical housing agenda in bid for younger voters support
19 June, 2018
MPs will tell PM that housing is the 'defining' issue holding back Conservative support from under-40s
Universal Credit: information for stakeholders and partners
19 June, 2018
This collection brings together information for stakeholders and partners relating to Universal Credit.
Why won't ministers come clean about the impact of cuts on disabled people?
19 June, 2018
Being hit by the bedroom tax is bad enough, but losing your sickness benefits too is even harder
Urgent action is required to prevent more people dying on the streets
19 June, 2018
New research released today from St Mungo's reveals a dramatic increase in the proportion of people sleeping rough who have died with mental health support needs from 2025 to 2017.
Consultation on 'exciting' housing merger plan launched
19 June, 2018
TORUS' tenants and leaseholders are being asked for their views over proposals to 'amalgamate' the group with Liverpool Mutual Homes (LMH).
Broken care: Hunt puts social care reform on hold again meaning pensioners face catastrophic bills and spending their savings
19 June, 2018
Another delay to social care reform means pensioners will continue to face crippling bills.
Social care needs a cash injection now
19 June, 2018
Squeezing council funding in this area is ultimately a false economy
Universal credit: fix this cruel, expensive fiasco
18 June, 2018
Ministers promised it would save money and cut fraud. But welfare reform has failed to deliver - and brought misery to many
Deaths of mentally ill rough sleepers in London rise sharply
18 June, 2018
Research finds 80% of rough sleepers who died in capital in 2017 had mental health needs compared with 29% in 2025
Council 'inaction' leaves renters at risk of revenge evictions
18 June, 2018
Just one in six private tenants living in an unsafe home is getting council protection from a revenge eviction, new figures show.
Universal Credit risks furthering domestic abuse
18 June, 2018
Campaigners call for new payment arrangements where present payment system 'empowers abusers'.
Legislation alone will not eliminate homelessness
18 June, 2018
Local authorities need government funding to help them make a success of the act recently brought in to prevent and reduce homelessness
Disabled men on universal credit discriminated against
15 June, 2018
Both men lost £178 a month on new benefit, leaving them unable to meet basic needs
Universal Credit has not delivered value for money
15 June, 2018
Universal Credit has not delivered value for money and it is uncertain if it ever will
Universal Credit introduced in first Belfast areas
14 June, 2018
Universal Credit will begin in the first areas of Belfast from Wednesday 13 June
My Universal Credit diary
14 June, 2018
I spent today in bed. I need to save my food parcel for the kids as I only get the size designed for a single person.
The DWP just quietly revealed the staggering scale of misery caused by Universal Credit
11 June, 2018
The DWP has quietly revealed the extent to which Universal Credit is throwing claimants into arrears, debt, and poverty
In a wheelchair and want your benefits? You'll need to take the stairs
11 June, 2018
Sending disabled people to inaccessible centres causes pain and distress. Worse, it leads to them being denied benefits
DWP silence over new PIP backdating call
08 June, 2018
Work and pensions secretary Esther McVey has refused to say how many disabled claimants are likely to receive backdated benefit payments
Push back to full roll out of Universal Credit
08 June, 2018
Government needs time to implement changes to the 'reform'
Universal Credit full service claimant survey
08 June, 2018
This report presents findings from a telephone survey of Universal Credit full service claimants
Universal Credit programme full Business Case summary
07 June, 2018
Provides a summary of the Universal Credit full Business Case
Universal Credit: understanding its impact on the labour market
07 June, 2018
This document sets out how the Department for Work and Pensions will examine evidence for how Universal Credit is working in the labour market
Universal credit tips poor into hardship
07 June, 2018
Joseph Rowntree Foundation says cuts, debts and housing costs push poor over the edge
The changing benefits system in the UK and Scotland
06 June, 2018
The ways in which people receive welfare benefits are changing across the UK as the Westminster government continues to roll out its new benefits system and Scotland gains control of some social security powers
Universal Credit hits single parents
06 June, 2018
One Parent Families Scotland has called for a re-think after seeing a surge in calls about benefits
Drugs gangs 'exploited bedroom tax' to use homes of vulnerable tenants for crimes
06 June, 2018
Legitimate housing provision in the form of good quality housing association accommodation is a "critical resource" for supporting vulnerable tenants at risk of being exploited from serious organised crime
Benefit sanctions failing to treat claimants with dignity
06 June, 2018
The current system of benefit sanctions is failing to treat claimants with dignity and respect and causing severe hardship for some of the most vulnerable people in society
Grandmother and girl, 4, face homelessness after being denied Universal Credit - because she was born in America
05 June, 2018
Gwendolyn Banks was born in America but moved to England with her parents at the age of five
Single parents suffering from Universal misery
04 June, 2018
The Universal Credit scheme has hit lone carers disproportionately
Councils warn Homelessness Reduction Act hampered by welfare restrictions
04 June, 2018
New survey shows nearly all 119 councils responding think the level of housing benefit for young people isn't enough for PRS
Universal credit changes will bar 2.6 million children from free school meals
04 June, 2018
Eligibility changes mean 1.1 million children receive free school meals but 2.6 million would be entitled by 2022 if they had been kept the same
99% of councils feel LHA cap restricts young people's access to housing
04 June, 2018
Councils feel their efforts to help young homeless people are being hampered by welfare reforms
Homelessness expected to rise once universal credit arrives in Guildford
01 June, 2018
A borough council report says the welfare reform presents "major risks" ahead of its introduction in Guildford in October
Council welfare assistance schemes failing those in crisis
31 May, 2018
As Universal Credit rolls out, new report says need for coordinated, consistent support is "increasingly urgent"
Bromley universal credit: Concerns raised over looming roll out
31 May, 2018
There are "concerns" about how the roll-out of a new benefits system will hit the most vulnerable in Bromley
Huge rise in number of desperate Dundee households seeking help after benefit reforms
29 May, 2018
The number of hard-pressed Dundonians who have had to seek emergency help from the council has increased more than tenfold since controversial benefit changes were introduced
The devastating impact the bedroom tax is still having in Teesside - five years on
29 May, 2018
The policy was a flagship of the coalition government, but new figures show how many on Teesside have lost out
The disability system is blocking people like Jaki from their benefits
25 May, 2018
Those most in need are being refused benefits because their disability means they can't physically get to their assessment
The battle to sustain tenancies
23 May, 2018
Welfare reforms have made affording the rent much trickier for some tenants
Government drops scheme to stop people being wrongly stripped of their benefits because it is a 'burden'
22 May, 2018
'Yellow card' reform was intended to prevent benefits being removed for trivial reasons - inflicting hunger and homelessness on vulnerable people
Benefit sanctions found to be ineffective and damaging
22 May, 2018
Study concludes that punishing claimants triggers profoundly negative outcomes
Universal Credit and students
22 May, 2018
Guidance on claiming Universal Credit if you're a student
Final Findings: Welfare Conditionality project (2013-2018)
22 May, 2018
Report which summarises the final findings of the Welfare Conditionality project (2013-2018).
Council rent arrears soars for Dundee tenants on Universal Credit
21 May, 2018
Social rent arrears run up by Dundee council tenants on Universal Credit have doubled since the start of the year
Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions early warning trial evaluation: qualitative report
21 May, 2018
This report presents qualitative findings from the Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions early warning trial
DWP sanctions claimants 'by any means necessary'
18 May, 2018
A disabled campaigner has told MPs how she was thrown out of a shelter and forced to sleep in her college library after she was unfairly sanctioned by the DWP
Calls for stronger rent controls to help tenants struggling under universal credit regime
18 May, 2018
Campaigners say rent controls would help renters struggling under universal credit regime
8,000 win appeals over benefit cuts across Wales in 2017
18 May, 2018
Three-quarters of disabled people who challenged a decision to stop or reduce their main benefit were successful in Wales last year
Universal Credit process too complex for applicants
17 May, 2018
Rejected applications are blamed on an overly complicated process
Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2017 to 2018 preliminary estimates
17 May, 2018
Preliminary estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain in the financial year 2017 to 2018
Universal Credit: Benefit 'flaw' penalises Derry mother
16 May, 2018
A mother from Londonderry has received no benefits for seven weeks due to the roll out of a new Universal Credit process in Northern Ireland
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 12 April 2018
15 May, 2018
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit to 12 April 2018
Benefit sanctions statistics to January 2018
15 May, 2018
Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit sanctions, data to January 2018
I live in a five-bedroom council house which I don't need, yet I'm not allowed to swap with an overcrowded family
14 May, 2018
No one should be forced to move just because their circumstances have changed, but many tenants would like to downsize to escape the effects of the bedroom tax yet are unable to do so, because of draconian regulations on 'under-occupation'
Scottish Government could be hit with £1m charge to improve welfare payments
14 May, 2018
The Scottish Government could be hit with a £1 million bill for making it easier for claimants to budget with Universal Credit welfare payments
Top government housing official links welfare reform as 'relevant' to rising homelessness
14 May, 2018
Further blow to the credibility of homelessness minister Heather Wheeler, who rules out welfare reform and cuts as a cause
Complex rules for universal credit see one in five claims fail
14 May, 2018
Thousands feared to be out of pocket after applications turned down for 'non-compliance with the process'
Secure Tenancies Bill passes third reading amid concerns over Universal Credit
11 May, 2018
Opposition amendments aiming to ease financial pressure on women fleeing violent partners are voted down
Universal credit rules risk 'crushing' self-employed and startups
11 May, 2018
Committee of MPs says benefit 'designed with little regard' for sixth of UK workforce
MP warns domestic abuse victims face huge rent arrears on Universal Credit
09 May, 2018
Victims of domestic violence who claim Universal Credit can find themselves in thousands of pounds of rent arrears if their abuser leaves their home and the payment is split
TV poll shows frontline DWP staff want Universal Credit roll-out paused
09 May, 2018
"Universal Credit, it's just taken my life, ripped it apart and flushed it down the toilet"
Universal Credit and prison leavers
04 May, 2018
Information for prison leavers, work coaches and probation officers about Universal Credit
Benefit cap leading to "working role-models in families": Esther McVey
03 May, 2018
New figures released today show that 48,000 households have moved into work after being subject to the benefit cap
Benefit cap: number of households capped to February 2018
03 May, 2018
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and February 2018
Rising rent arrears a major risk to building new affordable homes
01 May, 2018
Fife families are struggling to pay their rent due to universal credit, posing a threat to construction of affordable housing in the region
The Observer view on the government's punitive and repugnant benefits policy
30 April, 2018
From immigration to disability, the Conservatives have sought to draw a line between the deserving and undeserving
Personal Independence Payment customer journey films
26 April, 2018
DWP has published 5 short videos to help give people an overview of the process of claiming Personal Independence Payment
Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics: Update to 31 December 2017
25 April, 2018
More than 285,000 households in financial difficulty have received welfare assistance from the Scottish Government over the past five years
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2017 to 2018
25 April, 2018
Statistics on the average number of days to process a new Housing Benefit claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
More than half of PIP decisions overturned
24 April, 2018
Over 8,000 Scots were successful in appeals against disability benefit decisions
Ministers urged to go further in disability benefits reform after major review
23 April, 2018
The Government has committed to making recordings of Personal Independence Payment assessments a standard part of the process
This is the impact of universal credit
23 April, 2018
The number of people on universal credit is set to double this year
Bedroom tax delay leads to concerns over Scottish benefits devolution
20 April, 2018
Scottish ministers have raised concerns over delays to the handover of welfare powers to Holyrood
Split universal credit payments between partners to curb abuse
19 April, 2018
Experts tell MPs single household payments make it easier for domestic abusers to seize and regulate family income
Child poverty: Fears welfare changes could hit 50,000
17 April, 2018
Efforts to tackle child poverty and low incomes in Wales are being "damaged" by UK government welfare and tax reforms
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 8 March 2018
17 April, 2018
Official experimental statistics including the number of people on Universal Credit, starts and claims
Universal Support
17 April, 2018
Universal Credit claimants can get help to make a claim and manage their payments of Universal Credit. This help is called Universal Support
McVey faces further SFHA calls for Universal Credit pause
16 April, 2018
Delaying system changes to allow bedroom tax to be abolished at source until at least May 2020 will be "fraught with difficulty"
Disabled people lose legal aid in 99% of benefits disputes
16 April, 2018
Official figures show that cuts have caused a massive drop in claimants granted help for welfare battles
Welfare reforms 'exacerbating' youth homelessness
16 April, 2018
Changes to benefits and lack of affordable housing accounts for half of young homeless people
Thousands of Newcastle households are still losing money every week due to bedroom tax
13 April, 2018
Latest figures show the average yearly loss of income per household in Newcastle is £751.19 due to bedroom tax
MPs launch yet another benefit sanctions inquiry
13 April, 2018
The Work and Pensions Committee has launched an inquiry into benefit sanctions
Universal credit 'flaws' mean thousands will be worse off
12 April, 2018
Analysis shows that self-employed workers could receive less over a year than employees in "traditional" jobs who earn the same amount
Extra rent support for new Universal Credit claimants
11 April, 2018
Esther McVey said the additional support was being made available to allow people to "adjust" from fortnightly to monthly payments
Rent boost for millions of claimants moving onto Universal Credit
11 April, 2018
People in receipt of Housing Benefit will receive an extra 2 weeks' support with their rent when they move onto Universal Credit from 11 April 2018
More support for disabled people plus other welfare and pension reforms start in April
10 April, 2018
A number of welfare reforms have come into effect from April 2018
Performance of the Attendance Allowance Unit and Disability Living Allowance 65+: Apr 2017 to Mar 2018
10 April, 2018
Performance of the Attendance Allowance Unit and Disability Living Allowance 65+ against customer service targets for complaints and compliments
Remove two-child benefit cap
09 April, 2018
Sixty Church of England bishops along with leaders of other religious groups, are urging ministers to rethink the two-child benefits cap
Westminster delays Holyrood action against bedroom tax
09 April, 2018
Tory backsliding will stop the Scottish Government from scrapping the controversial bedroom tax until at least May 2020
Ministers told to expect backlash as millions lose out from universal credit
09 April, 2018
Senior government adviser warns of effect of cuts to welfare budget
Welfare payments that are 'lifelines' for people being 'hacked away'
03 April, 2018
New figures show more than £300m axed from funds that serve as 'safety net' for poor claimants
Government U-turns on 18-21s housing benefit cut
03 April, 2018
The government has U-turned on a controversial policy to scrap housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds under Universal Credit
Discretionary housing payments: Councils criticised for unspent money
03 April, 2018
Three councils have been criticised for handing back money intended for people who are struggling to pay their rent
New benefits system 'demeaning and degrading'
02 April, 2018
A new system of assessing benefits is degrading and demeaning
New research aims to improve Universal Credit claims for thousands of homeless people
29 March, 2018
New research could challenge current government thinking that housing costs for supported housing cannot remain within the welfare system
Support for 18 to 21 year olds claiming Universal Credit
29 March, 2018
Find out about the help available for Universal Credit claimants aged 18 to 21 to find employment, work-related training or an apprenticeship
Affordable housing: why current plans to invest don't go far enough
27 March, 2018
Building more low-cost rented homes that people can afford will loosen the grip of poverty.
The Homelessness Reduction Act is a key step towards homelessness prevention
27 March, 2018
The legislation comes into force on April 3, but only if local authorities can afford it
LGA responds to Independent Age report on older private renters
27 March, 2018
With housing for elderly people currently accounting for just 6 per cent of our existing stock, and more older people and families renting privately than ever before
DWP accused of 'clumsy' attempt to defend Universal Credit using IFS research
26 March, 2018
MPs criticise 'airy and irrelevant' responses from the department after committee raises questions over the projected employment boost from benefit reform
Debate on the construction of council housing - House of Commons - 27 March 2018
26 March, 2018
The national housing shortage is one of the most pressing issues we face.
LGA: Focus on 'invisible' older renters
26 March, 2018
Housing for the elderly accounts for just 6% of existing stock - with more older people and families renting privately than ever before.
Bishop of Durham 'deeply concerned' over universal credit plan
26 March, 2018
The Bishop of Durham has criticised the government over its implementation of universal credit and called for it to 'revisit' aspects of the payment.
Local Authority Insight Survey Wave 33
22 March, 2018
This research presents findings on preparations for Universal Credit managed migration and the effects of reducing the Housing Benefit backdating period.
Universal Credit transition to full service
22 March, 2018
When local authorities and jobcentre areas will transition to the Universal Credit full service.
Who will foot the bill to prevent people becoming homeless?
22 March, 2018
New law will compel councils to prevent evictions and rough sleeping. But this comes at a price local authorities will struggle to afford
DWP wins legal case to block future benefit appeals
22 March, 2018
The government has won a legal case which could have major implications for future benefit appeals.
Spending on new homes plummets while housing benefit soars
22 March, 2018
CIH chief executive Terrie Alafat CBE says new statistics show social housing has reached a critical point
Housing sector realises more than ever the importance of listening to residents.
22 March, 2018
As Rethinking social housing Northern Ireland continues to get underway, steering group member Colm McDaid encourages tenants and residents to make their voices heard.
Jeremy Hunt confirms individual costs for social care to be capped
22 March, 2018
Health secretary tells social workers conference the current charging system is 'far from fair'
DWP wins legal case to block future benefit appeals
21 March, 2018
The government has won a legal case which could have major implications for future benefit appeals
Universal Credit claimants in Plymouth are struggling to pay rent
20 March, 2018
Official for Plymouth Community Homes admits it's a 'serious position'
Holyrood committee to question work and pensions secretary over Universal Credit and welfare
20 March, 2018
Esther McVey MP is to appear before the Scottish Parliament's social security committee to discuss the ongoing problems with the roll out of Universal Credit and the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland
Food bank use 'could rise after universal credit roll-out'
20 March, 2018
The full roll out of universal credit could see a significant rise in people needing emergency food supplies in Wales
England and Wales Court of Appeal (Civil Division) Decisions
16 March, 2018
By the Welfare Reform Act 2012, the Government introduced a cap on the amount of benefits which, inter alia, all non-working households could receive
Universal Credit - update on notifying rent changes
16 March, 2018
Social Rented Sector - Reporting April 2018 rent changes: advice for landlords
Court of Appeal to rule on Government challenge against benefit cap decision
15 March, 2018
The ruling follows a High Court judge's conclusion last year that 'real misery is being caused to no good purpose'
Government wants to 'work with the sector' on Universal Credit
15 March, 2018
Neil Couling, Universal Credit Programme lead, tells NHF Finance they want to "co-produce" the welfare reform
How Universal Credit can help your business
14 March, 2018
How Universal Credit can help your business
Reverse universal credit cuts
13 March, 2018
Thinktank says 340,000 people could be taken out of poverty if Philip Hammond takes action
Millions of families on brink face deepest benefit cuts in years
12 March, 2018
New study confirms that the poorest are being hit hardest by continuing austerity
Universal Credit: Universal Support 2018/19 guidance
12 March, 2018
Guidance for Local Authorities and partners providing Universal Support (Assisted Digital and/or Personal Budgeting Support)
Universal credit: Government to publish internal reviews of controversial benefit in new U-turn
09 March, 2018
Assessments failed to produce evidence that more people would be helped into work
DWP to publish key documents on Universal Credit
09 March, 2018
The government will finally publish internal assessment reviews of the controversial Universal Credit programme under Freedom of Information laws, after years of refusing to do so
Universal Credit project warned over Gov.uk Verify performance in 2015
09 March, 2018
Government project management experts warned as long ago as 2015 that a problem with GDS's Verify online identity system could undermine the Universal Credit business plan
Does the 'bedroom tax' affect people on pension credit? Steve Webb explains the contentious social housing rules
07 March, 2018
Does a person on pension credit pay the 'bedroom tax'?
Benefits system overhaul as Universal Credit is introduced
07 March, 2018
The way that benefits are paid in the UK is currently undergoing a complete overhaul
Government response: SSAC report on in-work progression and Universal Credit
06 March, 2018
The government response to the report 'In-work progression and Universal Credit' which examined how to support working claimants into more or better paid work
Universal Credit: detailed information for claimants
05 March, 2018
More detailed information for people on Universal Credit
Who benefits from benefits?
02 March, 2018
Debates about welfare policy often discuss benefit recipients as though they are a fixed, relatively small group of people
Universal Credit starts in Cardiff today - this is what it means for you
01 March, 2018
The aim of Universal Credit is to simplify the benefits system
Universal Credit leaves thousands of Londoners in rent arrears
01 March, 2018
More than 70% of council tenants in London on Universal Credit are in rent arrears
What a difference a day makes: inequality and the tax and benefit system from a long-run perspective
01 March, 2018
Most analyses of inequality and tax and benefit reforms are based on measures of individuals' circumstances at a point in time
Landlords who say 'no DSS' breaking equality laws
26 February, 2018
The thousands of lettings agents and landlords around the country who reject housing benefit claimants could be flouting equality laws, due a recent legal case.
Westminster Council to take full ownership of housing association
26 February, 2018
Westminster Council is set to turn a housing association it established into a wholly owned subsidiary in response to government deregulation.
Council tax hikes will not stop cuts to local services, authorities warn
26 February, 2018
LGA says government budget cuts and the cost of higher wages will outweigh additional income
Councils 'help transform' the future for Private Rented Sector
26 February, 2018
New report shows how councils can foster investment by corporate landlords in new private rental housing.
Thatcher's crusade to wipe out council housing faces serious challenge
26 February, 2018
The right-to-buy scheme slowed construction of new homes but local authorities are exploring new funding options
Government urged to give those with debt problems a year's grace
26 February, 2018
Ministers are considering a 'breathing space' of six weeks - but campaigners want to go much further
We need to review the legal definition of homelessness
26 February, 2018
The death of a rough sleeper close to parliament shows the urgency of action needed to tackle homelessness
Nearly 70 councils share funding to unlock stalled housing
26 February, 2018
The Government has named the first wave of councils to be given cash to help speed up planning decisions.
Council housed young homeless family in 'Dickensian' conditions
23 February, 2018
Ombudsman's report finds council at fault over "patently unsuitable" placement and subsequent response to complaints.
As a campaigner, I believe the Tories can fix homelessness
23 February, 2018
The 2008 financial crash that triggered austerity happened on Labour's watch. We've been dealing with the fallout ever since
A mother given 50p a week for housing: the benefit cap one year on
22 February, 2018
A year on from the introduction of the lower benefit cap, its abiding legacy is to push people closer to homelessness.
The seven reasons why landlords won't let to tenants on benefits
22 February, 2018
Private sector landlords are accused of unfairly turning away households claiming housing benefit. So why do they refuse
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 11 January 2018
21 February, 2018
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit to 11 January 2018
Benefit sanctions statistics to October 2017
21 February, 2018
Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit sanctions: data to October 2017
Tougher benefit cap has left thousands of poorer families out of pocket
19 February, 2018
Punitive move could grow homelessness problem
More than a million benefits sanctions imposed on disabled people since 2025
19 February, 2018
Groundbreaking Demos study reveals 'culture of disbelief' about disability among jobcentre staff leads to money being docked
£10,000 proposed for everyone under 55
16 February, 2018
The government should give £10,000 to every citizen under 55
PIP assessments: 'Lack of trust' in benefits systems
15 February, 2018
Failings in disability benefits assessments - including claimants being asked when they had "caught" Down's syndrome - have led to a "pervasive lack of trust" in the system
'Incompetence and active deceit' in the way welfare tests are conducted
15 February, 2018
New Commons report scathing over quality standards for PIP and ESA assessments
Housing association offers crucial evidence over 'distrusted' welfare tests
15 February, 2018
Commons committee heard a housing provider's experience of a testing regime said to be be riddled errors and incompetence
New Universal Credit rules to bring in significant changes
15 February, 2018
The DWP has published new regulations following the Universal Credit changes announced in the Autumn Budget last year
The Disability Dossier: 39 pages that could end the Tories' crushing welfare agenda
14 February, 2018
A report of disability benefit claimants' experiences exposes government cruelty and incompetence in unprecedented numbers
First Universal Credit payment paid quicker
14 February, 2018
Universal Credit will be paid sooner to new claimants from 14 February 2018
Energy firms could get claimants' names
12 February, 2018
People on state benefits could have their names passed to energy firms so they can give them special rates
Child benefit, housing benefit frozen - but pensions to rise by 3%
08 February, 2018
The Government decision will affect thousands of benefit claimants on Teesside
Universal credit all-party report raises fears over workability of system
08 February, 2018
Findings flag up 'considerable uncertainty about its costs and benefits' seven years on
Housing associations need 'better engagement' over future for Universal Credit
08 February, 2018
Latest Work and Pensions Committee assessment stresses the case for landlord councils and housing associations as key delivery partners for UC
Government's Universal Credit payments will be seamless
06 February, 2018
The roll-out of the Government's flagship welfare policy Universal Credit will now happen "seamlessly" after months of difficulties, a minister claimed today
A welfare generation: lifetime welfare transfers between generations
05 February, 2018
This research paper looks at what people put in and take out from the welfare state over their lifetime
Universal Credit Update January 2018
05 February, 2018
This update includes information received from DWP at the CHC and DWP Roundtable meeting, the Social Rented Sector Strategic Landlord DWP meeting, and the DWP Wales Stakeholder Board meeting
Government rolls-out Universal Credit changes to address arrears spike
05 February, 2018
Changes to Universal Credit will come into force this month, including changes to the controversial 42 day waiting period for claimants to receive their first payment
Universal credit system faces landmark legal challenge
05 February, 2018
Lawyers for terminally ill man who say new system costs him almost £200 a month win right to judicial review
Thousands of Universal Credit claimants unable to use Gov.uk Verify to apply for benefits
02 February, 2018
Government research shows that barely one-third of benefits claimants can successfully apply for new Universal Credit digital service using flagship online identity system
Universal Credit Scottish Choices eligibility extended
01 February, 2018
More flexibility to help people manage their money
Tower Hamlets has reduced child poverty - by shipping it elsewhere
31 January, 2018
Statistics show a drop of 6% since 2025. But that's thanks to rising rents and benefit caps forcing families out of the borough
Life on Universal Credit: Three things the Government needs to change to make the system better in 2019
31 January, 2018
This is what the Government needs to do to restore the reputation of its flagship welfare reform programme
Homelessness rise 'due to welfare reform'
30 January, 2018
The surge can be seen alongside an increase in homeless families housed by local authorities in temporary accommodation
Personal Independence payments: All 1.6 million claims to be reviewed
30 January, 2018
Every person receiving Personal Independence Payments will have their claim reviewed
The baffling change to Universal Credit for people in work that has got experts worried
30 January, 2018
The change to Universal Credit has unpredictable effects - here's what you should do about it
Food insecurity: a third of poorest households skip meals
30 January, 2018
Large families and jobless worst hit by rising costs and austerity, with 32% and 36% missing meals
Why Universal Credit is prime example of UK Government getting it wrong
29 January, 2018
Universal Credit demonstrates exactly why we want to do things differently in Scotland
Universal Credit presents 'significant risk' to public spending
26 January, 2018
Report from the Office of Budget Responsibility shows UC offering only marginal taxpayer savings despite the extent of related cuts
Universal credit: what is it and what exactly is wrong with it?
26 January, 2018
Is the unpopular benefits scheme championed by Iain Duncan Smith too big to fail?
Universal credit to save taxpayers only 2% in spite of benefit cuts
26 January, 2018
Welfare scheme a 'significant risk' to public spending, warns Office for Budget Responsibility
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 14 December 2017
24 January, 2018
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit to 14 December 2017
AM's concern over Universal Credit impact in Torfaen
22 January, 2018
The number of people on Universal Credit in Torfaen being pushed into rent arrears is "deeply worrying"
Thousands on benefits in private rented sector face eviction
22 January, 2018
Private landlords will not be so lenient with debtors as the social housing sector
People on controversial Universal Credit scheme are 'worse off than before'
22 January, 2018
People claiming Universal Credit are worse off than before, it has been said
Universal Credit: Four people reveal their experiences as it's rolled out across Birmingham
22 January, 2018
Universal Credit is being rolled out across Birmingham
Esther McVey makes disability benefits U-turn over payments
22 January, 2018
High court ruling says policy was discriminatory against people with mental health issues
Council housing rent soars to £2m in Highlands
19 January, 2018
The roll-out of Universal Credit is being blamed for Highland Council rent arrears soaring by a third, topping almost £2million
Ministers should consider implementing universal basic income
19 January, 2018
Ministers should consider implementing the radical policy of a universal basic income
DR UK welcomes Govt decision not to appeal PIP psychological distress judgement
19 January, 2018
In December 2017, a High Court decision found that PIP mobility component regulation changes, which affected those with psychological distress, were unlawful
Benefit fraud 'witch-hunt': 280,000 public tip-offs led to no action taken due to lack of evidence
16 January, 2018
New figures obtained by The Independent have led to critics suggesting members of the public should not have a role in identifying and investigating fraud within the welfare state
18 to 21-year-old Universal Credit policy will not deliver expected savings
15 January, 2018
A controversial government policy to deny housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds has only affected 4% of claimants
Universal Credit roll out in Northern Ireland by postcode
15 January, 2018
This page lists the postcodes in Northern Ireland where Universal Credit is being introduced and the dates
Benefit figures 'greatly reassure' landlords over renting to 18-21 year olds
12 January, 2018
But Centrepoint says restrictions to housing support could still have a chilling effect on young people's ability to secure tenancies
One million calls to Universal Credit helpline 'abandoned' in one year
11 January, 2018
More than one million calls to the Universal Credit helpline have been abandoned without claimants getting an answer within a 12-month period
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2014 to Mar 2015
11 January, 2018
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2014 to 2015
'Unhelpful scaremongering' over Universal Credit is putting private landlords off
10 January, 2018
A junior government minister has criticised opposition MPs for "unhelpful scaremongering" over the issue of UC, which they say is causing landlords to flee the market
The devastating impact Universal Credit is already having in Hull
10 January, 2018
Council report says debts are already 'unsustainable'
Universal Credit: MPs to debate problems caused in private rented sector
09 January, 2018
Landlords are now able to apply directly for alternative payment arrangements for tenants on Universal Credit
Research reveals 'true impact' of Universal Credit on the rental market
09 January, 2018
Some 73% of landlords still lack confidence in renting to UC tenants citing fears over arrears
Universal Credit goes back to its future
09 January, 2018
Extensive campaigning by the RLA sees landlords able to claim direct payments again - as they could under Housing Benefit
Dominic Raab: The doubt of the benefit
09 January, 2018
Track record of new housing minister signals limited horizons
Number of people requesting charitable grants to pay for basic items grows by 244% after government cuts
08 January, 2018
Demand for financial help from leading charity soars by 244 per cent since axe of community care grants under coalition government in 2013
Housing costs in Universal Credit
03 January, 2018
This Commons Library briefing paper explains the key differences between assistance with housing costs under the Housing Benefit regime and under Universal Credit
Universal Credit: full service and live service
01 January, 2018
This guidance explains the Universal Credit full service and live service
Councils set aside millions of pounds to support struggling UC claimants
01 January, 2018
Figures released over Christmas further expose the hardship and distress caused by welfare 'reform'
The forgotten unemployed: 300,000 jobless Britons not claiming benefits
01 January, 2018
Study finds many people are not claiming support they are entitled to and warns some are put off by the benefits system
Set Brexit aside - here are the political issues you mustn't lose sight of in 2018
01 January, 2018
With unprecedented government cuts, hard times lie ahead for millions affected by poverty, homelessness, disability, universal credit and the social care crisis
'I just want a job - it's all I want': Foodbank users speak of their desperation
29 December, 2017
People explain why they must rely on handouts to survive
Tory MP condemns universal basic income 'on moral grounds'
29 December, 2017
Stumping up for workers made redundant by robots is 'dangerous nonsense', says former minister Nick Boles in new book
Attempted suicides by disability benefit claimants more than double after introduction of fit-to-work assessment
29 December, 2017
Proportion of those attempting to take their own lives soars from 21 per cent to 43 per cent in seven years
Councils forced to fund emergency help for universal credit claimants
29 December, 2017
Labour says its findings offer more evidence that the government should pause rollout of new benefit system
Universal Credit rollout sees food bank use increase across Yorkshire
28 December, 2017
Parts of Yorkshire which have introduced Universal Credit ahead of its national rollout are reporting increased food bank use from desperate clients
Scotland united in curiosity as councils trial universal basic income
27 December, 2017
Four local authorities tasked with turning utopian fantasy into reality with backing of first minister and multi-party support
Landlords 'unwilling' to rent to universal credit recipients
27 December, 2017
Landlords' association reports huge rise in non-payment of rent in areas where universal credit has been introduced
"It's like an ordinary day, to be honest": How the cuts stole Christmas
22 December, 2017
As foodbanks stockpile and benefits are withheld, Britain faces crisis this festive season
Universal credit 'will cause evictions'
22 December, 2017
Universal credit will cause a rise in evictions from privately rented homes
Universal credit: Minister apologises for payment delays
21 December, 2017
Benefit claimants who have suffered problems because of a welfare overhaul have been given an apology by a UK government minister
Universal credit: The first six months in Torfaen
21 December, 2017
The plan was that universal credit would help smooth the journey from being out of work to employment
Northern Ireland affordability fears as benefit changes and spiralling rents produce 'perfect storm'
21 December, 2017
Average rents in Northern Ireland have increased at nearly five times the UK rate over the past 12 months
NAO wants evidence for latest examination of Universal Credit
21 December, 2017
Two previous reports found poor performance on delivery of an "over ambitious" programme
December 2017: Touchbase edition 123
20 December, 2017
This month the DWP announced changes to Universal Credit in the Autumn Budget, details of which can be found in this edition
One million children living in poverty will miss out on free school meals under universal credit plans
19 December, 2017
The Children's Society says plans to means test free school meals under universal credit will create a 'cliff-edge' where many families are better off taking a pay cut
Government accused of 'absence of empathy' over Universal Credit
19 December, 2017
In questions in the Commons, DWP ministers have been under pressure over the welfare policy in the run-up to Christmas
Some benefits sanctions cases 'where we got it wrong'
18 December, 2017
David Gauke stressed that people with mental health problems could be helped by the structure of being in work
Personal Independence Payment evaluation: wave 2 claimant research interim findings
18 December, 2017
This research seeks to understand claimants' experience of the assessment and decision stages when making a claim for Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment second independent review: government response
18 December, 2017
The government's response to Paul Gray's second independent review of Personal Independence Payment assessments
Impact of Universal Credit - The Frontline Perspective
13 December, 2017
This report is the culmination of a year-long study and draws on the results of four surveys into the impacts of Universal Credit on housing organisations and their tenants
Emergency food and fuel vouchers handed out as the latest Universal Credit rollout takes place
13 December, 2017
Swansea is the latest place in Wales where Universal Credit is being rolled out
Universal credit 'could affect building of new homes'
13 December, 2017
Rent arrears caused by delays in tenants receiving universal credit could hamper housing associations' building plans
Universal Credit statistics: number of claims made 13 Jan to 14 Sept 2017
13 December, 2017
This statistical notice is about a revision to the number of claims made to Universal Credit between 13 January and 14 September 2017
Universal Credit: 29 April 2013 to 9 November 2017
13 December, 2017
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit to 9 November 2017
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to October 2017
13 December, 2017
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made
Low-income households at risk as mortgage support benefit is axed
11 December, 2017
Crucial welfare payment will be turned into a loan from 2018, affecting 124,000 individuals who rely on it
Universal Credit local authority bulletins 2017
08 December, 2017
Information for all local authority staff about Universal Credit
Grudging Gauke releases Universal Credit papers
07 December, 2017
Labour uses Brexit tactics to secure UC implementation reports that Work and Pensions Secretary warns must be kept confidential
'Large' families, poverty & welfare reform
06 December, 2017
Collecting insights from a one-day conference in Bradford on 13th November 2017
Government to provide Universal Credit reports to committee
06 December, 2017
The government will make Universal Credit reports that were kept confidential for years available to the Work and Pensions Committee in a concession to Labour
Conservative MP in tears after Commons speech on effects of welfare reforms
06 December, 2017
Heidi Allen was moved to tears while replying to Frank Field's emotional speech
Supported housing is vital. We can't make its funding discretionary
05 December, 2017
If funding decisions over supported housing are left to hard-pressed local authorities, vulnerable people will lose out
Labour bid to force publication of Universal Credit reviews
05 December, 2017
Jeremy Corbyn's party is to ask the Queen to require ministers to release the documents
Labour brings 'Brexit tactics' to Universal Credit fight
05 December, 2017
Party plans "humble address" to force Government into releasing project assessment reviews conducted into the welfare reform
UC changes - 'good start, but more needed'
05 December, 2017
Changes to Universal Credit have made landlords more willing to rent homes to claimants, but the government needs to do more to address their concerns
Welfare reform causing 'hardship' for disabled in NI
04 December, 2017
Changes to the benefits system are imposing "real hardship" on many disabled people across Northern Ireland
Work and Pensions Select Committee PIP and ESA assessments inquiry: supporting statistics
04 December, 2017
The committee has invited evidence about how DWP determines eligibility for Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance
Day of rage against Universal Credit
01 December, 2017
Anti-poverty campaigners say Christmas will be cancelled for thousands of families in Scotland as a result of Universal Credit
Universal Credit hitting vulnerable people hard in Solihull
01 December, 2017
The roll-out of the new Universal Credit welfare benefit is hitting people hard in Solihull
Councils in Universal Credit areas dig deeper into DHP funds
01 December, 2017
Councils are having to dig deeper into their Discretionary Housing Payment funds to help residents affected by welfare reforms and homelessness
Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at August 2017 is published
30 November, 2017
As at August, the number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants was 29,900. This represents a decrease of 4,720 on a year earlier
It's now free to call universal credit lines
30 November, 2017
All calls to universal credit helplines are now free, the government has confirmed
Universal credit helpline closure could hit poorest over Xmas
30 November, 2017
Labour's Frank Field says 'chaos' could leave some without money for food, lighting and heating
Benefit freeze to stay for working people costing typical family £300 a year
28 November, 2017
Tories accused of using royal engagement to bury bad news as welfare freeze remains for another 12 months from April
Proposed benefit and pension rates 2018 to 2019
27 November, 2017
A list of the proposed benefit rates and pension rates for 2018 to 2019
SNP call on Tory Government to fix problems of "utterly callous" Universal Credit
27 November, 2017
Theresa May will be urged today to tackle the "utterly callous" roll-out of Universal Credit
Archbishop of Canterbury launches another outspoken intervention by claiming Britain's rise in employment has not stopped the use of food banks
27 November, 2017
Justin Welby said churches are seeing queues of people in work at foodbanks
BBC is forced to apologise for report saying 100,000 Universal Credit claimants will lose their benefits over Christmas
27 November, 2017
The BBC claimed 'up to' 100,000 claimants would go without over Christmas
Universal credit in new crisis as some claimants are denied mortgages
27 November, 2017
A standoff between banks and the government means that loan applicants could be rejected if they receive the new payment
More detail on £1.5 billion package of support for Universal Credit
24 November, 2017
More details of the £1.5 billion package of support for Universal Credit were set out today by David Gauke, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
Value of asylum housing contracts doubles after criticism of conditions
24 November, 2017
Home Office invites companies to bid for £3bn to £4bn worth of contracts, after Serco and G4s made losses on 2012 deal
HCA: lower viability ratings reflect increased development risk
24 November, 2017
The English social housing regulator has begun to increasingly issue second-grade ratings for viability as the sector steps up its development plans
Empty homes spike in London commuter belt
24 November, 2017
London's commuter belt has seen a spike in the number of homes left long-term empty despite a downward trend across the UK since 2025.
Autumn Budget 2017 Universal Credit changes: what next for welfare?
24 November, 2017
What Philip Hammond's Universal Credit changes mean, and more
Labour criticises delays to universal credit changes
24 November, 2017
Measures announced in budget will not be introduced until as late as April, leaving some families facing a tough Christmas
Social housing sales up for councils and associations
23 November, 2017
Latest stats show 23,186 sales of social housing homes over 2016-17 - 13,652 by local authorities and 9,534 by housing associations.
Government announces 'short term solution for temporary accommodation rent arrears
23 November, 2017
The government has announced a 'short-term measure' to tackle growing rent arrears bills for temporary accommodation providers.
Britain faces longest decline in living standards in 60 years
23 November, 2017
Resolution Foundation warns average earnings will not return to 2007 levels until 2025.
Universal Credit 'a nightmare' say Flintshire couple
22 November, 2017
A Flintshire couple forced to go to a food bank after benefit changes say the new system is "worse than a nightmare"
Reducing UC wait to 31 days 'would not be enough'
22 November, 2017
Social landlords have warned that a cut in the UC waiting time from six weeks to 31 days would not go far enough to help tenants reduce their arrears
What England needs is more affordable houses, not universal credit
22 November, 2017
The botched rollout of universal credit has led to £1.3m in council rental arrears in Newcastle, the city where I, Daniel Blake was set. Ministers are making the housing crisis worse
The Budget: Too little on Universal Credit and nothing on social care
22 November, 2017
Disability Rights UK welcomes the removal of the Universal Credit waiting period
Budget 2017: What do Universal Credit reforms mean?
22 November, 2017
People claiming the benefit universal credit will have to wait five weeks, rather than six, to receive their first payment from February 2018
Budget 2017: £1.5bn being spent on 'more generous' Universal Credit
22 November, 2017
New measures outlined in budget speech as a response to cross-party concerns
The Universal Credit flaw forcing patients to risk a £50 prescription fine
22 November, 2017
The NHS has not caught up with the sprawling nightmare that is Universal Credit
Labour attacks universal credit as 'not fit for purpose'
21 November, 2017
Opposition calls for major changes, including cuts to the six-week period that claimants have to wait for payments
'It's just mistake after mistake' - stories from the universal credit catastrophe
21 November, 2017
It was introduced to simplify benefits and encourage people to work
Budget 17: CHC sets out welfare desires
21 November, 2017
Community Housing Cymru has outlined what it would like to see in tomorrow's Budget
Council makes 'urgent' call for extra government cash as UC arrears rise
20 November, 2017
A south London borough is has called on the government to provide "urgent" extra funding, to prevent families on Universal Credit being made homeless
Landlady left with £9,500 rent arrears by tenant on universal credit
20 November, 2017
Property owner says she will not rent to recipients again - as fears rise more will follow suit
Budget 2017 Predictions And What To Expect On Housing, Universal Credit And More
20 November, 2017
Philip Hammond is under pressure to splash the cash
On Universal Credit, the government is ignoring the elephant in the room
20 November, 2017
As Philip Hammond prepares for this week's Budget, it looks increasingly likely that he will concede on making some changes to Universal Credit
Universal credit shouldn't be scrapped - it is worth salvaging
17 November, 2017
Merging six benefits into one should eventually make the system simpler and more efficient
Impact of tax and welfare reforms between 2025 and 2017: interim report
17 November, 2017
This report is a summary of the first set of results from our research project looking at the effect of tax, welfare, social security and public spending
Ditch tax cuts to fund universal credit
17 November, 2017
Centre for Social Justice urges chancellor to row back on manifesto pledge to reduce income tax and invest in benefits instead
New universal credit claimants 'will get no money before Christmas'
17 November, 2017
Peabody Trust says 42-day wait means 60,000 households, with over 40,000 children, will receive no income until after festive season
The Budget must improve living standards for struggling families
16 November, 2017
The Government must use the Autumn Budget to lift the benefit freeze and reverse work allowance cuts to help people who are struggling
Universal Credit: Architect of welfare shake-up urges changes
16 November, 2017
The man who invented Universal Credit has added his voice to growing calls for the benefit to be paid quicker
Six-week wait for universal credit set to be reduced
16 November, 2017
Government preparing to trim wait for new benefit after Tory backbenchers raised concerns about impact on constituents
Landlord defends sending eviction letters ahead of universal credit rollout
16 November, 2017
Lincolnshire property firm sends formal notice of possession to all tenants in case universal credit leads to rent arrears
Government refuses to investigate whether people claiming Universal Credit are forced to use food banks
16 November, 2017
Stance 'only serves to demonstrate the contempt they have for the most vulnerable in our society'
PMQs: Universal credit families risk Christmas eviction
16 November, 2017
Hundreds of families have been issued with eviction notices by a landlord concerned about the impact of universal credit
Lettings agency issues pre-emptive eviction notices ahead of UC roll-out
15 November, 2017
Jeremy Corbyn cites the notices at PMQs amid reports of a coming government climb down on the UC waiting time
Benefit sanctions statistics 2017
15 November, 2017
Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit sanctions: data to June 2017
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 12 Oct 2017
15 November, 2017
These experimental statistics cover numbers of starts made and people on Universal Credit to 12 October 2017
Benefit destinations of claimants receiving a benefit sanction: methodology
15 November, 2017
An explanation of the methodology used in the benefit destinations of claimants who have been sanctioned statistics
Housing Benefit caseload statistics: data to August 2017
15 November, 2017
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
Landlord threatens mass evictions ahead of universal credit rollout
15 November, 2017
Lincolnshire property firm sends formal notice of possession to all tenants in case universal credit leads to rent arrears
UK Government must take responsibility for consequences of UC implementation
14 November, 2017
Latest call for action follows the Scottish government urging a stop on the roll-out to fix "fundamental flaws"
Call to fix 'fundamental flaws' in Universal Credit
13 November, 2017
The Scottish government is calling on the chancellor to stop the rollout of Universal Credit to enable "fundamental flaws" to be fixed
PIP disability benefit: Concerns raised over NI assessments
13 November, 2017
More than 12,000 people in Northern Ireland have challenged the Department for Communities over the outcome of their initial PIP assessment
English Housing Survey 2015 to 2016: headline report
13 November, 2017
The latest findings from the English Housing Survey 2015 to 2016
The Chancellor should use Universal Credit, not the tax system, to help young people in the Budget
10 November, 2017
Unfreezing working age benefits next year and rebooting Universal Credit would provide a much needed living standards boost to young families as the majority of gains would go to millennials
Legal challenge to the way those with psychological distress are treated by PIP rules
10 November, 2017
The PLP is representing a client who is bringing a challenge to the unfair and discriminatory way those with psychological distress are treated by the PIP rules
Universal credit: the homeless charity that could lose a third of its income
10 November, 2017
Residents at Emmaus Greenwich face a stark choice under changes to the benefits system: lose money or lose the chance to work for the charity that supports them
Third of NI DLA claimants' benefits stopped
08 November, 2017
More than a third of DLA claimants in Northern Ireland have had their benefit stopped after being reassessed for the new PIP
Govt dismisses call to allow Universal Credit to be paid twice monthly in England and Wales
08 November, 2017
The government has rejected a recommendation from the Lords Select Committee on Financial Exclusion to allow flexibility so that Universal Credit payments might be made twice monthly
Plea for 'full scale rescue' of Universal Credit in upcoming budget
07 November, 2017
New study shows the sinking flagship welfare reform represents a "colossal failure" of public policy if it rolls out little more than desperation and destitution
Food banks warn of struggle to cope this Christmas due to universal credit
07 November, 2017
Trussell Trust says six-week wait for first payment of benefit will lead to soaring demand for help from families this winter
Families thousands of pounds worse off after years of cuts
06 November, 2017
Seven years of cuts to tax credits and universal credit have hugely eroded their role in supposedly rewarding people for working, leaving many families thousands of pounds a year worse off
Living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK: 2017-18 to 2021-22
03 November, 2017
Debates over living standards, poverty and inequality in the UK are often hampered by the fact that official data on household incomes are available only with a significant lag
Lower benefit cap pitching 'thousands' into poverty and homelessness
03 November, 2017
More than 68,000 families were capped last month alone, with nearly a third losing between £50-£100 a week
Freeze on LHA rates risks increasing homelessness
03 November, 2017
A freeze on the amount of benefits private sector tenants can claim risks increasing homelessness
Foodbank fears soaring demand as Universal Credit rolled out in Dundee
02 November, 2017
Dundee Foodbank organisers say they expects pleas for help to soar if the city is hit by a poverty crisis as the new Universal Credit benefit is rolled out
DWP launches legal challenge to release of Universal Credit reports
02 November, 2017
Department says the documents fall under a Freedom of Information exemption allowing staff "free and frank" discussions in developing policy
A year on lower benefit cap is pushing thousands into poverty
02 November, 2017
A year since its introduction a cap on benefits is pushing people into poverty and putting them at risk of homelessness
Benefit Cap
02 November, 2017
There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefit cap
Legal aid cuts trigger 99.5% collapse in numbers receiving state help in benefits cases
01 November, 2017
Just 440 claimants were given assistance in the last financial year, Ministry of Justice admits - down from 83,000 before almost £1bn of cuts
Government needs to iron out kinks in Universal Credit roll-out
01 November, 2017
The government should not overlook the lessons that can be learnt from the roll-out of full-service Universal Credit
Warning that Wales could see the biggest rise in absolute poverty if benefits changes go ahead
01 November, 2017
A major report warns that child poverty in Wales could jump from 28% to 34.9%
Reverse cuts or backing for universal credit may collapse
31 October, 2017
Urgent £3bn cash injection needed to bolster confidence in failing system after welfare cuts
Councils put aside millions for universal credit debt
31 October, 2017
Scottish councils have put aside £8 million to mitigate against universal credit debt
Impact of UK Welfare Policy on Disabled People
31 October, 2017
This report is supplementary to the annual welfare reform report, focusing on the impact of UK welfare policy on disabled people
Universal Remedy - Ensuring Universal Credit is fit for purpose
31 October, 2017
Making Universal Credit fit for 21st Century Britain
Association has raised suicide alerts for some UC tenants
30 October, 2017
A housing association has been so concerned about some of its tenants on Universal Credit that it has raised suicide alerts with local GPs
Conservatives 'planning Budget U-turn' over rollout of Universal Credit regime
30 October, 2017
It was reported that Chancellor Philip Hammond is set to make an announcement at the autumn Budget - scheduled for 22 November
Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics: Update to 30 June 2017
30 October, 2017
This publication provides information on the Scottish Welfare Fund for the latest quarter
DWP quietly drops Universal Credit child poverty forecast
27 October, 2017
The DWP has quietly dropped its estimates of how many children will be lifted out of poverty because of Universal Credit
Government housing benefit climbdown won't help private renters
27 October, 2017
A welcome U-turn on the housing benefit cap for supported housing still leaves private tenants to face crippling rents and being turfed out on the streets
Universal credit left Port Talbot woman 'penniless'
27 October, 2017
A woman from Port Talbot said she has been left penniless since signing up to universal credit
AMs call for pause to universal credit roll-out
26 October, 2017
AMs have backed calls for a pause to the roll out of universal credit in a vote
Young Scots hit by housing benefit cap
26 October, 2017
Scottish Government says thousands of young Scots will lose out
Universal credit: MPs urge government to cut waiting time
26 October, 2017
The six-week waiting time for universal credit should be cut and be a maximum of one month
Families in a Welsh city are £73,000 in debt after just two months of the universal credit pilot
25 October, 2017
It amounts to around £830 per family
Universal Credit arrears could limit new build
25 October, 2017
Universal Credit arrears could hamper housing associations' ability to build, a provider has warned ahead of an emergency debate in the House of Commons
Government appeals against High Court ruling that benefit cap 'causes misery to no good purpose'
25 October, 2017
Department for Work and Pensions denies policy causes 'discriminatory impact' on single parent families
Universal credit rollout not expected to increase food bank use
25 October, 2017
Junior minister says government listening to concerns after Labour passed advisory motion calling for rollout to be paused
Universal credit behind rising rent arrears and food bank use, 'guinea pig' councils say
24 October, 2017
Research by Southwark and Croydon councils reveals devastating effect of new benefits system
Social housing benefit policy 'flawed'
24 October, 2017
Welsh housing associations have called on the UK government to reverse the Local Housing Allowance cap
Labour and rebel Tories secure debate on universal credit rollout
24 October, 2017
Three-hour parliamentary session to take place as pressure grows to reduce six-week delay before benefits payments begin
Universal Credit advances
24 October, 2017
If you don't have enough to live on while you wait for your first payment you may be able to get an advance of your first Universal Credit payment
Postcode lottery: The impact of applying the Local Housing Allowance rates to general needs social housing tenants in Wales
24 October, 2017
The proposed application of the Local Housing Allowance rates to general needs social housing tenants from April 2019 has the potential to cause deep and long lasting hardship for tenants right across Wales
Keeping more of what you earn
23 October, 2017
JRF is calling for people to be able to keep more of what they earn under Universal Credit in order to reduce in-work poverty, delivered by increasing the work allowance
Welfare questions for Wales
23 October, 2017
It was certainly hard to find much good news on offer at the session on welfare reform
Archbishop calls for cut to universal credit delays
23 October, 2017
The six-week waiting time for universal credit must be cut as the idea that people have a nest egg to fall back on is "grotesquely ignorant"
Theresa May plots climbdown over Universal Credit amid fears it could become her 'poll tax'
23 October, 2017
Theresa May is on the brink of a major climbdown over Universal Credit payments, having been warned it could become her "poll tax"
U-turn on housing benefit cap for mentally ill and elderly
23 October, 2017
Move follows outcry from charities and evidence that housing projects have been axed
Safe as houses: the impact of universal credit on tenants and their rent behaviour in the London boroughs of Southwark and Croydon, and Peabody
23 October, 2017
The London boroughs of Southwark and Croydon were among the first areas in the country to see the early rollout of full service universal credit
Emergency debate on UC waiting times
23 October, 2017
There will be an emergency debate today on the six-week waiting time for Universal Credit claimants
Tories warned UC defeat can't be 'shrugged off'
20 October, 2017
Government defiant after humiliating commons crushing over welfare reform
Wales continues fight against Universal Credit
20 October, 2017
The Welsh housing sector has continued to pile pressure on Westminster over the controversial policy
Universal credit isn't about saving money - it's about disciplining unemployed people
20 October, 2017
The scheme has cost a fortune and done nothing but cause suffering. So why does it exist at all?
Associations having to give food parcels to tenants on Universal Credit
20 October, 2017
Housing associations are having to hand out food parcels and vouchers to tenants on Universal Credit as well as helping with utility bills
Seven in ten letting agents say their landlords will not accept Universal Credit tenants
19 October, 2017
Private landlords across the country are refusing to let their properties to Universal Credit claimants
Labour inflicts symbolic defeat over universal credit rollout
19 October, 2017
Tories under fire for abstaining from vote hours after work and pensions secretary David Gauke ends helpline charges
Gauke: 'unacceptable' for social landlords to evict Universal Credit tenants
19 October, 2017
It is "simply unacceptable" for social landlords to evict tenants due to arrears built up when switching to Universal Credit
Two in ten landlords willing to house Universal Credit tenants
19 October, 2017
Just two in 10 landlords say they are willing to let to tenants in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit
Universal credit: My five-year-old searched bins for food
19 October, 2017
Anna says she had to visit a food bank after the changes to her benefits left her without any money
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 14 Sep 2017
19 October, 2017
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit to 14 September 2017
'Universal Credit isn't a fair system'
18 October, 2017
Gillian Garriock has worked in several jobs throughout her adult life to provide for her children
Theresa May to scrap universal credit helpline charges
18 October, 2017
People will be able to call the government's universal credit helpline without being charged, within weeks
PM will not reduce six-week wait for universal credit despite MPs' warnings
18 October, 2017
Government says it believes advance payments solve problems with delays as Labour urges Tories to support motion to pause rollout of benefit
'We went days without eating properly': how universal credit brought misery to Inverness
18 October, 2017
People who were never in debt before have been catapulted into crisis in trial of benefit whose rollout continues despite concerns
Government under fire after abstaining on Universal Credit vote
18 October, 2017
Government have dodged a humiliating defeat, by not turning up to the vote on pausing the roll-out of Universal Credit
Mind the (housing benefit) gap - it's growing
17 October, 2017
The Autumn Budget must end the benefits freeze
Universal credit: DWP withholding bad news
17 October, 2017
Frank Field, work and pensions committee chair, believes department has not revealed scale of problems with welfare changes
Transition Rollout Schedule - October 2017 to September 2018
16 October, 2017
In May 2016 the full Universal Credit service for all claimant types began to rollout nationally (beyond London) and in July 2016 it was announced that this rollout will complete by September 2018
Universal credit: Plaid Cymru offers to pay for claimants' calls
16 October, 2017
People claiming universal credit have been offered free use of Plaid Cymru phones to avoid helpline charges
Bedroom tax hits Northern Ireland despite political pledges
16 October, 2017
The 'bedroom tax' is hitting dozens of homes across the Northern Ireland despite years of Stormont pledges to prevent the controversial welfare cut
Halton Housing calls for a slow down to Universal Credit roll out
16 October, 2017
July 2016 saw the introduction of Universal Credit in Halton
Chancellor urged to lower tax rate on universal credit
16 October, 2017
Conservative MP calls on Philip Hammond to cut rate to allow people receiving in-work benefits to work more hours without facing such heavy tax
Why Philip Hammond should revisit the benefit freeze in next month's Budget
16 October, 2017
The weather might be un-seasonally warm just now, but millions of household budgets are in the grip of a four-year freeze that's about to get colder still
Pressure grows to make universal credit helpline free of charge
13 October, 2017
Campaigners are concerned that complexity of new benefit and poor staff training are contributing to long and repeated calls
Corbyn challenged over UC eviction rates claim
13 October, 2017
The housing association cited for UC evictions at PMQs throws its figures back at the commons
The CPI+1% rent settlement: sector reactions
13 October, 2017
The government last week announced a post-2020 inflation-linked rent settlement
Universal Credit: Landlord request for a managed payment or rent arrears deduction
13 October, 2017
If a tenant is having difficulty paying their rent, fill in the UC47 form to request payment of rent from a tenant's Universal Credit
Is Universal Credit leading to rent arrears?
12 October, 2017
Half of all council tenants on Universal Credit are at least a month in arrears in their rent
Welfare reform a major challenge for Welsh housing
12 October, 2017
The government's green paper on social housing needs to provide answers for Wales over the LHA cap and Universal Credit
Minister promises new LHA cap proposals this autumn
12 October, 2017
The government will have new proposals for supported housing "this autumn"
Corbyn tells May to 'wake up' on universal credit complaints
12 October, 2017
Theresa May has defended the expansion of the government's flagship welfare reform as Jeremy Corbyn said it was increasing poverty and homelessness
Discretionary housing payments: the under-spenders
11 October, 2017
Every year the Government offers councils millions of pounds to help households struggling to pay their rent - so why does so much of it remain unspent?
The introduction of the LHA cap to the social rented sector: impact on young people in Scotland
11 October, 2017
This research was commissioned by CIH Scotland in partnership with the Scottish Government and was conducted by the Indigo House Group
Single Parent Families, Benefit Conditionality and Wellbeing
11 October, 2017
Why conditionality is unnecessary, unjust and ineffective
'I can't even charge my wheelchair': the impact of universal credit delays
10 October, 2017
UC was meant to simplify benefits, but readers have told us of their confusion and anguish in dealing with the system
Universal Credit's impact on the two HRAs
10 October, 2017
The Universal Credit roll-out raises questions for councils around meeting the requirements of the Homelessness Reduction Act and managing their Housing Revenue Accounts
'Who is going to feed my kids?' - stress, hunger and dire warnings amid 'chaotic' Universal Credit roll-out
10 October, 2017
As the Universal Credit roll-out continues across Greater Manchester, ministers and charities are warning it could be a catastrophe for the poorest in society
Half a million more people in poverty if Government maintains benefits freeze
10 October, 2017
Real terms cuts to working-age benefits and tax credits - imposed before Prime Minister Theresa May took office - are set to drive almost half a million more people into poverty in 2020
Councils fear surge in evictions as universal credit rollout accelerates
09 October, 2017
Housing federation says new system poses challenge to landlords, and Guardian investigation reveals claimants' frustration
More than 25 Tory MPs prepared to rebel over Universal Credit roll-out
09 October, 2017
More than 25 Tory MPs are now prepared to rebel over the Government's flagship welfare reforms
Hammond urged to scrap benefit cap as 1 million face homelessness
09 October, 2017
Shelter calls on chancellor to act in next month's budget while council leaders attack failure to fix 'broken' housing market
Scotland ready to pay housing element of Universal Credit direct to landlords
09 October, 2017
Now UK government is being urged to follow the Scottish government lead
'In a year, not one payment correct': a council tenant on the misery of universal credit
06 October, 2017
In a revealing video, visually-impaired council tenant Jo King explains the impact of delays and mistakes since she's been on universal credit
Bedroom tax: Clydebank worst hit in entire UK by governmental charge
06 October, 2017
Clydebank residents are the worst hit in the entire UK by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Universal Credit choices for Scottish claimants begin
05 October, 2017
Recipients of Universal Credit in Scotland will be offered two new ways to help them manage their money
Work and Pensions Committee calls for more detail on UC changes
04 October, 2017
The chair of the Work and Pensions Select Committee has asked how the government will decide if a Universal Credit claimant is in "immediate need" for a same-day payment
Government slammed for pushing ahead with Universal Credit roll-out
03 October, 2017
The government has been slammed for failing to pause the roll-out of Universal Credit, despite claimants struggling with debt because of delayed payments
UC roll-out will have 'catastrophic consequences'
03 October, 2017
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations calls for the roll-out to be halted
Universal Credit: Advance payments offered as rollout continues
02 October, 2017
Benefit claimants struggling to pay their bills will be able to get cash advances upfront
Next phase in rollout of Universal Credit confirmed
02 October, 2017
The next stage of the rollout of Universal Credit to all claimants starts on Wednesday 4 October 2017
7 things to consider when communicating about welfare
02 October, 2017
Campaign to soften public attitudes towards welfare
Universal Credit 'fundamentally the right thing to do'
02 October, 2017
Universal Credit is "fundamentally the right thing to do" but there are concerns about how it might impact living standards
Tory rebellion throws Universal Credit reforms into chaos
29 September, 2017
The Government's flagship welfare reforms have been thrown into jeopardy after 12 Conservative MPs wrote a private letter to the Work and Pensions Secretary demanding a pause in the roll-out of Universal Credit
Theresa May urged to halt Universal Credit roll-out
29 September, 2017
Families could be left homeless and destitute if Theresa May insists on pressing ahead with Universal Credit
Twelve Conservative MPs demand pause in Universal Credit
29 September, 2017
The policy at the heart of welfare reform has been thrown into doubt with 12 MPs writing a private letter calling for a halt
Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit: changes to the Work Capability Assessment
29 September, 2017
Changes to the Work Capability Assessment reassessment criteria from 29 September 2017
Housing associations should require less rent upfront to combat debt
28 September, 2017
Housing associations in Scotland have been urged to require less rent upfront to combat growing arrears under Universal Credit and the benefit cap
Universal credit is a mean, flawed scheme. Its rollout must be blocked
28 September, 2017
In my Southwark constituency, the Tories' benefits system has already forced many into debt, food poverty and eviction. Others should be saved from it
Bradford Council rapped over backlog of more than 500 housing benefit appeal cases
27 September, 2017
An investigation has uncovered a huge backlog in housing benefit appeals in Bradford, some dating back more than two years
Advice NI: 'Suspend introduction of Universal Credit'
26 September, 2017
A charity has called for this week's major changes in how benefits are paid in Northern Ireland to be suspended
Universal benefit changes driving more people to doorstep loans says debt manager
26 September, 2017
The woman who heads up a debt management service in the Northern Ireland town where Universal Credit will be first implemented tomorrow has expressed serious concerns about the impact
Housing associations urged to be as flexible as possible over payment of first month's rent
26 September, 2017
More and more social tenants in Scotland are struggling to pay the first month's rent in advance as a result of welfare reforms
Universal credit 'making financial abuse easier'
25 September, 2017
Changes to benefit payments have made it easier for abusive partners to withhold money
Foodbanks can't cope with universal credit fallout
25 September, 2017
Charity warns that new benefit is leading more people to seek emergency food parcels
Ministers told to cut wait for new benefit amid evidence it is causing debt
25 September, 2017
Report raised 'very serious concerns' with government over delay before first payment
Concerns about how Universal Credit deals with changes of circumstances
25 September, 2017
Elements of Universal Credit will pose significant challenges for claimants, advisers and landlords
Why we need the welfare state more than ever
22 September, 2017
Shocked by the 'poverty cycle', British reformers created a safety net for casual workers
DWP to roll out landlord portal to help associations deal with Universal Credit
22 September, 2017
The Department for Work and Pensions has written to the National Housing Federation to notify them they will be rolling the portal out
Young people worst affected by debt crisis
21 September, 2017
Rent arrears, benefit changes and insecure work contributing to rise in number of young people seeking advice
Social housing providers say welfare policy 'undermines efforts to tackle homelessness'
21 September, 2017
Of 106 councils responding to survey, 84% said welfare policy has hit homelessness work - 70% of housing associations agreed
Proposed changes to benefit payments will impact private rented sector landlords - not just social landlords
20 September, 2017
Proposed changes to housing benefit will not only have significant and severe implications for the tenant in receipt of benefit
Government attempts to tackle growing rent arrears under Universal Credit
19 September, 2017
The government will attempt to tackle a sharp increase in rent arrears under Universal Credit by rolling out initiatives that give landlords more control over their tenants' rental payments
Universal credit sends rent arrears soaring
18 September, 2017
Housing chiefs' warning on effect of flagship Tory welfare reform
Universal credit a train wreck that must be stopped
18 September, 2017
Liberal Democrat work and pensions spokesman to call for next month's rollout to be cancelled until overhaul takes place
'Direct link' between welfare changes and rough sleeping rise
15 September, 2017
Labour responds to the mayor of London's comments that there is a 'direct link' between welfare changes and the rise in rough sleeping.
Stereotypes of social housing tenants are isolating and damaging
15 September, 2017
Housing association tenant explains why the Fair Press for Tenants guide for media is needed
Poor people pushed into debt by harsh benefit deductions
15 September, 2017
Poor people on benefits are being pushed into destitution by having direct deductions taken from their benefit payments.
LIN member report September 2017 - The household benefit cap
15 September, 2017
LIN member report by Neil Merrick
It's getting harder for those on low incomes to make ends meet
14 September, 2017
Responding to today's Monetary Policy Committee's interest rates decision
Homelessness rise 'likely to have been driven by welfare reforms'
14 September, 2017
The number of homeless families in the UK has risen by more than 60% and is "likely to have been driven" by the government's welfare reforms, the public spending watchdog has said
Homelessness rise 'likely to have been driven by welfare reforms'
13 September, 2017
The number of homeless families in the UK has risen by more than 60% and is 'likely to have been driven' by the government's welfare reform
English councils' local welfare schemes in 'meltdown'
13 September, 2017
New report reveals that two-thirds of English councils have closed or cut emergency funds, causing greater hardship to low-income families
Councils have 'urgent' concerns over Homelessness Reduction Act delays
12 September, 2017
London council leaders have 'urgent concerns' over delayed government guidance on the Homelessness Reduction Act.
Are rented micro-homes the future for young singles?
12 September, 2017
Are you young-ish, single and thoroughly fed up with paying a high level of rent for a room in a house, miles away from where you work?
Anglesey council's financial outlook 'remains bleak'
12 September, 2017
Councillor Llinos Medi said the authority has had to save £19m over the last five years and have to save another £8m over the next three.
A new urban eyesore: Britain's shamefully shoddy student housing
12 September, 2017
Free to ignore building standards for dwellings, student housing isn't just ruining British cities - it's damaging student life.
Two million UK families face £50-a-week cut in income
11 September, 2017
Households with children make up more than 80% of those set to lose out as pressure grows for end to austerity
Squeeze on living standards is down to welfare cuts, not the fall in the pound
11 September, 2017
Love it or loathe it, the long shadow of Brexit dominates our political weather. With good reason, of course.
I see housing officers do all they can to refuse homeless applications
11 September, 2017
Faced with growing demand and dwindling supply, councils have become experienced in using the law to keep homeless people off their waiting lists
Bread for All: The Origins of the Welfare State
11 September, 2017
A new account shows how Attlee's reforms built on foundations laid down decades earlier - and that was the key to their success
We're addicted to debt and headed for a crash. It could be worse than 2007
07 September, 2017
When Provident Financial lost £1.7bn in share value a week ago, a handful of people asked whether this was a Northern Rock moment.
How will councils survive the funding abyss?
06 September, 2017
From struggling northern councils to seemingly prosperous counties, talk of a financial meltdown is getting louder.
Council tax reduction for around half a million Scots
06 September, 2017
Scotland's Council Tax Reduction scheme supported 491,180 households and the total weekly income foregone by local authorities was £6.5m.
Grenfell: social housing policy issues 'dealt with in due course'
06 September, 2017
In the Commons, Communities Secretary Sajid Javid acknowledges that such issues need to be addressed
Increase in evictions are result of renters facing 'impossible choices'
04 September, 2017
Rising evictions are being driven by a toxic mix of low wages and reductions in benefits
Scottish Greens say more than 11,200 children will be affected by new benefit cap
01 September, 2017
More than 11,000 children in Scotland are being hit by the UK Government's new lower benefit cap
Scottish charities call for halt to roll-out of 'flawed' Universal Credit
01 September, 2017
A group of 24 Scottish charities have come together to urge the UK government to stop the roll-out of the Universal Credit system in Scotland
Situation critical for supported housing
01 September, 2017
Emma Maier calls for government to rethink the LHA cap
Scottish charities say 'stop' to UC roll-out
31 August, 2017
Twenty-four charities and individuals sign an open letter urging UK government to 'fix flaws' seen in the system
Universal credit has caused untold hardship. But the worst is yet to come
31 August, 2017
The Conservatives' flagship welfare reform programme is a deeply flawed and damaging scheme
Valerie Grant took her own life after son lost benefits
31 August, 2017
A mother killed herself after her disabled son lost a string of benefits and support
Scottish housing leaders raise DHP concerns
30 August, 2017
Housing leaders have spoken out against the Scottish Government's plan to make Discretionary Housing Payment schemes voluntary for councils
Further education for benefit claimants: 2015 to 2016
30 August, 2017
Analyses training for learners on benefits in England using government data for the 2015 to 2016 academic year
Quarter of a million working age people on benefits in NI
30 August, 2017
Tax credits and housing benefit not included in the latest figures
No 'pause' in universal credit
29 August, 2017
The government are pressing ahead with the welfare changes, saying it is 'making work pay and transforming lives'
DWP spends £39m defending decisions to strip benefits from sick and disabled people
29 August, 2017
Government appeal process condemned as 'traumatic' and a 'waste of time and money'
David Gauke signals he will press on with universal credit
29 August, 2017
Work and pensions secretary says benefit changes are 'transforming lives' after MPs called for a pause in their introduction
National Audit Office to re-assess Universal Credit roll-out
25 August, 2017
New report will examine progress after two previous assessments identified key areas of poor performance hindering an 'overly ambitious' programme
Analysis of migrants' access to income-related benefits
24 August, 2017
Analysis relating to the access to income-related benefits for European Economic Area and non-EEA migrants
Nationality at point of NINo registration of DWP working age benefit recipients: data to Feb 2017
24 August, 2017
Nationality at point of National Insurance number (NINo) registration of DWP working age benefit recipients
Universal credit: ID issues with Irish passport
22 August, 2017
Irish passports and the Northern Ireland driving licence have been posing problems for the computer system processing a new benefits system
Vulnerable people 'being forced to use foodbanks because of benefits system problems'
21 August, 2017
Vulnerable people are being driven into destitution and reliance on foodbanks because of major flaws in the benefits system
Sharp rent arrears rise in Ross-shire blamed on new Universal Credit benefit system
21 August, 2017
Rent arrears for council house tenants have doubled in some areas of Ross-shire in just two years - and the controversial universal credit scheme has been blamed for the sharp rise
Parents on low incomes 'can't afford basics'
21 August, 2017
Higher inflation and a freeze on state benefits mean low-income parents cannot meet the basic costs of raising a child
Welfare reforms allowing government to "massage down" true figures of those sanctioned
21 August, 2017
A freedom of Information request shows that new welfare reforms are allowing the government to distort the true figures of those sanctioned on welfare, disability and in receipt of pensions
Bristol council tax relief cuts could be 'illegal' say opponents
18 August, 2017
Controversial plans to cut council tax relief in Bristol are "potentially illegal" local politicians have said
Crunch time for Universal Credit
17 August, 2017
The pace of the roll-out of 'full' Universal Credit is set to ramp up in a few months' time
Welsh Government to review social rents ahead of LHA cap
17 August, 2017
The Welsh Government has brought forward a review of its social housing rent policy as it looks for ways to offset the impact of the LHA cap
'Austerity causes a lot of suffering': record number of food banks report stock shortage
17 August, 2017
Trussell Trust, Britain's biggest food bank network, says supplies dwindling this summer as welfare sanctions bite
Almost 90% of Universal Credit tenants are in rent arrears
17 August, 2017
South Lanarkshire Council says tenants in receipt of universal credit have accrued rent arrears totalling more than half a million pounds
Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up: statistical notice
17 August, 2017
Statistical notice about changes in the Income-related benefits: estimates of take-up publication
'My picture is proof that healthcare professionals lie in benefit assessments'
17 August, 2017
A furious disability benefit claimant has produced what she says is the clearest evidence yet that healthcare professionals working for the DWP are writing dishonest assessment reports
Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit sanctions: decisions made to March 2017
16 August, 2017
Data on Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance and Universal Credit sanctions decisions made to March 2017
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 13 Jul 2017
16 August, 2017
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit to 13 July 2017
Urgent decisions on welfare and housing required: UUP MLA
15 August, 2017
Crunch decisions on welfare reform and housing are in limbo as a result of the ongoing Stormont stalemate
Universal credit and the risk of digital failure
14 August, 2017
With UC being rolled out across the country, a strong digital inclusion strategy can be the difference between successful adoption and a potentially devastating impact on housing associations' income
Welfare Reform and Universal Credit: The impact on the private rented sector
14 August, 2017
Over the past 2 years there has been significant political attention provided to the private rented sector
DWP 'is using lost benefit assessment letters to cut spending'
11 August, 2017
The DWP is using lost appointment letters for face-to-face assessments as an excuse for turning down disabled people's benefit claims, to help it cut spending on social security
Are cuts to Council Tax Support in England a false economy for councils?
10 August, 2017
Total uncollected council tax is £400m higher than in 2013-14 when Council Tax Benefit was abolished
Local Housing Allowance Direct Payments - changing the "payee"
08 August, 2017
Landlords have been left horrified - and out of pocket - after local authorities re-directed direct payments from landlords to tenants
Impact of applying Local Housing Allowance rates to general needs social tenants
08 August, 2017
Our analysis shows the potential numbers of people affected and the amount of shortfall between benefit levels and rents charged
MPs urge government to delay universal credit rollout
07 August, 2017
MPs' letter calls for extension of universal credit to be postponed until next year to avoid people suffering Christmas hardship
Opposition MPs call for Universal Credit pause
07 August, 2017
A group of opposition MPs have called for the planned rollout of UC in their constituencies to be delayed because of delays in claimants receiving payments
Tenants 'struggling to put a roof over their head'
07 August, 2017
Thousands are unable to hold down a tenancy due to rising costs, lack of affordable housing and welfare reforms
Support of last resort: alternatives to local welfare schemes to prevent and relieve homelessness
04 August, 2017
The safety net that local welfare schemes provide is stretched to breaking point
Lower annual welfare cap affects 68,000 families
04 August, 2017
The first six months of the new lower benefit cap has seen 68,000 families having their welfare cut for the first time, losing each around £50 a week
Universal Support-Universal Credit
04 August, 2017
Universal Support is part of Health & Work Programme contained in the government's Green Paper and Universal Credit
Benefit cap: number of households capped to May 2017
03 August, 2017
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and May 2017
Housing calls for a review after latest benefit cap statistics
03 August, 2017
The housing sector has said the latest figures released by the Department for Work and Pensions show there is a need for government to re-look at welfare policies
David Webster: 'Benefit sanctions should be a thing of the past'
02 August, 2017
The economist and Glasgow research fellow on why stopping benefit payments is counterproductive and must not be rolled out more widely
Access to homes for under-35's: The impact of Welfare Reform on Private Renting
01 August, 2017
As the dust settles after the general election there is a clear need for policy and practical solutions that have cross-party support
Anger as Scottish Government leaves 130,000 disabled Scots at the mercy of PIP assessments
01 August, 2017
New figures reveal 130,000 are still to be subjected to humiliating PIP assessments - but SNP won't halt them
Poverty group calls for an end to the benefits freeze
31 July, 2017
The Poverty Alliance has written to every MP in Scotland
DWP to look at RLA proposals on Universal Credit
28 July, 2017
The DWP has said it will address problems faced by landlords who house Universal Credit tenants following a meeting with the RLA
Five ways to help your tenants with the roll-out of universal credit
26 July, 2017
The 'full service' version of universal credit is on its way - so what do social landlords need to be doing differently?
Hardship payments to be available immediately to JSA claimants who are homeless
25 July, 2017
From October 2017, JSA claimants who are homeless will have immediate access to hardship payments if their benefit is reduced because of a sanction
Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics: Annual update: 2016/17
25 July, 2017
Following feedback from users, we have decided to continue publishing Scottish Welfare Fund statistics on a quarterly basis until summer 2017
Pause for Thought
25 July, 2017
Measuring the impact of Welfare Reform on tenants and landlords - 2017 Survey Results
100 tenants a day lose homes as rising rents and benefit freeze hit
24 July, 2017
Charities demand action to tackle toll of soaring housing costs, welfare cuts and 'no fault' evictions
Benefit sanctions are increasing hunger and depression not driving down unemployment
17 July, 2017
Why everything you thought you knew about poverty and its causes was wrong
Government welfare cuts blamed for 50% surge in mental health issues among unemployed
17 July, 2017
Benefit freezes and sanctions 'are having a toxic impact on mental health'
Labour needs to develop an alternative to Universal Credit and the Benefit Freeze
13 July, 2017
Labour has finally spoken about Universal Credit
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 8 Jun 2017
12 July, 2017
These experimental statistics cover numbers of claims made, starts and people on Universal Credit
Policy Response: Impact of the LHA freeze
11 July, 2017
Frozen Local Housing Allowance is freezing people out of the housing market
Fife 'bedroom tax' campaigners claim to have scored arrears victory
10 July, 2017
Activists in Fife fighting the controversial 'bedroom tax' are claiming victory after Fife Council confirmed it will no longer pursue tenants with a "static balance" of arrears
Councils'discretionary payment spend on benefit cap doubles
07 July, 2017
The amount of DHP funding spent by councils on mitigating the benefit cap has more than doubled year-on-year
Citizens Advice calls for Universal Credit rollout to be paused as research reveals people left facing financial difficulty
07 July, 2017
The rollout of Universal Credit should be paused until significant problems with it are fixed
Labour urges benefits cap rethink as 20,000 families hit by 'unlawful' policy
07 July, 2017
Shadow work and pensions secretary Debbie Abrahams said the lower cap "is pushing more children into poverty"
Universal Credit 'failing' Welsh families
07 July, 2017
Benefit system changes are failing families in Wales and pushing them into debt
Under-occupation the potential impact on housing benefit
06 July, 2017
As LHA rates are based on the number of bedrooms that a tenant and their household needs and not the size of the property occupied, work was required to establish the impact of under-occupancy on Housing Benefit
Book review: For whose benefit?
06 July, 2017
For Whose Benefit? The everyday realities of welfare reform
The estimated impact of the benefit cap on parents, by age of youngest child
06 July, 2017
The benefit cap was first introduced in April 2013 as part of the Welfare Reform Act of 2012
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments - Analysis of End of Year returns from Local Authorities
06 July, 2017
DHP is a discretionary scheme that allows local authorities to make monetary awards to people experiencing financial difficulty
Universal Credit labelled 'minefield of issues'
05 July, 2017
The heavily criticised policy has once again come under fire from housing professionals
Impact of welfare changes on rented housing in Northern Ireland
05 July, 2017
The benefits system is changing
Scots families made homeless by Tory benefit cuts
03 July, 2017
Scottish families facing eviction due to the Westminster Tory government's benefits cap are ramping up a series of actions in their battle for justice
Scottish Government Response to the Consultation on Universal Credit (Claims and Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
30 June, 2017
On 16 January 2017, the Scottish Government launched a consultation seeking views on draft regulations on Universal Credit
The Universal Credit (Claims and Payments) (Scotland) Regulations 2017
30 June, 2017
The Scottish Ministers make the following Regulations
'Inadequate' welfare payments push households into profound destitution
29 June, 2017
The inability to pay rent, heat homes, buy clothes and toiletries and secure sufficient food should now be a "serious" national health concern
Sheltered housing saves NHS and social care services £486m per year
29 June, 2017
Think tank report urges Government to exclude older people's housing from future Housing Benefit cap
Landlords warned to prepare for huge growth in Universal Credit claimants
29 June, 2017
Landlords could see the number of their tenants claiming Universal Credit multiply by up to nine times when their area moves to full digital roll-out
UK welfare cuts causing £4 billion fall for benefits in Scotland
29 June, 2017
Women, disabled people and the young in Scotland are being harmed by UK Government welfare cuts
Housing campaigners to protest at Edinburgh City Council over benefit cap evictions
29 June, 2017
Local protest pressure builds to stop cuts at point of implementation
Week of action demands end to disability benefit cuts
27 June, 2017
Anti-austerity groups are planning a week of action to demand an end to disability benefit cuts
Labour may SCRAP the benefits cap but have not yet worked out how much it would cost
26 June, 2017
Shadow DWP secretary said Labour could scrap cap if they get into No 10
Benefit cap on lone parents of under-twos is unlawful
23 June, 2017
Policy has caused 'real misery to no good purpose' as parents of children under two do not qualify for free childcare
Tory Government's benefit cap is unlawful and causes 'real misery for no good purpose'
22 June, 2017
Flagship Conservative welfare policy does 'real damage' to single parents and 'exacerbates poverty'
Universal credit rollout in North Kensington halted after tower fire
22 June, 2017
New benefit system will not be introduced in full in July so jobcentre staff can focus on claimants affected by Grenfell blaze
DWP suspends rules for Grenfell Tower residents
21 June, 2017
Those who miss appointments won't be sanctioned
Migrants are wrongly being made homeless. Housing associations must act
20 June, 2017
Seven years of anti-migrant policies have resulted in people with rights to housing losing out
End demonising of poorest
20 June, 2017
Shocked housing leaders and politicians have vowed to challenge 'relentless' demonising of migrants and benefits claimants
Actual use of spare room irrelevant in 'bedroom tax' assessment
19 June, 2017
A disabled woman who converted a bedroom in her rented housing association property into a second living room so she could have a living space separate from her carers was still liable for the higher rate of the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Universal Credit now fully running in Burnley
16 June, 2017
The number of people claiming out of work benefits in Burnley has increased from this time last year, but is still less than in 2025
DWP fit-for-work tests cost more than they save
15 June, 2017
Figures show UK government is spending more than its saves on controversial tests
This is a Pip disability assessment: intrusive, humiliating and completely pointless
15 June, 2017
I have a permanent disability. Even after the election, the Conservative government is forcing people like me through this broken system
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 11 May 2017
14 June, 2017
These experimental statistics cover the total live caseload, starts and claims for Universal Credit
Families expected to be allowed to keep benefits after Manchester attack
14 June, 2017
New policy will mean those affected by bombing at Manchester Arena can receive compensation without losing benefits
DUP has previously voted against supported housing changes
12 June, 2017
Controversial plans to cap housing benefit in supported housing could come under pressure if the DUP continues to vote against the reforms
Scottish housing figures call for welfare reform re-think post election
12 June, 2017
Leading Scottish housing sector figures are calling on the potential new UK government to re-think welfare reforms
Bedroom Tax and reconciliation
12 June, 2017
It would be fair to say I often deploy sarcasm or humour in the things I write
ESA: outcomes of Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals: June 2017
09 June, 2017
Outcomes of Employment and Support Allowance Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals information
Reality Check: How much benefit money is lost to fraud?
05 June, 2017
What percentage of benefit payments do you think is lost to fraud?
Scottish landlords round on 'brutal' Universal Credit
02 June, 2017
Housing associations and local authorities in Scotland have urged the UK government to reconsider on the policy
Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at February 2017 is published
01 June, 2017
The number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants was 31,930
My experience of being on benefits
01 June, 2017
In 2011 I became part of a research project called 'the lived experiences of welfare reform'
LIN member report June 2017 - Universal Credit Update
01 June, 2017
LIN member report by Rebecca Wilkie
Discretionary Housing Payments topped £50m over past year
31 May, 2017
Almost 113,000 awards have been made under the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme over the past year
Cashflow problems? That's not what brings people to my food bank
30 May, 2017
If the former justice minister visited us at Coventry Foodbank, he would see the people left desperate after falling through the cracks in the system
SNP focus on tackling welfare cuts in manifesto
30 May, 2017
The Scottish National Party has released details of its manifesto, with tackling Conservative cuts a key pillar
The RLA's Manifesto: A fairer approach to Welfare Reform
26 May, 2017
There are a growing number of tenants in receipt of benefits now living in the PRS
DWP tests market for appointments booking system for Universal Credit
26 May, 2017
The Department for Work and Pensions is considering procuring a dedicated appointment booking system for Universal Credit claimants
UK Government expecting pregnancies terminated after welfare reform
25 May, 2017
A charity has claimed that the UK Government seems to "be expecting that women will terminate pregnancies" in response to the two-child cap for tax credits and the so-called rape clause
Universal credit 'must be halted' argues Scottish social security minister after Inverness meeting
25 May, 2017
How many people have to suffer before the UK Government freezes the roll out of problematic new benefit changes
Benefit sanctions leaving pupils hungry, Michael Gove's former right-hand man warns
24 May, 2017
Sam Freedman says some teachers were reduced to feeding pupils with their own money
Basic Income: A timely solution to the imminent welfare crisis?
24 May, 2017
Universal Basic Income, or Citizen's Income, is the idea of guaranteed a monthly payment, paid equally to all citizens, what some are calling 'money for free'
Rent Arrears: The human element
24 May, 2017
Rent arrears is a perennial issue for social landlords, as welfare reforms hit tenants and increases the risk they'll fall behind with their payments
Government review to order zero-hours contracts overhaul
23 May, 2017
The government-commissioned inquiry into controversial working practices is set to call for employees on zero-hours contracts to be given the right to request a move onto fixed hours
We cannot be tempted by a Universal Basic Income - it would do huge damage to the economy
23 May, 2017
Even more than most elections, the 2017 campaign has been marked by one thing in particular - some genuinely terrible economic ideas
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2016 to Mar 2017
23 May, 2017
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2016 to 2017
Greens to unveil plans for universal basic income in manifesto launch
22 May, 2017
Party will promise to scrap Trident to help fund NHS, promise a final Brexit referendum and scrap all existing student loan debts at Monday's launch
General election 2017: Labour will 'in effect' end benefit freeze
22 May, 2017
Labour would "in effect" end the freeze on benefits through a package of reforms in its first Budget in government
The introduction of the LHA cap to the social rented sector: impact on young people in Scotland
22 May, 2017
21,000 young Scots face losing over £22m in rent from planned LHA cap
Housing element of Universal Credit for 18-21 year olds
18 May, 2017
This briefing provides an overview of the UK Government's policy of removing entitlement to the housing costs element of Universal Credit for some 18-21 year olds
Department for Work and Pensions 'has outrageous target' to reject 80% of benefits appeals
18 May, 2017
Hidden 'mandatory reconsideration' performance indicator criticised by Parkinson's charity and former judge
Labour admits it would not end benefits freeze, after day of confusion
17 May, 2017
'I don't think we can reverse it entirely. We shouldn't be promising things we cannot afford'
Scots politicians urged to lift Westminster's benefits freeze
16 May, 2017
Benefit have been frozen until 2020
More than 2,000 people recruited to benefits experience panel
16 May, 2017
Thousands of people with direct personal experience of the current benefits system have signed up to help shape the delivery of benefits in Scotland's new social security system
Jeremy Corbyn makes benefits U-turn as he back-pedals on promise to reverse freeze
16 May, 2017
Jeremy Corbyn has been accused of U-turning on the promise he made at the Labour manifesto launch to axe the benefits freeze brought in by the Conservative government
'Each year the benefit system is more heartless'
16 May, 2017
In the run-up to the general election, six Guardian reporters are writing from constituencies across the country to find out what matters to you and in your area
'I can't live off £100 a month': Furious voter confronts Theresa May over benefits cuts
15 May, 2017
Theresa May was confronted by a furious voter over cuts to disability benefits while on a walkabout in a market town
To improve mental health, politicians must start with the benefits system
12 May, 2017
Depression and anxiety haunt the people who use our food bank. We need a safety net to support people in poverty, not penalise them
Welfare reform conference: 'How am I going to feed my children'
12 May, 2017
What communities need to know is how much am I going to lose... and how am I going to feed my children
Theresa May refuses to rule out further disability benefits cuts
11 May, 2017
'I know there are some issues that people continue to raise about assessments that are made on those payments'
YMCA wants housing support back for 18 to 21-year-olds
11 May, 2017
New government urged to abolish regulations that remove automatic entitlement
Council to build shared affordable housing due to welfare reform
10 May, 2017
The first Welsh authority to experience full roll-out of Universal Credit is planning to build more shared accommodation
Election 2017: what we're asking for on welfare
10 May, 2017
As the build up to next month's General Election continues our policy and practice officer Sam Lister takes a closer look at what we're asking for on welfare policy
Benefit cap: number of households capped to February 2017
04 May, 2017
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and February 2017
Eviction trends reveal human cost of Universal Credit roll-out and welfare reform
03 May, 2017
Eviction by social landlords may have increased in recent years
Record numbers of PIP assessments being overruled on appeal
02 May, 2017
Thousands who receive zero points during PIP assessments have ended up winning their appeals
Welfare reform is not only cruel but chaotic. Theresa May must address this
02 May, 2017
The Conservatives' benefit cap is an abject failure at getting people into work and the universal credit system isn't working
Government fails to deliver £4bn savings after cutting disability benefit
02 May, 2017
The Government has failed to deliver the £4bn of savings it was expecting to make after cutting disability benefit
Government defeated in bedroom tax case
28 April, 2017
A couple who had their housing benefit reduced because they were unable to share a bedroom due to a severe disability have defeated the government in court for the second time
The impact of tax and benefit reforms on household incomes
27 April, 2017
While cuts to benefits have been small as yet, government plans for future cuts would significantly reduce the incomes of low-income working-age households
Victory for bedroom tax couple as DWP defeated in court again
27 April, 2017
The government's attempt to block a legal route which is used by many people to appeal against benefits decisions has been defeated at the Upper Tribunal
Private firms barred from benefits assessments
27 April, 2017
Profiteers will have no place in Scotland's new welfare landscape
Housing Benefit Speed of Processing Statistics
26 April, 2017
Housing Benefit is an income related benefit that is intended to help meet housing costs for rented accommodation
Cut in housing benefit may mean rise in foodbank use
26 April, 2017
The manager of a foodbank has stressed the need to help vulnerable people following a government policy that some claim could see youngsters facing homelessness
Government should rethink welfare changes
26 April, 2017
Former civil service chief and crossbench peer Lord Bob Kerslake has called on the government to look again at welfare changes in light of increasing homelessness and the rising cost of support
UK foodbank use continues to rise
25 April, 2017
UK foodbank use continues to rise as new report highlights growing impact of Universal Credit rollout on foodbanks
Liberal Democrats pledge to bring back housing benefit for nearly 3,000 London youngsters
25 April, 2017
Almost 3,000 young Londoners would be able to claim housing benefit again under a Liberal Democrat government
These People Say They're Going Hungry Because Of The Government's Welfare Reforms
25 April, 2017
Neal Jones hasn't eaten for 24 hours. Sitting in a makeshift cafe in a church food bank on the outskirts of Rugby
This area of Birmingham will be worst hit by Tory housing benefit cut for youngsters
24 April, 2017
Charities have already warned the policy, which came into force this month, could force youngsters onto the streets
No Stormont deal could see welfare reform with hard edge
21 April, 2017
The Government may have to step in to prevent a further postponement of the long-delayed welfare reforms in Northern Ireland
Housing costs for 18 to 21 year olds
21 April, 2017
This guidance explains the rules for housing costs for 18 to 21 year olds getting Universal Credit from 1 April 2017
Labour's framing of public services as universal benefits is a canny move
21 April, 2017
If more people become stakeholders in the welfare state it becomes so much more difficult for the Tories to lay waste to it
Housing benefit nightmare: Newcastle council tenants rack up massive rent arrears after changes
20 April, 2017
MP criticises introduction of new Universal Credit benefits system after it was tested in Newcastle - and did not go down well
Half of voters think welfare changes have gone too far
20 April, 2017
Half of voters think the government's benefit cuts have gone too far, an Ipsos Mori poll published today has revealed
Statistical shift against benefit cuts
19 April, 2017
New poll puts the proportion of voters who disagree with the extent of the benefit cuts at its highest level in four years
Women 'hardest hit' by UK welfare cuts
19 April, 2017
Women are being unfairly impacted by recent UK government cuts to benefits and welfare eligibility
Freezes to benefits mean that 'just about managing' families are bearing the brunt of Brexit
18 April, 2017
In normal circumstances the annual uprating of benefits and tax credits each April would offset the losses from a weak pound, price rises, and the economic turbulence created by the Brexit vote
DWP's unfair twist for disabled people
18 April, 2017
In light of figures showing 900 disabled people are losing their Motability cars each week I would like to challenge the response of DWP ministers when they have been pressed on the issue of PIP
Young people benefit cut to hit hardest in North
13 April, 2017
The cut to housing benefit for young people will have its largest impact in deprived areas of the North of England
Billions of pounds more in welfare cuts are enforced in Britain
13 April, 2017
The start of the UK's new financial year saw the introduction by the Conservative government of some of the most severe and punitive welfare benefit cuts seen for decades
The Tory housing benefit cuts will make more young people homeless
13 April, 2017
One morning, when Catherine Geddes was 16, her mother dropped her off at college, informed her that she'd changed all the locks, and told her daughter she would never be allowed to return home
One in three Londoners hit by benefits cap have found work
13 April, 2017
More people have found work after having their benefits capped in London than anywhere else in the UK
Stormont impasse threatens Northern Ireland benefits deal
12 April, 2017
The Stormont power-sharing stalemate jeopardises work to protect vulnerable people from benefit cuts
50,000 disabled people 'have adapted vehicles removed after benefits assessment'
12 April, 2017
Muscular Dystrophy UK says 900 cars are being taken away every week, as more people are rejected for PIP
Manchester providers offer to pilot alternative to LHA cap
12 April, 2017
Social landlords in Greater Manchester have offered to run a regional pilot of an alternative to the controversial Local Housing Allowance cap
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 9 Mar 2017
12 April, 2017
These experimental statistics cover the total live caseload, starts and claims for Universal Credit
Benefit changes that cause the innocent to suffer
12 April, 2017
There's understandable anger at the "Rape Clause" that's is being applied in child tax credit applications
Campaigners call for PIP to be scrapped and DLA reintroduced
11 April, 2017
Petition wants the controversial system to be halted to be replaced with the old one
Homeless 18-21 year olds still entitled to housing cost element of Universal Credit
11 April, 2017
A memo for the DWP decision makers outlines that homeless people, including those moving on, are still entitled to the housing cost element of Universal Credit
How much Universal Credit can I claim? The benefits have changed this week
11 April, 2017
Millions of people who claim a benefit called Universal Credit will see a big change this week
3 million households set to benefit from Universal Credit changes
10 April, 2017
Three million households across the country to keep more of what they earn due to a £700 million boost to Universal Credit
Welfare reform: Government must press ahead with Universal Credit, but crucial changes needed to support struggling families
10 April, 2017
As a raft of changes to the tax and benefit system come into effect, the Government is being urged to press ahead with the rollout of Universal Credit
Stop PIP reassessments for patients with progressive diseases
10 April, 2017
MPs and charities say rising number of retesting claimants with incurable diseases such as Parkinson's or multiple sclerosis makes little sense
'Rape clause' in family welfare cap harms mothers and children
10 April, 2017
Most mothers who have children as a result of a rape manage, admirably, to have a bond equal to that with children conceived by choice
MS sufferer slams 'awful' benefits chiefs who axed her Motability car in favour of £65,000 taxis
10 April, 2017
Benefits bosses axed a disabled woman's Motability car to save cash - but then agreed to pay out £65,000 to taxi her to and from work
Universal Credit's right - but we must take stock
07 April, 2017
Three priorities need immediate action to ensure Universal Credit achieves its goals and helps reduce poverty and increase living standards
The Tories are failing the poorest through benefit cuts - by choice
07 April, 2017
If the government truly wants to reduce expenditure on housing benefit it should tackle the root causes, not force young people and families from their homes
Social Security Minister: families with children hardest hit by UK welfare changes
07 April, 2017
Scottish Government will not apply two child cap to Council Tax Reduction Scheme
Eight things you should know about the benefit cap
06 April, 2017
'Fairness' was the word Lord Freud used to justify the lowering of the benefit cap
Universal Credit: a briefing
06 April, 2017
This briefing provides information and evidence on the latest developments as Universal Credit rolls out across the UK
The Benefits Cap: Is It Working?
06 April, 2017
How far should we go to force unemployed people back into work?
Universal Credit and families with more than 2 children: information for stakeholders
06 April, 2017
This guidance will help you in your conversations with claimants who may be effected by the Universal Credit 2 child policy
2 child limit: claiming benefits for 2 or more children
06 April, 2017
Information about the 2 child limit for claimants
Universal Credit and families with more than 2 children: information for claimants
06 April, 2017
Information on the two child limit in Universal Credit for existing and new Universal Credit claimants
Labour slam 'punitive cuts' to benefits
06 April, 2017
Labour have slammed cuts to benefits, including housing benefit for those under-22
Housing benefit slashed to 50p-a-week - and Birmingham is worst-hit
05 April, 2017
Almost 600 claimants picking up less than the price of a chocolate bar
Spending government money on broken relationships isn't going to help families torn apart by new benefit cuts
05 April, 2017
What's the point of spending £30m to help families to stay together when you're going to cut benefits at exactly the same time?
Government has broken vow on bereavement benefit cuts
05 April, 2017
Frank Field wants ministers to explain why policy will save £100m a year despite pledge not to slash funding for parents
Key changes to council tax support in 2017/18
05 April, 2017
CTS gives low-income working-age families a discount on the amount of council tax they have to pay
Thousands on 50p-a-week housing benefit
05 April, 2017
More than 7,500 households have lost their housing benefit and instead receive a nominal 50p a week because of the welfare cap
Up to 11,000 affected by under-21 benefit cap by 2021
05 April, 2017
Around 1,000 young people will be affected by the cut to housing benefit for under-21s this year, rising to 11,000 by 2020/21
Idris Elba savages housing benefit cuts at Shelter fund-raiser
05 April, 2017
Actor Idris Elba has attacked government cuts to housing benefits for 18-21-year-olds
Disabled students fear for their future as independence payments cut
04 April, 2017
With a clampdown on PIP and related benefits, students such as Lauren Hall are struggling to finish their degrees
Scottish Government gains control over Discretionary Housing Payments
03 April, 2017
Control over DHPs has been transferred to the Scottish Government as of Saturday 1 April under the Scotland Act 2016
Welfare shakeup 'will push a quarter of a million children into poverty'
03 April, 2017
Analysis for the Guardian finds changes due on 6 April will also wipe thousands off payments for bereaved families
Poorest third of households will be worse off from tax and benefit changes starting this week, despite a £1bn giveaway
03 April, 2017
Four-fifths of the gains from tax and benefit changes coming into effect later this week (6 April) will go to the richest half of households
Universal credit risks destitution in Newcastle claim
03 April, 2017
People in one of the first areas where a major benefits system change has been introduced are at risk of "destitution" and "homelessness"
Housing costs element for UC claimants aged 18 to 21
03 April, 2017
This memo provides guidance on the Universal Credit Regulations 2017
'Distrust' in PIP system
31 March, 2017
Claimants of the government's disability benefits programme have an "inherent distrust" of the system
The Big Idea: Universal Basic Income
31 March, 2017
The concept of a Universal Basic Income is currently attracting attention
Welfare reforms and £330 million employment package start from April 2017
31 March, 2017
Employment help for people with health conditions will roll out from April, along with wider reforms to ensure a fair welfare system
Significant cuts to two parts of the benefit system to be phased in from next week
31 March, 2017
Next week will see the introduction of significant cuts to the generosity of two parts of the working-age benefits system
Housing benefit changes 'put young Scots at risk of homelessness'
31 March, 2017
Changes to housing benefit will put more young people in Scotland at risk of homelessness
Money manager tool for Universal Credit claimants
30 March, 2017
An online budgeting tool for people who claim Universal Credit has been launched by the Department for Work and Pensions
Personal Independence Payment evaluation: wave 1 claimant survey findings
30 March, 2017
This research seeks to understand claimants' experiences of making a claim for Personal Independence Payment
Change afoot for homeless families on Universal Credit?
30 March, 2017
Paying housing costs through Universal Credit is causing problems for tenants, landlords and local councils alike
Painting disabled people as 'workshy': that's what benefits cuts are all about
30 March, 2017
The latest government changes equate illness with a lack of motivation, as welfare becomes a tool to modify behaviour
Government rejects calls to halt Universal Credit roll out
29 March, 2017
The government has rejected calls to halt the roll out of Universal Credit
Councils welcome government's Universal Credit U-turn
29 March, 2017
Councils have welcomed the government's move to make households that are made homeless exempt from Universal Credit following reports rent arrears bills have started to rack up
Disability benefits: MPs granted emergency debate in final attempt to halt controversial curbs
29 March, 2017
Ministers to be accused of a 'troubling subversion of democracy' after sneaking through the changes to Personal Independence Payments
It's a housing class war as the Tories set their sights on young people
29 March, 2017
Britain today: the Treasury gives away thousands to young people saving up to buy, but most young single people find housing almost completely out of reach
Private landlords need a better deal from Universal Credit
27 March, 2017
Tenants and landlords rightly want to ensure that rents are paid in full and on time
UC policy to be reversed for homeless families
27 March, 2017
Homeless families set to receive housing benefit rather than universal credit due to design flaws in the new benefits system
Scotland extends welfare fund to help 18-21 year olds with housing costs
27 March, 2017
Interim assistance for Scottish 18 to 21-year-olds at risk through Westminster imposed changes to housing benefit
Welfare reform update - March 2017
27 March, 2017
Future funding of Supported Housing Inquiry update
Disability benefit spending and the recent change to regulations
24 March, 2017
PIP is the main working age benefit paid to disabled people who may face additional costs of living
In Liverpool, Tory cuts have brought a city and its people to breaking point
23 March, 2017
Adding up the impact of slashed benefits and a 58% reduction in central funding, the council says it's England's poorest wards that are being hit again and again
Pressure mounts on UK government to halt universal credit
23 March, 2017
New system is leaving people destitute, renewing calls for its roll-out to be halted
Universal Credit arrears 'frightening'
22 March, 2017
The deliberate exclusion of social landlords from the Universal Credit system means arrears levels are even worse than was originally feared
SFHA welcomes Scottish Government call to halt Universal Credit full service roll-out
22 March, 2017
Feedback from SFHA members has revealed the system is causing hardship to vulnerable households and has resulted in unprecedented levels of rent arrears
Mhairi Black: benefit sanctions don't work. And Westminster knows it
22 March, 2017
Mhairi Black says the Tories' system of benefit sanctions is designed to victimise the most vulnerable in society
Tory benefits boss slammed after dismissing concerns welfare system is forcing people into rent arrears
21 March, 2017
Damian Green claimed "teething problems" had cleared up despite council figures showing average rent arrears of more than £900 among some Universal Credit claimants
Tory cuts to housing benefit show the "nasty party" lives on
20 March, 2017
In the Tories' cuts to young people's housing benefit, the nasty legacy of Cameron and Osborne lives on
Government 'head in the sand' over Universal Credit
16 March, 2017
"Flabbergasting" response from DWP to the Commons Work and Pensions Committee downplays the impact of issues around the roll out
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to January 2017
16 March, 2017
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made
The Personal Independence Payment (Amendment) Regulations 2017: SSAC correspondence
16 March, 2017
A letter to the Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work about the Personal Independence Payment (Amendment) Regulations 2017
Housing body shares its concerns over implementation of Universal Credit
16 March, 2017
Housing professionals in Scotland have expressed concern at the potential for a negative social impact and spiralling costs as a result of implementing Universal Credit
Welfare reforms risk undermining housing aims
16 March, 2017
The government's welfare reforms risk undermining its aim to make housing more accessible
Government welfare experts slam ministers for denying PIP disability benefits to 160,000 vulnerable people
16 March, 2017
Anger as Damian Green, the Work and Pensions Secretary, refuses to allow MPs to vote on the changes - insisting that is "above my pay grade"
Shifting attitudes to welfare: Insights into our 'change audience'
15 March, 2017
This is the third in a series of blogs talking about Shelter's campaign to change public attitudes towards welfare
Universal Credit Statistics
15 March, 2017
Universal Credit aims to reduce poverty, by making work pay, and to help claimants and their families to become more independent
DWP 'tells disability benefits assessors to discriminate against people with mental health conditions'
15 March, 2017
It comes after ministers suggested people with anxiety do not really need help
Finding the Fix: Why we must protect housing benefit for 18-21 year olds
14 March, 2017
On a quiet Friday afternoon, the DWP laid draft regulations to end automatic entitlement to housing benefit for 18-21 year olds
Revealed: every benefit cut to hit families in Liverpool since Tories elected
13 March, 2017
Groundbreaking study reveals huge cost of welfare cuts for 55,000 families in the city
Poplar HARCA drives down arrears with RentSense
10 March, 2017
Poplar HARCA have created efficiencies, reduced arrears and prepared themselves for Universal Credit by investing in Mobysoft's RentSense application
Council commits to mitigating Bedroom Tax
10 March, 2017
The City of Cardiff Council has reaffirmed its commitment to assisting council tenants affected by the Bedroom Tax
Benefits cuts are the biggest worry after the Budget
10 March, 2017
Hundreds of thousands of families will be hit
Scrapping housing benefit for 18-year-olds? The Tories have Cone Syndrome
10 March, 2017
Hammond's budget leaves the housing crisis unsolved and this bad plan to cut housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds will cost more than it saves
How housing benefit cuts for the young will hit the North East's grandparents too
10 March, 2017
No housing benefit for under 21s will put more young people on the streets - and strain grans who have to care for three generations of their family
I'm 82 and MPs need to hear my views on this devastating housing benefit cap
10 March, 2017
If this cap goes ahead, my wife and I face a shortfall of £609 a year. I don't know how we'd cope if we have to leave our sheltered home
No DSS: Most flat shares refuse benefit claimants
09 March, 2017
Landlords are more likely to accept potential renters who own pets than people claiming benefits
Hammond is hoping nobody notices benefits freeze
09 March, 2017
The real significance of the Budget was the decision not to ease the effects of the government's benefits freeze
Damaging Welfare Reforms Not Addressed in Spring Budget
09 March, 2017
Chancellor Philip Hammond's Spring Budget announced an increase of £350million to the Scottish Budget
Testing the water
09 March, 2017
The 'full-service' Universal Credit roll-out is being road tested in pilots across the country
The Experience of Universal Credit: A Tenant's Perspective
09 March, 2017
Housing Associations in Wales provide 158,000 affordable homes and housing related services to around 10% of the Welsh population
Rules stopping MPs helping benefit claimants to be scrapped
09 March, 2017
U-turn by ministers comes after Guardian revealed DWP was preventing MPs from pursuing individual universal credit cases
ESA: outcomes of Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals: March 2017
09 March, 2017
Outcomes of Employment and Support Allowance Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals information
The government's welfare cuts are hurting their efforts to stop homelessness
08 March, 2017
Renters on a low income breathed a sigh of relief last year when the government said it would not make any additional benefit cuts
It's for their own good, says Govt, as MPs debate
08 March, 2017
Young people affected by the Government's housing benefit cut for 18-21 year olds will be expected to change their behaviour and live with their parents
Universal Credit in crisis: Calls for roll-out to be halted
08 March, 2017
Claimants on low incomes being left destitute with the introduction of the controversial system
Philip Hammond urged to pause cut in benefits for widowed parents
08 March, 2017
More than 3,200 people write to MPs to say reforms to bereaved support payments will leave 75% of people worse off in cash terms
Government refuses to publish housing benefit cut assessment
08 March, 2017
The government has refused to publish its equalities assessment into the removal of housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds
Benefit changes could cost working single parents up to £2,850 a year
08 March, 2017
The Chancellor said there is no spending spree in the 2017 Budget - as figures make new claims about the devastating impact of welfare cuts
Universal Credit: changes to limited capability for work payments
08 March, 2017
This guide explains changes to Universal Credit limited capability for work payments from 3 April 2017
Disabled people failed by labyrinthine benefits system
07 March, 2017
Many disabled benefits claimants are 'liable to face years of illness in dire poverty'
Housing benefit cuts 'put young people at risk of homelessness'
07 March, 2017
Tenants aged 18 to 21 face exclusion from private rental market if stripped of benefit entitlement
Budget 2017 (background): welfare changes in April
07 March, 2017
In September 2016 Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Damian Green reaffirmed the Government's commitment to make "no new cuts" to social security and tax credits
Extra £47m to tackle hated bedroom tax
07 March, 2017
Ministers announce more funding to counteract bedroom tax in Scotland
Welfare mitigation 'overwhelmed' by further social security cuts
06 March, 2017
Scottish HAs say a boost to DHP offered by Holyrood cannot fully mitigate the impact of the Benefit Cap
Benefit freeze leaves families facing steep rent rise or eviction
06 March, 2017
Teachers and other public sector workers risk homelessness
Tory MP Warns Theresa May Against 'Catastrophic' Housing Benefit Cuts To Under-22s
06 March, 2017
The changes were slipped out on Friday
Everything you need to know about a cut to housing benefit, which leave young people on the streets
06 March, 2017
The move has been condemned by campaigners and charities who fear it will lead to more young people on the streets
Scrapping housing benefit for 18- to 21-year-olds won't even save us that much money - it's ideological cruelty
06 March, 2017
When just 11,000 people will be affected - small fry in financial terms - it's hard to escape the conclusion that the goal isn't really to help people at all, but to punish them
Philippa Stroud: Hammond should boost Universal Credit now - and cut the deficit through more welfare reform later
03 March, 2017
Budgets should be, and always have the potential to be, nation-changing, nation-shaping events
Impact of Universal Credit
03 March, 2017
Over four-fifths of respondents say that people on zero-hour contracts have difficulty meeting their housing costs
Government to make bedroom tax change five months after court judgment
02 March, 2017
The government will change its bedroom tax regulations five months after the Supreme Court ruled the policy was discriminatory for some households with a disabled person
Theresa May admits Government's social security experts were not consulted about disability benefits cuts
02 March, 2017
But The Independent can reveal the Social Security Advisory Committee will consider the new Personal Independence Payments regulations next week
Single-parent families launch benefit cap legal challenge
02 March, 2017
The High Court has granted a legal challenge of the lower benefit cap brought by four single-parent families
Universal Credit: Rollout speeds up but leaves problems in its wake
01 March, 2017
A key parliamentary committee has re-launched an inquiry into Universal Credit
Broken promises: What has happened to support for low-income working families under universal credit?
01 March, 2017
This briefing presents some of the analysis to be published in a forthcoming report assessing the impacts of cuts to benefits from 2025 to 2020
Tenants terminating tenancies as Universal Credit rolls out
01 March, 2017
Northern Housing Consortium releases its latest findings on the impact of Universal Credit
Volunteer - you won't lose your benefits
28 February, 2017
New guidance produced by Scottish charities and the UK government clarifies the rules around volunteering when on benefits
May adviser regrets saying benefits should only go to 'really disabled' people
28 February, 2017
Tory policy chief George Freeman says he 'hugely regrets' remarks suggesting funds should not go to people with anxiety
Calls for government to abandon housing benefit cuts
28 February, 2017
Housing and homeless organisations are concerned the cutback will lead to further hardship for the homeless
Scottish ministers demand 'urgent reassurance' over housing benefit changes
28 February, 2017
Scottish ministers have demanded "urgent reassurance" from the UK government over the scrapping of housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds
Pressure mounts on DWP to replace sanctions with warnings
27 February, 2017
Influential committee of MPs urge DWP to trial warning system in place of punitive benefit sanctions
Universal Credit and you
27 February, 2017
This document gives an introduction to Universal Credit for people who are claiming it
Time to drop the 'hated' ban on housing benefit for 18-21s
27 February, 2017
Reports over the weekend suggest Ministers and advisers are looking again at controversial plans to bar 18-21s from claiming housing benefit
Alafat welcomes MPs' inquiry into impact of DWP's lower benefit cap on low-income families
27 February, 2017
An inquiry into the impact the Government's lowered benefit cap is having on Britain's households has been welcome by the CIH
MSPs call for action to address 'systematic problems' with Universal Credit
27 February, 2017
Serious systematic problems exist with the new Universal Credit system which will only get worse as a result of the UK government's planned closure of job centres in Scotland
Disability benefits: PIPs should be for 'really disabled'
27 February, 2017
Disability benefits should go to "really disabled people" not those "taking pills at home, who suffer from anxiety"
Melissa and millions like her are just one unpaid bill away from the abyss
24 February, 2017
As the cocktail of long-term austerity, rising living costs and a slumping post-Brexit economy hits, what's really frightening is the crisis that is brewing but is barely being noticed
Committee launches double benefits inquiry
23 February, 2017
The Work and Pensions Committee has launched two new inquiries into the benefit cap and Universal Credit, as concern mounts from the sector
Crisis backs call to ensure sanctions do not lead to homelessness
22 February, 2017
Crisis has welcomed a report by the Committee of Public Accounts which says that 'suspending benefit payments can lead to rent arrears and homelessness'
MPs launch official inquiry into universal credit as criticism grows
22 February, 2017
Investigation into benefits system comes amid mounting evidence that payment delays have left thousands facing eviction
MPs condemn 'postcode lottery in benefit sanctions'
21 February, 2017
An "unacceptable" postcode lottery in benefits sanctions must be tackled to stop claimants being treated differently depending on where they live
MPs say housing benefit is being wrongly stripped from jobseekers, threatening them with eviction and homelessness
21 February, 2017
The Public Accounts Committee cites evidence that one-third of people who were claiming housing benefit lost their money when they were given a sanction
Government must review the use and impacts of benefit sanctions
21 February, 2017
The Public Accounts Committee report say that unexplained variations in the use of benefit sanctions are unacceptable and must be addressed
Benefit claimants face poverty at hands of erratic sanctions system
21 February, 2017
MPs call for review as PAC report finds sanctions are being unevenly applied and are forcing some people into homelessness
Bedroom tax: Westminster warned against cutting benefits
21 February, 2017
Scottish Government seeks "cast iron" commitments from Westminster benefits won't be clawed back
Westminster warned against benefits 'claw back' once 'bedroom tax' abolished in Scotland
20 February, 2017
Scottish ministers are to seek assurances from the UK government that it will not reduce the benefits of claimants in Scotland when the Scottish Government abolishes the 'bedroom tax'
Family of seriously ill man told housing benefit will be slashed under new bedroom tax rules
20 February, 2017
A Belfast family have spoken of their outrage after receiving a letter notifying them that their housing benefit is to be cut because their family home has been designated as under-occupied under new rules
Rent campaigners claim victory over Santander buy-to-let 'rent rise clause'
20 February, 2017
Santander has confirmed that it will remove a clause in its buy-to-let mortgages which housing campaigners claimed previously forced landlords to get "the maximum increase in the rent"
Basic income pilot considered in Glasgow
17 February, 2017
Glasgow could be the first city in the UK to pilot a basic universal income for every citizen
Universal Basic Income: best choice for the job?
16 February, 2017
What could possibly be wrong with a periodic cash payment unconditionally delivered to all on an individual basis, without means test or work requirement?
Susan Park appointed as Director General, Universal Credit operations
16 February, 2017
Susan Park has been appointed Director General Universal Credit Operations, accountable for its operation in jobcentres and service centres
Benefit freeze tenants 'shouldn't be taken to court for rent arrears'
16 February, 2017
Council tenants should not be taken to court if they cannot pay their rent due to benefit freezes
Landlords refuse to take on new Universal Credit claimants in Great Yarmouth
15 February, 2017
Landlords are refusing to take on tenants who are in the process of claiming for benefits
New budgeting support for Universal Credit claimants
13 February, 2017
Free online support to help Universal Credit claimants with their personal finances has been launched.
Mother of 'fit for work' victim calls for ministers to face criminal charges
10 February, 2017
The mother of a disabled man who starved to death after he was found "fit for work" and lost his out-of-work disability benefits has called for ministers to face criminal charges
Renewed calls to halt Universal Credit pilots
10 February, 2017
The controversial benefits reform pilot scheme should be halted
G4S to take over welfare support for families facing deportation
10 February, 2017
Home Office expected to announce controversial contractor will provide services rather than Barnardo's charity
Benefit cap hitting single parents hardest in Nottingham
10 February, 2017
More than half of the 404 Nottingham households hit by the Government's spending cap are run by single parents
Welfare reform 'will cost Dundee economy £100m a year'
09 February, 2017
The UK government's welfare reform measures are set to cost Dundee's economy almost £100 million every year by 2021
The demise of the welfare state is now the defining issue of our time
09 February, 2017
There are four ways to spend money, as the great economist Milton Friedman once explained
Benefits shake-up causing rent arrears
09 February, 2017
The pressure on councils to find the cash for more homes could not come at a worse time for many
'I borrowed money from my mum to buy food': life on universal credit
09 February, 2017
Recipients are falling into rent arrears because of payment delays, forcing some to rely on food banks
Freud says Universal Credit figures 'incomprehensible'
08 February, 2017
Lord Freud has defended the scheme in an evidence session, saying there is an "obsession" to find things wrong with policy
Making the cap fit
07 February, 2017
The new benefit cap, the latest welfare reform, is providing a stern test to our sector and we are starting to see its impact on many of our residents
Universal credit flaws pushing claimants towards debt and eviction
07 February, 2017
Recipients falling into rent arrears because of payment delays, forcing them to turn to food banks
Benefit Cap
06 February, 2017
There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefit cap
Mid Ulster housing tenants 'worried' by bedroom tax letters
06 February, 2017
Patsy McGlone has said that there is understandable confusion about the introduction of the bedroom tax on housing benefit payments in Northern Ireland
Concentrix tax credit cases to be reviewed
06 February, 2017
Thousands more families who were wrongly stripped of their tax credits by the US contractor Concentrix are to have their cases reviewed
Cut to disability benefits may make return to work harder
03 February, 2017
Government warned cutting benefits by almost £30 a week may push many disabled people into poverty, instead of incentivising them back into work
Benefit cap: number of households capped to November 2016
03 February, 2017
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to November 2016
Benefit cap restores fairness to the system
03 February, 2017
Figures published on 2 February 2017 show that 26,000 households who had their benefits capped have moved into work
Disability employment gap
03 February, 2017
The Government is aiming to halve the disability employment gap
Scottish welfare fund helps low income households
01 February, 2017
Total of £116m allocated since the scheme was established
UK faces return to inequality of Thatcher years
01 February, 2017
Resolution Foundation says inflation, welfare cuts and squeeze on pay will punish least well-off hardest
Personal injury? Get in touch, urges DWP minister
01 February, 2017
Think you're entitled to money back for supported housing? Get in touch
Scottish councils warn lower benefit cap putting pressure on DHP budgets
31 January, 2017
A number of Scottish councils have warned they may not be able to afford the full cost of DHPs to cover tenants' rent in the future because of the new lower benefit cap
Universal Credit move 'to benefit 700,000 homes'
30 January, 2017
The Scottish government has said up to 700,000 homes will benefit from its plans to make Universal Credit payments more flexible
Universal basic income 'worrying and expensive'
30 January, 2017
Paying everyone in Wales a universal basic income would be a "worrying and extremely expensive socialist experiment"
Rent reductions: Supporting implementation
27 January, 2017
This revised briefing sets out the practical implications of implementing the -1% rent cut in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
Scottish government 'interested' in universal basic income
27 January, 2017
The concept of a universal basic income is of "interest" to the Scottish government as one potential option to reducing poverty and inequality
The return of the Bedroom Tax monster?
26 January, 2017
Four years ago, when the first wave of welfare cuts was breaking, Shelter Scotland ran a high profile campaign to Banish the Bedroom Tax Monster
Council tax support schemes in 2017-18: what are the key issues ahead of councils' decisions?
25 January, 2017
The main change between the national Council Tax Benefit scheme and the local Council Tax Support scheme is that now working-age claimants may have to pay some of their council tax liability
Caroline Nokes MP commits to supporting tenants
24 January, 2017
The welfare reform minister has urged housing leaders to lobby her own government over benefits changes
Early warnings about the lower benefit cap
24 January, 2017
The reduction of the benefit cap from £23,000 to £20,000 per household is currently being rolled out across Scotland
Housing benefit claimants increasingly shut out of private rental market
23 January, 2017
Campaigners say growing instances of 'No DSS' are problematic
Man dies from heart attack on way home from Jobcentre after being ruled 'fit to work'
19 January, 2017
A man collapsed and died in the street after being ruled "fit to work" and forced to sign on
Council landlords welcome Scottish Government's use of new welfare powers
19 January, 2017
Council housing staff across Scotland have welcomed the news that the Scottish Government will use its new welfare powers to allow the housing element of Universal Credit to be paid directly to landlords
DWP slammed for "shambolic" Universal Credit roll-out
18 January, 2017
MP demands figures on how many people are being put on Universal Credit in error
Benefit freezes and "poverty premium" leave struggling families out in the cold
18 January, 2017
Rises in the cost of living will outstrip meagre increases in child benefit by 17 times by 2020
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 8 Dec 2016
18 January, 2017
These experimental statistics cover the total live caseload, starts and claims for Universal Credit
Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2017
17 January, 2017
Historic and forecast benefit expenditure and caseload data usually consistent with the annual Budget and Autumn Statement
Concentrix claimant 'taking out payday loans to cope'
17 January, 2017
A benefit claimant has told the BBC she is still suffering as a result of having her payments wrongly blocked by the US contractor Concentrix
HMRC criticised over spiralling payments to outsourcing firm
17 January, 2017
Watchdog says tax officials increased commission paid to outsourcing firm Concentrix despite evidence of failure
Government yet to introduce bedroom tax exemption despite court ruling
17 January, 2017
The government is yet to exempt certain people with a disability from the bedroom tax despite a Supreme Court ruling two months ago
Stormont votes for bedroom tax mitigation payments
17 January, 2017
Northern Irish politicians have voted for regulations that will mitigate the effect of the upcoming bedroom tax despite the political turmoil taking place in the country
Contradictory advice of civil servants has ministers at odds on welfare cash
16 January, 2017
The two ministers at the centre of the row over a 'bedroom tax' relief scheme have published conflicting advice from their most senior civil servants
Universal Credit tenants in arrears increases to 86%
16 January, 2017
The percentage of council tenants on Universal Credit in rent arrears has increased to a "critically high" 86% over the past year
Universal Credit to be paid more regularly in Scotland
16 January, 2017
The Scottish Government plans to use its new social security powers for the first time to make Universal Credit payments more regular
Universal Credit - Progress Update
16 January, 2017
This publication sets out the results of a survey launched in November 2016 of 33 stock retaining councils and Arm's Length Management Organisations
First use of new Scots welfare powers over Universal Credit
13 January, 2017
The Scottish government plans use its new social security powers for the first time to increase the frequency of Universal Credit payments
Resolution in sight for NI mitigation measures
13 January, 2017
Political wrangling over Stormont's plan to mitigate the impact of the so-called bedroom tax seems to be ending
Deadlock in Stormont could spell turmoil for social housing tenants
13 January, 2017
The resignation of Martin McGuinness jeopardises Northern Ireland's plans to delay the bedroom tax - introducing it now wouldn't just be cruel, but dangerous
'Bedroom tax' impact mitigation scheme 'not a way forward'
11 January, 2017
The communities minister has said a scheme proposed by the finance minister to mitigate the impact of the 'bedroom tax' is not possible
Housing chief's concerns amid welfare overhaul
06 January, 2017
A Dundee housing chief has warned that "horrendous" changes to welfare payments could plunge some of the city's poorest people further into poverty
Scotland labels UK welfare changes 'damaging'
06 January, 2017
Minister Jeane Freeman has expressed strong opposition to the UK Government on its changes to the welfare system
SNP and Labour unite against Westminster 'Bedroom Tax Two' welfare cuts
06 January, 2017
Scotland's government and opposition parties have attacked Whitehall plans for fresh welfare cuts dubbed 'Bedroom Tax Two' with one prominent figure the proposals "must be stopped"
Tenants to lose £1.9m in benefits
06 January, 2017
Luton tenants are expected to lose around £1.9m a year in housing benefit after a new Benefit Cap was enacted by the government on Boxing Day
Welfare changes 'damaging' to low income families
05 January, 2017
Minister for Social Security Jeane Freeman has expressed strong opposition to the UK Government on its proposal to limit the number of children in families who can qualify for Child Tax Credit
Families left with just 50p a week in housing benefit after cuts
05 January, 2017
Forty-two Grimsby-area families have been left with 50p or less a week in Housing Benefit, following rules that brought in a lower cap for claimants
Midland Heart has deployed rostrvm for Housing to tackle the impact of Universal Credit
04 January, 2017
Midland Heart is a leading UK housing, care and support business, providing 33,000 high quality affordable homes to over 70,000 customers
Universal basic income trials being considered in Scotland
03 January, 2017
Two councils, Fife and Glasgow, are investigating idea of offering everyone a fixed income regardless of earnings
Need for rethink on Bedroom Tax II
03 January, 2017
Some were always sceptical about Theresa May's speech on the steps of Downing Street about helping families who are just about getting by
New benefits cap affecting 3,500 Sheffield children 'is despicable'
29 December, 2016
A Government crackdown on the amount of benefits one family can claim affecting 3,500 Sheffield children is 'despicable'
Judge tells benefit fraudster she is taking money from 'people like me'
23 December, 2016
A mother who stole almost £80,000 in welfare handouts has been condemned by a judge for taking money from "people like me"
New Universal Credit benefits system in East Lothian linked to petty crime
22 December, 2016
A controversial new benefits system has been cited as an increased factor in instances of petty crime
Charity calls for major changes to Bedroom Tax
21 December, 2016
Anti-poverty commission proposes major changes to the Bedroom Tax
East Lothian rent arrears up 20 per cent in first three months of Universal Credit
20 December, 2016
Universal Credit has caused a 20 per cent rise in rent arrears from East Lothian Council tenants in just three months
Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions early warning trial evaluation: interim report
20 December, 2016
This report presents interim findings from the Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions early warning trial
Call for universal basic income trail in the West Midlands
15 December, 2016
Unison's 20-point manifesto also calls for the building of genuinely affordable housing, fair public transport fares and English language lessons for new arrivals
Bereaved unmarried mother loses benefits test case
14 December, 2016
A "groundbreaking" ruling which gave an unmarried mother entitlement to a widowed parent's allowance after her partner's death has been overturned
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 10 Nov 2016
14 December, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 10 November 2016
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to October 2016
14 December, 2016
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards
Government goes cap-in-hand to Parliament after breaching its own welfare spending cap
14 December, 2016
MPs signed off a breaching of the cap
Women have suffered 86% of the impact of tax and benefit changes since 2025
14 December, 2016
Labour accuses the Government of a 'woeful record' towards women - and a complete disinterest in the issue
Have cuts to Council Tax Support in England led to rising council tax arrears?
13 December, 2016
Council Tax arrears have risen in the years since the introduction of Council Tax Support
Welfare Reform Impact report
13 December, 2016
This report considers the impact of the changes in welfare support on social landlords' income, arrears and collection costs
Discretionary Housing Payments guidance manual
13 December, 2016
This guidance is for local authorities in England, Scotland and Wales who are responsible for administering Discretionary Housing Payments
Jobseeker's Allowance: statistics on claim duration and sanctions
13 December, 2016
Information about the length of time individuals have claimed Jobseeker's Allowance and the number of sanctions imposed
Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2015/16 estimates
08 December, 2016
Final estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain in the financial year 2015/16
ESA: outcomes of Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals: December 2016
08 December, 2016
Outcomes of Employment Support Allowance Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals information
Recovery of overpaid benefits hits record high of £1 billion
08 December, 2016
A record £1 billion in overpaid benefits through fraud and error was recovered in 2015/16, latest figures show
Universal Credit roll out to begin in September 2017
07 December, 2016
Communities Minister Paul Givan today announced plans for the roll out of Universal Credit in Northern Ireland
Staggering £800,000 weekly bill for benefit fraud in Northern Ireland
07 December, 2016
The cost of fraud in Northern Ireland's benefits system has reached its highest level for more than a decade
New style Jobseeker's Allowance
06 December, 2016
Depending on your circumstances you may be able to claim new style Jobseeker's Allowance
Overpaid housing benefits 'funded terrorism'
06 December, 2016
Cash held in a housing benefit account was handed to a suspect in the Brussels airport bombing during a meeting in a Birmingham park
One in three people claiming sickness benefits have conditions which are fuelled by obesity
06 December, 2016
One in three people claiming benefits because they are too sick to work have conditions which are fuelled by obesity, a government review has found
No 10 rules out forcing obese people to undergo treatment to get benefits
06 December, 2016
Theresa May's spokesman says sanctioning obese people who refuse help is not under consideration after report dismissed idea
Kayleigh is on universal credit. Her first payment arrives next year
02 December, 2016
The built-in delay in universal credit payments means she and her two young children will have to rely on £34/week child benefit over Christmas
Theresa May appears to have 'historically obsolete' view on welfare
02 December, 2016
Despite her claim to govern not in the interests of the privileged few Ms May is continuing austerity with further welfare
Minister who helped create the Universal Credit leaves government
02 December, 2016
A minister instrumental to Conservative welfare reform has left his government post after more than six years
Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at August 2016 published
01 December, 2016
The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main DfC administered benefits, has been published
Tax credit benefit removals criticised by MPs
01 December, 2016
A "cut first, think later" attitude plunged tax credit claimants into humiliating hardship and debt
Five-year ban on benefits for EU migrants: Plan would mean people arriving from Europe would have to wait as long as non-EU residents for access
30 November, 2016
It would allow a small number of low-skilled EU workers into the UK
One in four Jobseeker's Allowance claimants caught abusing benefits system as watchdog reveals chaos
30 November, 2016
One in four people on Jobseeker's Allowance has been punished for abusing the benefits system in the last five years
Benefits sanctions don't work and plunge claimants 'hunger and depression'
30 November, 2016
The benefit sanctions system has become a 'postcode lottery' and is doing more harm than good, according to the public spending watchdog
Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland: as at 30 September 2016
30 November, 2016
Following consultation with users, the frequency of Discretionary Housing Payments publications has reduced from quarterly to six-monthly
'Limited evidence' for benefit sanctions
30 November, 2016
Benefit sanctions leading to "hardship, hunger and depression" are being imposed on people despite "limited evidence" on how well they work
Evidence shows benefit sanctions are not fit for purpose
30 November, 2016
The sanctions system is in urgent need of reform
Benefit sanctions
30 November, 2016
This report examines the Department for Work & Pensions' administration of benefit sanctions in Great Britain
Rise in 'child benefit loans' to cover Christmas costs
29 November, 2016
Parents struggling to access affordable credit are turning to a co-operative for an 'advance' on their welfare payments
Councils could face new duty to prevent homelessness
29 November, 2016
As rents rise and benefits fall, more people face losing their home
Proposed benefit and pension rates 2017 to 2018
28 November, 2016
A list of the proposed benefit rates and pension rates for 2017 to 2018
The long road to shifting attitudes on welfare
28 November, 2016
There is little doubt that when it comes to the question of welfare the public aren't exactly flag waving supporters
A statement of intent on the LHA
28 November, 2016
Paul Langley blogs on the far-reaching implications of the UK government's latest announcement on the LHA and social housing
Mum-of-four faces losing home after 75% housing benefit cut
25 November, 2016
Keiley Messham, from Rhewl, has had her support cut from £124 a week to just £34 since benefit cap brought in
Scotland could trial giving each citizen a universal basic income
25 November, 2016
Development of radical scheme, which would see welfare benefits including child and tax credits replaced with universal flat-rate payment, due to be tested in Fife
Local Housing Allowance cap U-turn 'creates new bedroom tax'
25 November, 2016
Housing association leaders have compared a shift in the government's Local Housing Allowance cap policy to the controversial bedroom tax because it will hit tenants in their current circumstances
Widened scope of LHA cap 'to affect over 240,000 more tenancies in Scotland'
24 November, 2016
The SFHA has highlighted that 241,000 more tenants in Scotland will be affected by the announcement that all social housing tenants on Universal Credit will be brought under the new LHA cap
Autumn Statement 2016: Iain Duncan Smith tells Philip Hammond to do more to reverse welfare cuts
24 November, 2016
The former Work and Pensions Secretary welcomes moves to cushion cuts to universal credit - but says they must be a 'downpayment' only
Government's £500,000 legal bill over Bedroom Tax
24 November, 2016
Figures show massive bill for legal proceedings over 'bedroom tax'
Autumn Statement: Philip Hammond to invest £1 billion in welfare to ease impact of George Osborne's cuts
23 November, 2016
More than £1 billion will be diverted into the welfare system in a move designed to ease the impact of cuts introduced by George Osborne
Philip Hammond rejects calls to reverse £3bn annual cut to work allowance
23 November, 2016
While the chancellor will soften the impact of in-work benefits cuts by reducing taper rates, Osborne's other key pledge will remain in place
Millions affected by universal credit cuts to be partly compensated by chancellor
22 November, 2016
Philip Hammond will attempt in the autumn statement to fulfil PM's pledge to support families who are 'just about managing'
Government delays plans to cap housing benefit by a year
22 November, 2016
The Government has delayed its plans to cap housing benefit by a year, as it unveiled plans for a radical overhaul of the system
Government backtracks on a new 'bedroom tax' set to hit thousands of poorer pensioners
22 November, 2016
The proposal to penalise older people in social housing who 'underoccupy' their homes - revealed by The Independent - will be delayed by one year
LHA cap will hit existing Universal Credit tenants
22 November, 2016
The government has announced the Local Housing Allowance cap will apply to all tenants who receive Universal Credit, in a significant change that could affect thousands of tenants
Universal Credit pilot council calls for suspension
22 November, 2016
One of the councils piloting the roll-out of Universal Credit has written to the Department for Work and Pensions calling for the immediate suspension of the housing benefit part of the new system
A survey of the UK benefit system
22 November, 2016
This briefing note provides a survey of the benefit system in Great Britain
Housing Benefit and Universal Credit: Written statement - HCWS273
21 November, 2016
One of the Government's key commitments is to protect the most vulnerable
No wonder people are being forced to live in caravans - housing benefit bears no relation to reality anymore
21 November, 2016
Housing benefit has been subject to repeated cuts since 2011 and is only set to get worse with Local Housing Allowance rates frozen until 2020
Concentrix was wrong to stop tax credits in 90 per cent of appealed cases
21 November, 2016
Appeals have been overwhelmingly successful
We must reform Universal Credit to prevent it from penalising low-earners
21 November, 2016
When the government announced plans to cut £4bn of in-work social security in its summer budget last year, it was widely condemned by commentators and organisations for hitting some of the poorest working families hardest
Gateshead furniture charity warning over benefit cap
21 November, 2016
A cap on benefit payments to people in social housing could leave some tenants unable to furnish their homes
Austerity effect hits women 'twice as hard as it does men'
21 November, 2016
Tax and benefit changes since 2025 have increased equality gap
'Just about managing' families to be £2,500 a year worse off by 2020
21 November, 2016
Cost of austerity shown in research as PM prepares to announce cutting corporation tax to lowest of top 20 economies
Tory MPs call for welfare cuts rethink after pause motion passed
18 November, 2016
No MPs voted against motion to stop cuts to employment support allowance, with 127 in favour, but it is only symbolic
£30 week cut to ESA intolerable says Disability Rights UK
17 November, 2016
A £30 a week cut in income is intolerable, especially when disabled people often live in deep poverty
Richmond faces huge homeless bill: London's richest borough to spend £3.5m with more than 100 families in need of emergency housing
17 November, 2016
The maximum allowed in benefits falls short of the cost of renting in London's richest borough
'Rent costs mean we keep having to move home'
17 November, 2016
"We've basically never had a family home. We've never been anywhere where we could actually put our stamp on."
Devolution of Scottish welfare 'being used as political football'
16 November, 2016
Social security minister Jeane Freeman accuses opponents of 'careless disregard for the impact their words'
Benefits transfer delay claims 'utter nonsense'
16 November, 2016
Nicola Sturgeon has dismissed as "absolute utter nonsense" suggestions the Scottish Government is delaying taking responsibility for new welfare powers
How our benefit and housing policies forced a 60-year-old woman onto the streets
16 November, 2016
What happens when the welfare state shuts its doors
SNP Social Security Minister denies ducking welfare powers
16 November, 2016
The SNP's Social Security Minister denied her government was trying to duck new powers over welfare after it emerged there will be a three-year delay in her taking responsibility for making payments
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 13 Oct 2016
16 November, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 13 October 2016
From welfare state to welfare system
16 November, 2016
A welfare state is not enough. We need a system that involves many players - health professionals, employers and voluntary organisations
Benefit sanctions statistics: background information and methodology
16 November, 2016
Information about sanctions statistics and methodology including the purpose, source, definitions and limitations of the statistics covered
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions: decisions made to June 2016
16 November, 2016
Data on Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions decisions made to June 2016
Under-Occupancy Charge Urgent Question
15 November, 2016
Recorded coverage of the urgent question in the House of Commons on the recent Supreme Court decision on the Under-Occupancy Charge applied to housing benefit
Renting in the UK: number of tenants with a spare room falls to lowest level on record
15 November, 2016
The number of tenants with a spare bedroom has halved over the past six years
Spike in food bank usage blamed on delays in benefit claims
15 November, 2016
MP Frank Field calls for five-day target to process applications, saying too many being left for too long without support
Tory MP Attacks Theresa May On Bedroom Tax And Disability Cuts
14 November, 2016
Ken Loach urges Chancellor to drop cuts
Employees £3,500 a year worse off under Tories
14 November, 2016
Party says slow wage growth means chancellor should not go ahead with 'damaging cuts' to universal credit
The fight goes on to free more families from the bedroom tax nightmare
11 November, 2016
Forcing people to pay for 'extra' rooms is deliberately cruel and punishes people who, through no fault of their own, have nowhere else to go
Supreme Court's rulings mean bedroom tax 'will still unfairly hit thousands'
11 November, 2016
The government's "bedroom tax" discriminates unlawfully against some disabled people who need an extra bedroom because of their impairment, but not against others
Families win supreme court appeals over 'unfair' bedroom tax
10 November, 2016
Panel upholds claim of Jacqueline Carmichael, who is disabled, and carers Paul and Susan Rutherford against housing law
The new benefit cap will not only make people poorer - it will harm their health
10 November, 2016
For many families living on very low incomes who rely on state support to help pay their rent, it's just got even harder to make ends meet
Two cases won against housing benefit cut
09 November, 2016
A woman who suffers from spina bifida and a couple who look after their severely disabled grandson have won their Supreme Court appeals against the so-called "bedroom tax"
Theresa May has kept George Osborne's most callous and stupid welfare cut in place
09 November, 2016
The benefit cap doesn't address the underlying reason why a small minority of families receive outsize benefit payments, which is that rents have soared due to a chronic shortage of new housing supply
Benefits rethink urged as 24% of NI children 'living in poverty'
09 November, 2016
Almost one in four children lives in poverty in Northern Ireland
Win for 'bedroom tax' fight at Supreme Court
09 November, 2016
Court finds for two families - but other challenges to the policy are dismissed despite 'profound sympathy' from senior judges
Benefit cap 'not designed as cost-saving measure'
08 November, 2016
The lowered overall household benefits cap was never "designed as a cost-saving" measure
Benefits squeeze
08 November, 2016
The lower benefit cap has kicked in, a day that many households may have been anxiously awaiting, faced with the prospect of losing up to £100 a week.
Former DWP minister Stephen Crabb admits disability benefit test is 'traumatic'
08 November, 2016
Ex-Work and Pensions Secretary urges the Government to 'fix' the assessment process for Personal Independence Payments
The extended benefit cap is a cynical ploy by the UK government
08 November, 2016
It will simply foster division and prejudice, without tackling the roots of the problems
UK austerity policies 'amount to violations of disabled people's rights'
08 November, 2016
UN says measures aimed at reducing public spending since 2025 have affected disabled people disproportionately
Damian Green says government's benefits cap is a 'real success'
07 November, 2016
Work and pensions secretary hails cap, set to be lowered at a cost for 88,000 families of an average of more than £2,000 a year
Brutal reality of lower benefit cap hits home for struggling UK families
07 November, 2016
Tens of thousands more UK households will see their benefits capped on Monday despite little proof it grows employment
A tighter benefit cap
07 November, 2016
A lower cap on the total amount of benefits that households can receive comes into force on 7th November
Lower benefit cap comes into effect
07 November, 2016
Changes to the benefit cap come into effect on 7 November 2016, reducing the total amount of benefits a household can receive
New benefit cap starts amid fears for single parents
07 November, 2016
A single mother has told the BBC she fears losing her home, on the day the new benefits cap is introduced
Lower benefit cap will hit 11,000 children
04 November, 2016
The homes of about 11,000 children in Wales will lose hundreds of pounds a month under a new lower cap on benefit payments
Social landlords fund research into Universal Credit
04 November, 2016
A London council has commissioned independent research into the effects of Universal Credit on social housing tenants
New benefits cap will force single parents to 'choose between a roof over their child's head and food'
04 November, 2016
It is more difficult for single parents to find work because of childcare duties
DWP head denies sanctions and suicide link
04 November, 2016
Welfare minister defends sanctions regime, despite evidence it is hurting the vulnerable
Landlords will make 'benefit cap' tenants even poorer
04 November, 2016
Despite his ongoing protestations about the bedroom tax, even Rob Gershon can see that the impending reduction in the overall benefit cap is a more damaging policy for tenants
The benefit cap: time for a rethink
04 November, 2016
The reduction to the benefit cap starts on Monday, putting more families at risk of losing their home
Benefit cap makes large parts of UK unaffordable
03 November, 2016
Benefit cap undermines the government's housebuilding plans
New benefits cap may force 300,000 families to move
03 November, 2016
Fall-out from the new benefit cap is expected to trigger a surge in families seeking cheaper homes to rent
Benefit cap: number of households capped to August 2016
03 November, 2016
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to August 2016
Rallying round to help victims of benefit cuts
03 November, 2016
The impact of the new, lower benefit cap on Birkenhead's vulnerable human underbelly is powerfully described by Aditya Chakrabortty
Benefits system fails people with mental health problems
03 November, 2016
New social security system must work for people with mental health problems
Theresa May to slash major benefit for 157,000 families next week
02 November, 2016
"HORRENDOUS" housing benefit cuts will plunge more than 157,000 of Britain's poorest homes into crippling poverty
Tory MPs launch fresh revolt against looming disability benefits cuts
02 November, 2016
A group of Conservative MPs is threatening to challenge Budget legislation over a £30-a-week cut to employment and support allowance - coming in next April
How council cuts are devastating the poorest communities
02 November, 2016
The poorest Scots who are most dependent on the voluntary sector are being disproportionately hit by council cuts
What is the new benefit cap and will it affect me? The government's cuts explained
02 November, 2016
Soon thousands of families will start losing up to £115 a week. So what is it, how did we get here, and will it affect you?
Benefit Cap rollout
01 November, 2016
The new Benefit Cap will be introduced from 17 November through to the end of January 2017
Direct payment to landlords could be six years away
01 November, 2016
The direct payment of the housing element of Universal Credit to social landlords may not happen until 2022
Nearly half of social housing tenants 'can't afford to eat'
01 November, 2016
Survey shows four in 10 tenants on benefits go hungry and half turn off winter heating because they're strapped for cash
Tory and SNP MPs demand benefit cut debate
01 November, 2016
Some Conservative MPs are to join the SNP in demanding a debate on postponing disability benefit cuts
Benefit cap: actions taken by local authorities and DWP staff
01 November, 2016
Local authorities and DWP staff share actions they have taken to support claimants that are affected by the benefit cap changes
The likely impact of the lower over all benefit cap
01 November, 2016
The overall benefit cap was introduced between April and September 2013
Universal Credit: and welfare cuts effect on incomes
31 October, 2016
Universal Credit is a single payment made to welfare claimants that rolls together six existing benefits whilst encouraging people into work by making work pay
Housing Benefit subsidy initial estimates: Apr 2016 to Mar 2017
31 October, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2016 to 2017
Anger of IDS over £3.4bn welfare cuts: Former minister to call for cuts imposed by George Osborne to be reversed
28 October, 2016
Iain Duncan Smith resigned from Cabinet shortly before EU referendum
Tax credit claimants will never again have to deal with a private company after Concentrix debacle
28 October, 2016
Work is being taken back in house for good
A man falsely claimed £40,000 in benefits after failing to declare he owned a house
28 October, 2016
Christopher Prole, who owned a house worth £65,000, falsely claimed Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction and Employment and Support Allowance
Iain Duncan Smith urges PM to reverse Universal Credit cuts
28 October, 2016
Former Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is urging Theresa May to reverse cuts to Universal Credit
Welfare reform could price tenants out of social housing
27 October, 2016
House prices are increasing in comparison to wages, meaning it's harder and harder to afford a home
A problem shared
27 October, 2016
Cuts in housing benefit for young single people under 35 have forced shared housing on to the agenda for social landlords
Last call in Scots devolved welfare system consultation
26 October, 2016
Ministers have issued a final call for views on how benefits should be delivered in Scotland's devolved social security system
Jobcentre areas where couples and families can claim Universal Credit
26 October, 2016
Universal Credit is already available to single people throughout Great Britain. It is also available to couples and families in some jobcentre areas
Housing Benefit: statistics on speed of processing 2016 to 2017
26 October, 2016
Speed of processing is a measure of the average time it takes to process a new claim or a change in circumstance of an existing claimant
Housing Benefit: entitlement reductions, 2016 to 2017 (experimental)
26 October, 2016
Quarterly statistics on Housing Benefit entitlement reductions identified by local authorities as a proportion of expected reductions
Housing Benefit: Speed of Processing overview
26 October, 2016
Speed of processing is the mean average processing time in calendar days, rounded to the nearest day
More support for low income households
26 October, 2016
£9.2 million given out during times of crisis
Rent warning to Enfield tenants in advance of new benefits cap
25 October, 2016
Tenants are being warned to ensure they keep up their rent payments when government benefit cap changes come into force on November 7
Employment support cuts could affect 45,000 disabled jobseekers
24 October, 2016
Association warns schemes set to replace current government programmes are dramatically smaller
An independent Scotland would protect vulnerable welfare claimants claims I
24 October, 2016
An independent Scotland would not allow welfare claimants to be persecuted and humiliated in the same way as the main characters as in the newly-released film, I Daniel Blake
Exceptions to the limiting of the individual Child Element of Child Tax Credit and the Child Element of Universal Credit to a maximum of two children
24 October, 2016
The consultation seeks views and evidence in relation to the detailed design and implementation of the exceptions to the policy to limit the Individual Child Element of Child Tax Credit and the Child Element of Universal Credit to a maximum of two children
Theresa May 'raiding' childcare fund for poor families to fulfil election promise
24 October, 2016
Disadvantaged children paying the price as ministers struggle to fund election promise of extra childcare hours for the better-off
HMRC to take over work of tax credits firm Concentrix
21 October, 2016
US firm that was hired to handle UK claims and prevent fraud - but was accused of 'targeting families' - loses contract renewal
Givan announces campaign to raise awareness of Personal Independence Payment
21 October, 2016
Communities Minister Paul Givan MLA has announced an advertising campaign to raise public awareness of the new Personal Independence Payment benefit
DWP to create new Universal Credit tech lead role
21 October, 2016
Recruitment underway for entirely new position to oversee technology scope of the new digital service gradually being trialled as part of government's delayed welfare reforms
Theresa May faces Tory backlash over planned cuts to in-work benefits
21 October, 2016
Backbenchers girding themselves' for campaign to make new system of universal credit fairer before chancellor's autumn statement
DWP must end harmful welfare conditionality
20 October, 2016
The Behavioural Insights Team says using the threat of sanctions may be counterproductive
Falling sterling, rising prices and the benefits freeze
20 October, 2016
This morning the Office for National Statistics announced that inflation, as measured by the CPI, was 1.0% in the year to September
Welfare reform criticised as social housing changes approved
20 October, 2016
Government welfare reform came under fire as a council approved changes to its letting policy for social housing
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 6 Oct 2016
19 October, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 6 October 2016
Universal Credit opened up work for Beverley and now she's really enjoying her job
19 October, 2016
Here's how Beverley was offered the job and has continued to receive support from Universal Credit since
BME communities 'disproportionately impacted' by Universal Credit
19 October, 2016
With the BME National conference later this week, 24housing are publishing a series of pieces to mark the occasion
People with experience of benefits to design new social security system
17 October, 2016
At least 2,000 people who have direct experience of receiving benefits are to help shape Scotland's first ever social security system
Rape victims who give birth to be forced to report their abuse or face losing child benefits
14 October, 2016
Women's charities condemn 'unacceptable' and 'deeply flawed' plans
Universal state pension age review 'a breath of fresh air'
14 October, 2016
The possibility of replacing the universal state pension age with something more tailored to people's individual needs has been raised
Welfare reforms not made expected savings
14 October, 2016
Big headline-grabbing reforms of the welfare system have not been very good at saving money
Universal Credit - and help with budgeting
14 October, 2016
Universal Credit is opening up work for people across the North West by making more opportunities available than ever before
Joint ministerial welfare group discusses progress of transfer of powers
13 October, 2016
UK and Scottish government ministers met again this week as part of the on-going process to transfer the remaining welfare powers under the Scotland Act 2016
How benefit cuts will hit the 50,000 homes programme
13 October, 2016
LHA restrictions will hamper the Scottish Government's plan to deliver 50,000 homes over the next five years
Universal Credit is "less generous" than tax credits
13 October, 2016
For the first time, an authoritative statutory body has recognised that the cuts to Universal Credit announced in last summer's Budget will mean that it is much less generous than was originally planned
Will disability benefits appeals become less fair?
12 October, 2016
Plans to scrap in-person tribunals and remove expert panel members risk skewing the system further against disabled claimants
Bedroom tax: Pensioners in Somerset could be hit by change to subsidy
12 October, 2016
Pensioners in Somerset will be hit by changes to the way older people get housing benefit
From bedroom tax to business owner in one year
12 October, 2016
A housing association tenant has turned her life around with help from a self-employment course
Office for Budget Responsibility: Welfare trends report
12 October, 2016
This is our third Welfare trends report, in which we examine trends in public spending on different elements of the welfare system, including those subject to the Government's 'welfare cap'
New funding allows Link to extend project for tenants affected by welfare reform
11 October, 2016
Link Group has been awarded an additional £40,715 to extend its Welfare Reform project until March 2017
Single mother had to give up her job when her £140-a-week tax credits were stopped after Government-hired scandal-hit firm wrongly claimed she was living with people she had never met
11 October, 2016
A single mother lost her job when her tax credits were stopped by scandal-hit firm Concentrix after it wrongly claimed she was living with people she'd never met
'I have £47 a week to pay for all of my food and my bills' This is what happens at a Cardiff food bank
10 October, 2016
One group has helped more than 1.1m people in the UK over the last year
General needs tenants would 'face income shortfalls'
10 October, 2016
Up to 26,000 new general needs tenants a year would be hit by a proposed welfare cut if current allocations trends continue
More than 700 Liverpool families to be hit by £44 a week cut in benefits
10 October, 2016
Liverpool's poorest families hit by 'tsunami' of Government benefit cuts
Rent arrears: Lost in translation
05 October, 2016
New research has claimed an indisputable link between the introduction of Universal Credit and tenants getting behind in their rent
NI has 'no solution' for bedroom tax
03 October, 2016
As Bedroom Tax in Northern Ireland nears implementation date, the Housing Executive has said it is not ready
In Liverpool, 840 families risk losing their homes because of benefits cuts
03 October, 2016
The government is cutting £37,200 a week from housing benefit for our city's most vulnerable residents. It's a policy that doesn't add up
DWP scraps retesting for chronically ill sickness benefits claimants
03 October, 2016
Department for Work and Pensions says those with severe, lifelong conditions will no longer face six-monthly reassessments
Universal Credit: In Work Progression Randomised Control Trial
30 September, 2016
Universal Credit will support people in work to earn more
Council blasts 'false economy' of lowering benefit cap
30 September, 2016
A study by welfare chiefs at Liverpool City Council has revealed an additional 710 families will be affected by the government's lowering of the benefit cap from November
The banking needs of Universal Credit claimants: the potential role of budgeting accounts
29 September, 2016
This report presents evidence on the potential role of budgeting accounts for Universal Credit claimants
Labour MPs debate universal basic income policy for the first time
28 September, 2016
An audience heard from supportive, undecided, and critical MPs
Burnham: give Manchester its own welfare budget
28 September, 2016
Andy Burnham has called on the government to devolve welfare spending to Greater Manchester
'I feel ashamed in a way I never did before': your stories of PIP assessment
27 September, 2016
Changes to benefits mean people with disabilities who had been told their support was lifelong are being forced through reassessment
The benefit cap and the myth of work incentives
27 September, 2016
As the 7th November looms ever closer nearly a quarter of a million children will face the threat of homelessness as their parents benefit's are due to be arbitrarily capped
Stoke-on-Trent councillors raise concerns over Universal Credit
27 September, 2016
Dozens of benefit claimants have fallen into debt after being hit by the introduction of Universal Credit
In-depth briefing on the Local Housing Allowance cap for Supported Housing
26 September, 2016
Supported Housing will be exempt from the LHA cap until March 2019
PM needs to 'get a grip of Universal Credit roll-out'
23 September, 2016
Labour hit back on new Universal Credit guidance from the Department of Work and Pensions, which shows people's award drop if they get paid twice in one month
Universal Credit: different earning patterns and your payments
23 September, 2016
This guide provides information about different earnings patterns and how these may affect your Universal Credit payment
'LHA cap' will apply to existing supported housing tenants
22 September, 2016
A new housing benefit cap will apply to existing as well as future supported housing tenants
Our response to the PIP second independent review call for evidence
21 September, 2016
The Department for Work and Pensions appointed Paul Gray CB to undertake the second independent review of the PIP assessment
Scottish Government promises to reform hated disability benefit
20 September, 2016
A Scottish Government minister has committed to reforming Personal Independence Payment assessment procedures when powers are devolved in the spring
No more welfare cuts to come under Theresa May
19 September, 2016
Damian Green, the work and pensions secretary, hints at end to austerity agenda, promising no further raids on benefits
New benefit to helped disabled people is 'deeply flawed'
19 September, 2016
A new benefit to help disabled people needs "radical" reform across the UK as nearly two-thirds of claimants who challenge awards are successful
Thousands due back-dated tax credit payments after HMRC contractor blunders
16 September, 2016
HMRC has allocated 150 staff to help those who may have been affected and said it will assess cases as quickly as possible
Welsh Women's Aid 'delighted' refuges are exempt from housing benefit cap
16 September, 2016
Last year 2,973 survivors of abuse were accommodated in refuges in Wales
G15 calls for benefit system overhaul
15 September, 2016
London's largest housing associations have urged the government to overhaul the benefits system to ensure that "work pays"
Jeremy Corbyn to investigate idea of universal basic income
15 September, 2016
Labour leader to 'research and test' policy that would give every citizen a taxpayer-funded income
Healey: "Council tenants to face tax rates of over 80% under Tory plans"
14 September, 2016
New analysis for Labour MP and former Treasury Minister John Healey has revealed that thousands of working families living in council homes will pay effective tax rates of over 80%
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 1 Sept 2016
14 September, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 1 September 2016
'Failing' welfare contractor Concentrix will still be paid tens of millions before its contract runs out
14 September, 2016
The firm is being dropped by HMRC but not until May 2017
Minister reveals 'Trusted Partner' landlords
13 September, 2016
The government has revealed the social landlords piloting a scheme to stop vulnerable Universal Credit claimants falling into debt
Social cleansing: The mums at the sharp end of the housing crisis
13 September, 2016
Boundary House in Welwyn Garden City is the not sort of the place you would want to raise your children
Magenta Living's investment in Rentsense helps to mitigate Universal Credit
12 September, 2016
Magenta Living invested in Mobysoft's predictive analytical tool Rentsense to help create efficiencies within their income function
London HA's challenge Secretary of State over "unfit" benefit system
09 September, 2016
A group of London's largest housing providers is calling on the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a fundamental review of an "unfit for purpose" welfare benefit system
ESA: outcomes of Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals: September 2016
09 September, 2016
Outcomes of Employment Support Allowance Work Capability Assessments including mandatory reconsiderations and appeals information
Universal credit is undeliverable: but who'll tell ministers the truth?
09 September, 2016
The Tories' flagship welfare reform has been bedevilled by their determination to make the poor suffer
DWP Secretary of State called upon to fundamentally review welfare benefit system
08 September, 2016
A group of London's largest housing providers is calling on the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to undertake a fundamental review of the welfare benefit system
Work won't pay without social housing, says London's g15, in call for review of welfare benefit system
08 September, 2016
Some of London's largest housing associations have urged Government to invest in social housing and review welfare benefit system in an effort to "ensure work really does pay"
Prime Minister confirms women's refuges to be exempt from benefits cap
08 September, 2016
Safe houses for women and children escaping domestic violence are to be exempted from the Government's planned welfare cuts
Universal basic income 'not a credible' idea, says Labour leadership contender Owen Smith
07 September, 2016
'I don't think talking about universal basic income, however attractive an idea it is, is the answer'
Scotland to abolish 'bedroom tax'
06 September, 2016
The Scottish government are to aim to abolish the bedroom tax
Learning the lessons from Universal Credit
06 September, 2016
This report looks at the failure and potential recovery of Universal Credit, the ambitious government project to simplify the welfare system
Scottish Parliament gets power to introduce higher benefits
05 September, 2016
The Scottish Parliament has today assumed new powers to increase state benefits so they are higher than in the rest of the UK
Clegg: Osborne casually cut welfare for poorest to boost Tory popularity
05 September, 2016
Former deputy PM says 'cynical' ex-chancellor was not bothered about human consequences
The lower overall benefit cap: what do we need to know?
01 September, 2016
Last week the government confirmed that the new, lower overall benefit cap will be introduced from the 7 November
Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary at May 2016 published
01 September, 2016
The Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary, providing an overview of the main DfC administered benefits, was published by the Department for Communities today
The left has lost its nerve on welfare. It needs a new agenda
31 August, 2016
Labour needs a long-term plan to raise living standards for low- and middle-income families
Future of Welfare Reform Group update
31 August, 2016
The third meeting of the Federation's Future of Welfare Reform group was held on 15 July and had a well-informed agenda on the key issues the housing sector is facing
Social security system fast becoming unfit for purpose
31 August, 2016
Most low-income working households to be worse off by 2020, and families on out-of-work benefits face losing fifth of income
Lower benefit cap to hit a quarter of a million poor children
30 August, 2016
Changes coming in this autumn will take an average of £60 a week from households affected
Theresa May urged to reshape welfare with 'social insurance'
30 August, 2016
Firmer link between contributions and receipts is on table as PM calls first cabinet meeting since summer break
New Housing Benefit Limits For Claimants Going Abroad
26 August, 2016
People living in Great Britain can now only receive Housing Benefit for 4 weeks if they are out of the country. Previously, housing benefit claimants could continue having their rent paid for up to 13 weeks
Welfare Reform and Work Act: impact assessment for the benefit cap
25 August, 2016
Impact assessment for the benefit cap to be implemented from November 2016 under the Welfare Reform and Work Act
Analysis of EEA migrants' access to income-related benefits measures
25 August, 2016
Analysis relating to the measures introduced to restrict access to income-related benefits for EEA migrants from December 2013
Nationality at point of NINo registration of DWP working age benefit recipients: data to Feb 2016
25 August, 2016
Nationality at point of National Insurance number (NINo) registration of DWP working age benefit recipients
Universal credit delays forcing people to food banks
25 August, 2016
Delays in government's flagship welfare reform has caused debt, rent arrears and health problems
Welfare 'Dependency': Hard Right Keeps Up the Pressure to attack the less Well Off
22 August, 2016
The Centre for Policy Studies has a thing about 'welfare dependency'
My challenge to Lord Freud, Minister of State for Welfare Reform: Can you live on 63pence per week for nearly seven weeks?
22 August, 2016
If the answer to that question is No, then why are you imposing a policy on Universal Credit claimants that achieves just this?
The growing Housing Benefit spend in the private rented sector
22 August, 2016
This briefing examines the reasons and factors behind the recent growth in Housing Benefit expenditure in the private rented sector
I can't prepare a meal or walk and talk normally. But the Government has just cut my benefits
18 August, 2016
A woman from York who was diagnosed with early onset dementia in her 50s has spoken of her devastation that her disability payments have been cut
Benefits rule change forces 500 disabled people to give back vehicles every week
17 August, 2016
'Having a progressive illness is difficult enough without being treated as though you are exaggerating,'
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 4 Aug 2016
17 August, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 4 August 2016
Housing Benefit caseload statistics
17 August, 2016
Statistics on numbers of Housing Benefit claimants
G15: Bedroom tax failing to free up larger homes
17 August, 2016
The bedroom tax is failing to free up larger social homes in London, according to research by the G15 group of housing associations
Benefit gaps put half a million working renters at risk
16 August, 2016
More than half a million working renters in Yorkshire are at risk of being unable to cover housing costs should they lose a wage
Latest universal credit roll out schedule announced
12 August, 2016
The department of work and pensions have announced the next stages of the universal credit rollout schedule
Our welfare state shouldn't be a source of shame, but of pride - and fury
10 August, 2016
With so many working families a month's pay away from losing their homes, Labour's duty isn't to get tough on benefit claimants, it's to rid the system of its stigma
'Biased' fit for work tests penalise poorer people
09 August, 2016
New study finds that disabled people living in deprived areas are more likely to lose their benefits under the government's controversial assessments system
Government cuts to supported housing could force services to close
08 August, 2016
The plans to restrict housing benefit for vulnerable people living in supported housing are one of the most pernicious proposals from this Tory government
DR UK says all ESA claimants should be exempt from the benefit cap
08 August, 2016
While some disabled people are exempt from the benefit cap - including those receiving DLA or PIP or support component - those in the ESA work related activity group are not
Benefit Cap
08 August, 2016
There is a limit on the total amount of benefit that most people aged 16 to 64 can get. This is called the benefit cap
23,000 in work thanks to Iain Duncan Smith's benefits cap
05 August, 2016
Households impacted by rules are 41 per cent more likely to find a job, new figures reveal
We overspend to counter the bedroom tax in Glasgow because we have to
02 August, 2016
Discretionary payments help to mitigate the government's cruel and punitive benefits cuts. We chose not to put this burden on the backs of the poorest
Home thoughts From: Inside Edge 2
29 July, 2016
A housebuilding slump? Rising homelessness? Unaffordable house prices and rents? The housing crisis faced by the new government in Ireland is every bit as serious as the one confronting the new administration on this side of the Irish Sea
Record 31.7 million in work, as unemployment rate falls below 5%
28 July, 2016
The number of children growing up in homes in which nobody has a job has plummeted by 170,000 in a single year to the lowest total on record
Bromsgrove District Council warns housing benefit claimants cash will stop if they are away for four weeks
27 July, 2016
RESIDENTS going abroad for more than four weeks are being warned they will no longer be able to claim housing benefit because of new national rules coming into force later this month
Welfare Reform and Work Bill House of Lords second reading submission
26 July, 2016
Joseph Rowntree Foundation Report
Some supported housing could avoid 'LHA cap'
26 July, 2016
Associations could lessen the impact of the government's 'Local Housing Allowance (LHA) cap' by leasing their supported housing to a non-registered subsidiary
Tell National Audit Office of benefit sanction harm
26 July, 2016
The NAO is undertaking a study to examine whether the DWP is achieving value for money from its administration of benefit sanctions
Government sneaks out report revealing 57,000 Bedroom Tax victims fell behind on rent
25 July, 2016
The report was slipped out in a mountain of more than 300 documents on the day MPs leave Westminster for their six-week summer holiday
Housing Benefit Cap to be debated in House of Commons
21 July, 2016
An Opposition Day Debate on the proposals to cut housing benefit for vulnerable people in supported housing is to be held on the 20 July 2016
Universal Credit scheme delayed
21 July, 2016
Ministers have announced a further delay to the government's flagship Universal Credit scheme
Housing benefit cuts 'risk damaging UK's international reputation'
21 July, 2016
New PM's will "jeopardise the safety" of people fleeing domestic violence and also affect the elderly, people mental health difficulties and the homeless
Supported housing announcement in Autumn
21 July, 2016
Vulnerable people living in social housing will know if they are to be included in benefit cuts later this year
Universal credit falls five years behind schedule
21 July, 2016
Troubled welfare scheme will now not be completed until 2022, the seventh announced delay since 2013
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 7 Jul 2016
20 July, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 7 Jul 2016
Over 87,000 London children without a permanent home
19 July, 2016
Since 2025 there has been a 44% increase in the number of London children living in temporary accommodation
Freud orders 'urgent' review into Universal Credit arrears
18 July, 2016
Lord David Freud has commissioned an 'urgent' review into the high rate of rent arrears owed by Universal Credit claimants
Falling short: the experiences of families below the Minimum Income Standard
18 July, 2016
Joseph Rowntree report
DWP benefit Blockchain trial slammed by digital experts
14 July, 2016
The DWP trial, which began in May and will run for three to six months, currently involves eight benefits claimants but may increase to up to 24
Cash strapped councils turn down 21% of DHP applications
13 July, 2016
English councils with tenants hit hardest by welfare cuts are turning down one in five applicants for a hardship fund
Citizens Advice Scotland: Welfare system 'not working'
13 July, 2016
The most vulnerable people in Scotland are falling into destitution because the benefits system is 'simply not working', according to a charity
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment: second independent review call for evidence
12 July, 2016
We are seeking feedback on how the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment is working
Squalor still endemic in Britain as UK welfare state judged 'mediocre' to other European countries
12 July, 2016
With approximately 15 million people classified by Eurostat as at 'risk of poverty or social exclusion', the UK is ranked 15th of 23 European countries on the ILC-UK's Poverty and Social Exclusion Index
Universal Credit evaluation framework: 2016
11 July, 2016
This document updates the original framework by reviewing what we have done so far and setting out future evaluation plans
Universal Credit online channel usage
11 July, 2016
This publication provides ad hoc statistics on the online completion of tasks by claimants in the Universal Credit full service
Universal Credit: Data on alternative payment arrangements
11 July, 2016
Statistics on Managed Payment to Landlord (MPTL) Alternative Payment Arrangements (APAs) in the Universal Credit live service
DWP plans longer-term supported housing exemption
08 July, 2016
Ministers plan to extend an exemption for supported housing from the 'Local Housing Allowance cap' as they seek a long-term solution to the problem
Suffolk Housing Society takes steps to mitigate Universal Credit
08 July, 2016
Suffolk Housing Society, a social landlord in East Anglia with over 2,500 properties, has invested in Mobysoft's Rentsense solution to help them mitigate the rent cut and Universal Credit
Councils spend £100m helping renters hit by benefit cuts
08 July, 2016
Discretionary payments of £85.3m made to close gap left by bedroom tax while just over £14m paid to those squeezed by cap on benefits
The myth of Bristol's benefit claimants exposed - the city's missing millions going unclaimed
08 July, 2016
The amount of money being stolen by benefit cheats in Bristol is 20 times smaller than the amount of benefits people are entitled to claim but haven't
Third of councils top up housing benefits after cap
07 July, 2016
About a third of English councils have spent additional money topping up a government fund aimed at cushioning the impact of welfare changes
Universal Credit forcing landlords into evictions
07 July, 2016
The Universal Credit system that replaced six means-tested benefits and tax credits is causing people to be unnecessarily evicted
Evaluation of the Universal Support delivered locally trials
07 July, 2016
This report presents findings from evaluation of the Universal Support delivered locally trials
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments: financial year 2015/16
06 July, 2016
Analysis of the use of Discretionary Housing Payment funds by local authorities
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment: second independent review
06 July, 2016
The second independent review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process
Money Box Live: Benefits - is the system too complex?
06 July, 2016
Is our welfare benefit system too complex?
Sudanese refugee who walked through the Channel Tunnel to get to UK is entitled to Job Seekers Allowance and housing benefit AND is now renting room in £100,000 house
04 July, 2016
Abdul Haroun made 5000-mile month-long journey to Folkestone in August
Making welfare for Wales: Should benefits for people of working age be devolved?
30 June, 2016
Social security payments totaling approximately £10 billion are distributed in Wales every year
Universal Credit expands to all claimants in 5 more areas
29 June, 2016
Universal Credit becomes available to all types of claimant in Harrogate, Richmond (North Yorkshire), Inverness, Hammersmith and Ryedale
Future of the welfare state
27 June, 2016
As one of the key challenges facing the nation, successfully tackling the housing crisis is a critical litmus test for politicians and policy makers
The Impact of Welfare Reform in Scotland - Tracking Study - Sweep 4 Report
27 June, 2016
The aim of this study was to explore the impact of ongoing welfare changes on a range of working age households in Scotland
PIP figures fuel concerns over cuts, while activists plan day of action
24 June, 2016
DWP figures show that just 71 per cent of DLA recipients who applied for the new PIP were successful with their claim in April 2016
Personal Independence Payment: Official Statistics
24 June, 2016
This summary contains official statistics on PIP registrations, clearances and awards, clearance and outstanding times and mandatory reconsiderations
Every week Charlotte sees desperation at first hand - outside the job centre
24 June, 2016
Her group have been helping jobseekers exposed to the vagaries of Britain's benefit system. She says people feel like criminals in a culture of fear
Who gets housing benefit and what does it cost?
23 June, 2016
The government spent £24bn on housing benefit in 2014. More than half of claimants under 35 are single mothers and many live in deprived coastal towns
Impact of Universal Credit
22 June, 2016
Average level of rent arrears of Universal Credit claimants in participating organisations has risen by 41.1% since roll out
DWP spending on IT contractors rockets amid Universal Credit delays
21 June, 2016
Spending on external IT contractors by the Department for Work and Pensions has rocketed to £8m every month in a desperate attempt to get the heavily delayed Universal Credit scheme back on track
The effect of UK welfare reforms on the distribution of income and work incentives
21 June, 2016
As well as reducing expenditure, the UK government hopes that its welfare reforms will encourage work
£10bn worth of benefits go unclaimed each year in the UK
20 June, 2016
Has social stigma gone too far?
DWP payments over £25,000 for 2016
17 June, 2016
Payments over £25,000 that DWP has made in 2016, including invoices, grants and expenses
Over four-fifths of benefit claimants with disabilities worried about benefit changes
16 June, 2016
Nearly three-quarters of people with disabilities said they would feel more stressed about their financial situation if their benefits were to be cut or reduced
European court backs UK curbs on child benefit rights
16 June, 2016
A challenge to the UK's right to deny some EU migrants child benefit and child tax credits has been rejected by European judges
NFA floats switch to monthly rent collection
15 June, 2016
NFA is gathering the views of its members on moving from weekly to monthly rent collection
Three-quarters of Benefit Claimants Worried about Future Welfare Changes
15 June, 2016
New research by the national charity Turn2us has found that 73% of low income households claiming means-tested benefits are worried about the welfare system
Welfare support 'vital lifeline'
15 June, 2016
The majority of tenants claiming benefits are worried about future welfare changes
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 2 Jun 2016
15 June, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 2 June 2016
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to April 2016
15 June, 2016
Quarterly statistics including numbers of claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made
The EU referendum and Fiscal impact on low income households
10 June, 2016
Report by National Institute of Social and Economic research
Debt and food banks: the legacy of universal credit's Long Hello
10 June, 2016
There is fresh evidence that lengthy waits for a first benefit payment faced by universal credit claimants trigger hunger and rent arrears
ESA Work Capability Assessment mandatory reconsiderations: data to April 2016
09 June, 2016
Numbers of ESA Work Capability Assessment mandatory reconsiderations received and cleared by decision type and outcome
Benefit cap puts supported housing at risk
09 June, 2016
Council leaders have called for supported housing to be exempt from the housing benefit cap to prevent the most vulnerable people from losing their homes
Universal Credit Leads to Rent Arrears
09 June, 2016
Universal Credit is to blame for 79% of rent arrears since its roll-out in England.
The biggest irony of all? Cutting someone's welfare makes them even less likely to get a job
08 June, 2016
Now we have the stats to prove what we knew all along - welfare cuts are based on stereotypes not evidence
Learning from testing times
08 June, 2016
Early evidence of the impact of universal credit in Scotland's CAB network
New benefits change causing 'serious detriment' to vulnerable Scots
07 June, 2016
The UK government's much-heralded change to the social security system contains a number of inherent flaws which are causing serious problems for people in need
The Guardian view on a universal income: the high price of free money
07 June, 2016
Schemes to pay every citizen a stipend have much to commend them in theory. But a crashing defeat in a Swiss referendum shows they will go nowhere unless and until the practical details are got right
Universal Credit leads to rent arrears
07 June, 2016
Universal Credit is to blame for 79% of rent arrears cases
If housing's your problem, Universal Basic Income isn't the answer
07 June, 2016
A lot of young people support a universal basic income
Welfare Reform European Social Fund project evaluation report
06 June, 2016
The aims of the project were to support unemployed and underemployed local people to find work or to increase their working hours
Docking welfare payments is not incentive to work
06 June, 2016
Government-backed employment project found benefit cuts that push claimants further into poverty also create barriers to finding work
Labour considering backing universal basic income as official party policy
06 June, 2016
'It's not official Labour Party policy. It's in the mix... we're considering it and looking at it and the feasibility of it'
Ashamed to claim? Just how common is benefits stigma?
03 June, 2016
Ever since the first benefits systems came into being, they have been accompanied by debates about benefits stigma
Personal Independence Payment assessment guide for assessment providers
03 June, 2016
Guidance for providers carrying out assessments for Personal Independence Payment
Residents facing new benefits cap warned of "pressing need" for them to get a job
03 June, 2016
Residents set to be hit by a new benefits cap are being warned there is "a pressing need" for them to find a job
Fair Food Fund to be set up as part of welfare reforms
02 June, 2016
The Scottish government is to establish a "Fair Food Fund" as part of efforts to tackle poverty and inequality
Universal Basic Income: Dream or Nightmare?
02 June, 2016
We look at a radical economic plan being put forward by Swiss campaigners - free cash for everyone
Welfare cuts will lead to rise in suicides
01 June, 2016
Government welfare cuts will lead to an increase in suicides
Charity bemoans 'shocking scale' of DHP recipients
01 June, 2016
New DHP statistics from the Scottish Government reveal the "shocking scale" of people struggling to pay housing costs
EU court to back UK limits on migrants' access to child benefits
01 June, 2016
European court of justice set to throw out challenge by European commission over right to residence requirement
Landlords remind tenants of forthcoming benefit cap
31 May, 2016
Three County Durham landlords are advising tenants of a limit that may be placed on their benefit allowance later this year
Nearly £50 million awarded under Discretionary Housing Payments scheme in Scotland
31 May, 2016
Nearly £50 million was spent to support housing costs for those in financial hardship in Scotland during 2015/16
Information for local authorities on exemptions from the requirements of the Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 and related regulations
27 May, 2016
The Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 ("the Act") contains provisions which introduce a new rent regime for registered providers of social housing
Universal Credit is on the way for everyone claiming benefits in East Hampshire
27 May, 2016
The man behind the roll out of the new Universal Credit benefit in East Hampshire, says he would rather help people back into work than earn much more working in the private sector
Universal Credit expands to all claimants in 5 areas today
26 May, 2016
Bath, Newcastle, Bridgwater, Rugby and Lowestoft all expand Universal Credit
Universal Credit if you have a disability or health condition: quick guide
26 May, 2016
The support that is available for Universal Credit claimants who have a disability or health condition
'Homeless' man sublet council house for 16 years
26 May, 2016
A council tenant who presented he and his family as homeless has to pay almost £130,000 for illegally subletting his council home over 16 years
Benefit sanctions lead claimants to suicide, crime and destitution
25 May, 2016
Benefit sanctions are "devastating" for claimants and can lead to destitution, crime, suicide, and throw up barriers to employment
Tenants are being notified about the impact of the Benefit Cap
25 May, 2016
Tenants that will be affected by the Benefit Cap from the autumn have been identified by the Department for Work and Pensions, and will receive a letter outlining the impact of the cap on their income
Government won't reach its employment target for disabled people until 2030
24 May, 2016
The government is "years behind schedule" in delivering its manifesto commitment to halve the employment gap between disabled and non-disabled people by 2020
Benefits system 'a cruel bureaucracy', says Ken Loach after Cannes win
24 May, 2016
Fresh from winning Palme d'Or with I, Daniel Blake, director says he hopes it will affect government policy in the same way as earlier film Cathy Come Home
Two thirds of the British public support a universal basic income
24 May, 2016
The policy also has significant support across the European Union
The effects of taxes and benefits on household income: financial year ending 2015
24 May, 2016
The redistribution effects on households of direct and indirect taxation and benefits received in cash or kind analysed by household type
Benefit Cap External Partner High Level Briefing
24 May, 2016
The Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016 is bringing in welfare reforms that are about incentivising work and ensuring we have a welfare system that is fair
Housing Benefit subsidy initial estimates: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit subsidy audited final claims: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit subsidy initial pre-audit final claims: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit initial pre-audit final claims expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit subsidy mid-year estimates: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit mid-year estimates expenditure and subsidy data for the financial year 2013 to 2014
Housing Benefit expenditure and subsidy data
24 May, 2016
This is the local authority Housing Benefit expenditure and subsidy data
UN asks government to explain two-child cap on child tax credits
23 May, 2016
SNP raised concerns about 'medieval' clause that only allows exemption from cap for children conceived through rape
Housing benefit savings will disappear under their own complexity
20 May, 2016
Commentators may have been left scraping around to fill the space where substantive parts of the Queen's Speech should have been
Fraud and error in the benefit system: financial year 2015/16 preliminary estimates
20 May, 2016
Preliminary estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain in the financial year 2015/16
Benefit fraud and error at record low level
20 May, 2016
New figures show that fraud and error in the benefits system remains at the lowest level ever recorded
Number claiming unemployment benefits drops by 600
19 May, 2016
The number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits in Northern Ireland has fallen by 600
Implementing Direct Payment of Housing Benefit: An Evaluation of Circle Housing's HB2U Pilot Project
19 May, 2016
This report provides findings from the evaluation of Circle Housing's HB2U Housing Benefit Direct Payment Pilot project
Landlord reveals findings of direct payment 'pilot'
19 May, 2016
A housing association is calling for changes to Universal Credit, after its unofficial 'pilot' showed tenants receiving housing benefit payments direct are more likely to fall into arrears
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 5 May 2016
18 May, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 5 May 2016
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions: decisions made to December 2015
18 May, 2016
Data on Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions decisions made to December 2015
Circle Housing urges Government to commit to extra support for residents moving to Universal Credit
18 May, 2016
A leading housing association is calling on the Government to commit to additional face to face support for residents before they are moved on to Universal Credit
The government is skewing benefits appeals against disabled people
17 May, 2016
A new army of 'presenting officers' is to help the Department of Work and Pensions at benefit tribunals, while the disabled person making the appeal is left to struggle alone
Labour minister calls for independent probe into benefit claimant deaths after DWP publishes reviews
17 May, 2016
'The Government are too worried about the facts it would uncover'
Iain Duncan Smith's plan to draft in job advisers to food banks quietly shelved by DWP
17 May, 2016
Owen Smith, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary, said: 'It has now been revealed that the DWP has quietly given up on the national trial'
Hinckley and Bosworth gets cash to combat bedroom tax
16 May, 2016
The Government has set aside £160 million over the next five years for discretionary housing payments
'Worse than the bedroom tax': Cambridge MP blasts plan that may force city to sell hundreds of homes
16 May, 2016
New laws that sound "the death knell of social housing" in Cambridge have been branded worse than the bedroom tax by the city's MP
DWP to change Universal Credit procedures
16 May, 2016
The government has pledged to improve Universal Credit procedures this summer, following concerns from social landlords that they are frequently not informed that their tenants are claiming the benefit
Mind the gap: the growing shortfall between private rents and help with housing costs
13 May, 2016
People on low incomes living in the PRS may be able to get help towards paying their rents
Help with housing costs isn't aligning with rent for private tenants
13 May, 2016
Tenants face an increasingly widening gap between the LHA they receive to help with their housing costs and the actual rent they pay
Universal credit is working, insists work and pensions secretary
12 May, 2016
Stephen Crabb rejects claim UC no longer serves original purpose of making people better off in work than on benefits
New DWP secretary Stephen Crabb signals further disability benefit changes to cut spending
12 May, 2016
Mr Crabb said the Government would adopt 'smart strategies' for reducing expenditure
Plans to force workers on universal credit to take second job 'risky'
12 May, 2016
MPs warn that sanctions against low-paid workers claiming benefits could be counterproductive or leave them worse off
Universal Credit will increase child poverty
11 May, 2016
Research has warned that cuts to the new benefit system undermine its stated purpose
The government's "welfare revolution" has forgotten something important: where we live
11 May, 2016
the "welfare revolution" started by Iain Duncan Smith has failed to change the fundamental condition of many poorer people's live
£13bn in unclaimed welfare? It's just fuel for the Tories' Big Benefits Myth
11 May, 2016
Almost half of families on low incomes are going hungry by not taking up benefits, we learn today
Landlords raise awareness of forthcoming benefit cap
11 May, 2016
Three County Durham landlords are advising tenants of a limit that may be placed on their benefit allowance later this year
'Heads up' on benefit cap
09 May, 2016
Three County Durham landlords are advising tenants of a limit that may be placed on their benefit allowance later this year
The benefits capital of Britain is revealed: New map shows which parts of the country guzzle the biggest chunks of UK's £161 billion welfare bill
06 May, 2016
This map reveals the areas which receive the biggest chunks of Britain's £161billion welfare bill, with some guzzling six times more in handouts than other parts of the nation
Harlow groups defy report to support Universal Credit
06 May, 2016
Clients of support charity Home-Start Harlow have welcomed Universal Credit after a think tank criticised the benefit reform
Benefit cap statistics: background information and methodology
05 May, 2016
Information about benefit cap statistics and methodology including the purpose, source, definitions and limitations of statistics covered
Benefit cap: number of households capped to February 2016
05 May, 2016
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and February 2016
Baroness Thomas: I'm not holding my breath for DWP changes to PIP
04 May, 2016
Lib Dem peer Baroness Thomas of Winchester writes on the topic of her Lords debate
More Trap Than Trampoline: Universal Credit Is Failing To Help People Progress
03 May, 2016
Although the new Work and Pensions Secretary has stopped cuts to disability benefits he seems to be in lock-step with his predecessor in worrying that the benefit system "locks people into workless-ness"
New Work and Pensions Secretary must reclaim Universal Credit from the Treasury
03 May, 2016
Resolution Foundation calls for major reforms as full roll-out of Universal Credit begins this month
Call for new tax and welfare department at Holyrood
03 May, 2016
The next Scottish government should set up a new department for tax and welfare powers coming to Holyrood
Rollout of flagship welfare reform Universal Credit reaches historic milestone
03 May, 2016
Universal Credit is now in every jobcentre across the country for single jobseekers
DWP payments over £25,000 for 2016
29 April, 2016
Payments over £25,000 that DWP has made in 2016, including invoices, grants and expenses
Many landlords 'will stop renting to tenants on Universal Credit'
28 April, 2016
The Government's new Universal Credit payments could have a disastrous impact on the private rented sector, with more and more landlords refusing to let to tenants on benefits
Scottish Welfare Fund: £24.5 million spent during April to December 2015
27 April, 2016
An Official Statistics Publication for Scotland
All Scottish jobcentres now offer Universal Credit
26 April, 2016
Last 5 offices in Scotland switch over to offer the new service
Is universal basic income too simplistic to meet housing need?
26 April, 2016
For supporters of basic income, Beveridge's 'problem of rent' is an even bigger headache today than it was in the 40s
Holyrood election 2016: Where the parties stand on welfare
26 April, 2016
Voters in Scotland go to the polls on Thursday 5 May to choose their next MSPs. But where do the parties stand on key issues?
More than 225,000 households claiming Universal Credit
25 April, 2016
More than 225,000 people are now claiming the government's Universal Credit benefit
UK: Millions of low income families will be poorer under welfare reforms
25 April, 2016
This month, cuts to Universal Credit - the Tory government's cover scheme for slashing welfare - were implemented for some 80,000 households
Making welfare work for Wales
25 April, 2016
The Bevan Foundation has just completed an investigation of the future of the welfare system in Wales. Victoria Winckler looks at some of the issues on housing benefit
The social landlords stepping in to help computer-illiterate residents
25 April, 2016
Universal credit will hugely increase demand for digital access - so housing associations have started doing more for tenants without the internet
What could a Citizen's Income do for the housing crisis?
22 April, 2016
There's been an upsurge of interest in Universal Basic Income (UBI), or Citizen's Income
DWP drew up plans to charge disabled people for fit-to-work appeals
22 April, 2016
Charities warned the plans reflected badly on DWP officials
The Welfare stigma which is leaving the poorest homeless
22 April, 2016
It's hard to think of a worse time in the last 50 years to be on benefits and living in London
If the DWP is forced to publish its secret records on benefits claimants' suicides, everything could change
21 April, 2016
In cases like suicide, stories are important. If we let a government keep our stories secret, we give it permission to rewrite history
Impact of capping Housing Benefit at Local Housing Allowance rates
21 April, 2016
The Chancellor of the Exchequer announced in his Autumn Statement that housing benefit and housing costs within Universal Credit for social housing tenants will be capped
Landlords claim Universal Credit is 'shambolic'
20 April, 2016
Universal Credit payments could have a disastrous impact on the private rented sector
Universal Credit statistics: background information and methodology
20 April, 2016
Information about Universal Credit statistics methodology including the purpose, source, definitions and limitations of statistics covered
DWP may have to publish details of benefit claimant deaths
20 April, 2016
Disability rights campaigners win appeal against government's refusal to publicise investigations into alleged suicides
Discretionary Housing Payment underspend explained by councillors
19 April, 2016
Funds given to Oxford City Council to help individuals pay their rent have jumped back up this year despite the fact that it was not all spent in 2015/16
Every jobcentre in Yorkshire now offers Universal Credit
18 April, 2016
Last 4 offices in Yorkshire switch over to new service
Lib Dems pledge more homes for rent and 'fair' Scottish welfare system
18 April, 2016
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have set out plans to increase in housing supply by expanding the Housing Fund for Scotland model and tackle youth homelessness through mediation
DWP 'punishing' low-paid full-time workers under new benefits rule
15 April, 2016
Critics say scheme under which working people claiming universal credit can be fined for failing to do enough to find more work is 'political dynamite'
DHP (Dysfunctional Housing Payments)
14 April, 2016
When you're on the brink of eviction, what do you think it takes to get your council's attention? A lot, it transpires.
Testing times ahead for Universal Credit
13 April, 2016
The government's scheme to overhaul the welfare system has been the subject of much scrutiny in Westminster, but now the same is happening outside a north London job centre
Government should ditch social housing benefit cap 'as a matter of basic humanity'
13 April, 2016
A Wirral MP has warned some of the most vulnerable people in the borough could be plunged into crisis under Government plans to cap housing benefit payments
Stephen Crabb 'committed' to Universal Credit
12 April, 2016
Work and Pensions Secretary Stephen Crabb has said he is "absolutely committed" to the government's flagship Universal Credit reform
Claim tax credits before Universal Credit arrives
12 April, 2016
Low-income workers are being urged to claim any tax credits sooner rather than later
£300 million childcare boost for hard-working families under Universal Credit
11 April, 2016
Parents on Universal Credit will now be able to claim back 85% of their childcare costs when they move into work - up from 70%
Is Universal Credit doomed to fail?
11 April, 2016
Later this month Universal Credit will finally roll across the country, but the Department of Work and Pensions is being challenged in court to release files about its management in the early days
Universal credit cuts to lose low-income families up to £200 a month
11 April, 2016
Changes to be introduced on Monday will push more low-paid working families into poverty
Human rights watchdog to review welfare reforms
08 April, 2016
A human rights watchdog is to launch an inquiry into the effects of the government's welfare reforms on minority groups
Tax credit change 'may cause hardship'
07 April, 2016
Families who have been overpaid tax credits will have to repay the money at a much faster rate from now on
Thousands of disabled claimants wrongly barred from Personal Independence Payments
07 April, 2016
Three in five Brits who contest a decision to reject their Personal Independence Payment win on appeal
Home benefits: the SFHA's Mary Taylor explains why welfare reform is a concern for housing associations
07 April, 2016
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations chief executive tells Holyrood of her concerns about the LHA cap, changes to benefits and the potential reclassification of social housing
The Tories are promising to freeze council tax for five years if they win the Assembly election
07 April, 2016
The Tories say they would provide funding for councils to make up for the shortfall when council tax is frozen
Bedroom tax and benefit sanctions: social workers must get to grips with welfare law
06 April, 2016
People who use services are feeling the impact of cuts and welfare reform. To make a difference to their lives, professionals need to understand these issues
Key Changes to Council Tax Support in 2016/17
05 April, 2016
April 2016 marks the beginning of the fourth year since Council Tax Benefit
Cutting housing benefit reduces property prices
04 April, 2016
House prices fall when Housing Benefit is cut
Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit back to work schemes
01 April, 2016
Guidance about the different back to work schemes available to JSA and Universal Credit claimants
MPs launch inquiry into 'disability employment gap' and impact of ESA cuts
01 April, 2016
Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) will be cut from £103 to £73 a week in April 2017
Fears council house evictions could rise due to benefits changes
01 April, 2016
Aberdeenshire's local authority has raised concerns that the number of council house evictions in the area may rise under the government's new universal credit scheme
Bedroom Tax Year 3 (How IDS stole my home)
31 March, 2016
As the third anniversary of the introduction of the bedroom tax passes, events over the preceding weekends took a poignant turn for Rob Gershon
Charity workers fear benefit claimants will struggle as Universal Credit is rolled out in SE1
31 March, 2016
It is revealed that new applicants will have to wait six weeks for first payment, and will need a bank account
Standard of ESA and PIP assessments unacceptable says Public Accounts Committee
31 March, 2016
Standard of ESA and PIP assessments unacceptable says Public Accounts Committee
Homelessness statistics make uncomfortable reading for politicians worried about welfare cuts
30 March, 2016
Last weekend's news was dominated by the political fallout from Iain Duncan Smith's resignation and by signs of growing political unease around the latest proposed cuts to welfare
Gaps in welfare safety net still pose risk Committee says
30 March, 2016
The Work and Pensions Committee has published the Government's response to its report on the Local welfare safety net
Stephen Crabb urged to overhaul 'salami-sliced' universal credit system
29 March, 2016
Shadow work and pensions secretary Owen Smith says the welfare policy will hit millions of low-paid workers in the pocket
Government spends £100,000 on lawyers to defend the bedroom tax
29 March, 2016
The DWP is fighting a rape victim and the family of a severely disabled child
Universal Credit Support in Bradford
24 March, 2016
Social Housing provider Incommunities and Bradford District Credit Union talk to BCB Radio about their partnership with Bradford Council to support those receiving Universal Credit
BBC banned from broadcasting disability benefit cuts protest in Parliament
24 March, 2016
The broadcaster was forced to terminate a broadcast from a protest outside the House of Commons chamber
Damage done by cuts and sanctions brings Oxfam to Wales
23 March, 2016
The international aid charity hopes to tackle Welsh poverty head on and help victims of austerity in the country
Failures and u-turns: the Conservative Party's record on welfare
23 March, 2016
Welfare reform and its implementation has been a crucial test for the Conservative Party's rebrand
Billions of pounds of welfare cuts on way despite PIP U-turn
23 March, 2016
Ministers say no more social security cuts - but have approved a huge package of savings for this parliament already
What IDS really thinks about disability cuts (according to one of his own colleagues)
22 March, 2016
Stephen MacPartland says the sanctification of IDS has been "absolutely disgraceful"
New benefits boss Stephen Crabb is fighting his OWN constituents in the Supreme Court
22 March, 2016
Paul and Sue Rutherford are being dragged through the Supreme Court over the Bedroom Tax by their own MP
How Osborne's budgets have changed the welfare bill - interactive
22 March, 2016
Chancellor's decision to ringfence pensions has seen welfare spending grow since his first budget in 2025
Disability benefits U-turn leaves Cameron with £4.4bn to find
22 March, 2016
Prime minister forced to concede that black hole will not be filled by further cuts
All Welsh jobcentres switch over to Universal Credit
21 March, 2016
Wales becomes the first nation in the UK to complete the rollout of Universal Credit
Nadine Dorries slams Iain Duncan Smith for begging her to vote for disability cuts before resigning
21 March, 2016
The outspoken backbencher claims Iain Duncan Smith 'begged and bribed' her not to vote against his cuts to Employment Support Allowance
IDS loses legal challenge to keep Universal Credit problems secret
21 March, 2016
Iain Duncan Smith has lost his latest attempt to keep potentially damning Universal Credit documents secret
Government not backing down on disability cuts despite minister's words
18 March, 2016
Suggestions by a Cabinet minister that the government may back down over cuts to disability benefit have been played down amid a growing Conservative row
Iain Duncan Smith quits over planned disability benefit changes
18 March, 2016
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has resigned citing pressure to make cuts to disability benefits
Welfare Reform and Work Act 2016
17 March, 2016
An Act to make provision about reports on progress towards full employment and the apprenticeships target
Benefit cuts threaten independent living for thousands of disabled people
16 March, 2016
Budget announcements by George Osborne set to be 'last straw' for many who fear heavy impact from tighter assessments and benefit cuts
What next for disabled claimants who face welfare reform?
16 March, 2016
The changes to the way Personal Independence Payment or PIP is assessed are unpopular measures where I am
Personal Independence Payment: April 2013 to January 2016
16 March, 2016
Statistics on claims in payment, new claim registrations, decisions and awards made and other aspects of Personal Independence Payment
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 3 Mar 2016
16 March, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 3 March 2016
Tories must reverse Universal Credit cuts to show they're serious about helping savers
14 March, 2016
The Tories have been criticised for inconsistency following the announcement of their 'Help to Save' scheme
Every jobcentre in London and home counties switched to Universal Credit
14 March, 2016
Over 95% of jobcentres now offer Universal Credit
Disability benefit change to affect half a million
14 March, 2016
More than half a million disabled people could lose out as a result of further changes over the next four years to welfare payments
Universal Credit cuts will leave millions of families worse off
14 March, 2016
A single mum working full time on the minimum wage and who has two kids will be stripped of £554 a year
Battling the bedroom tax: the wider implications of the Supreme Court hearing
14 March, 2016
Following the recent 'bedroom tax' hearing in the UK Supreme Court, Jed Meers from the University of York considers the potential implications of the upcoming judgment for policies relying on elements of conditionality
ESA: outcomes of Work Capability Assessments: claims made to Jun 2015 and appeals to Dec 2015
10 March, 2016
Outcomes of Work Capability Assessments for Employment and Support Allowance claims made to June 2015 and appeal outcomes to December 2015
Welfare reforms 'will worsen regional inequalities'
09 March, 2016
Government welfare reforms will "further entrench deep-seated regional inequalities across Britain"
Coalition of 60 national disability charities condemn Tory cuts to ESA
09 March, 2016
'The cuts to employment and support allowance and universal credit mark a step backwards for disabled people'
Criticism as £30-a-week disability benefit cuts go ahead
08 March, 2016
Peers have backed down in their battle with MPs over cuts to disabled people's benefits after ministers invoked special powers to push them through
New Powers new Scotland
08 March, 2016
How the Scottish parliament could use its new tax and benefit responsibilities
Universal Credit work allowances
08 March, 2016
Information about changes to the Universal Credit work allowances from April 2016
Think tank calls for single Scottish department for tax and welfare
07 March, 2016
The Scottish Government should have a single department responsible for both new tax and welfare powers due to be devolved
Lords ESA cuts debate: latest ping pong
07 March, 2016
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill returns to the House of Lords today for consideration of Commons amendments in 'ping pong'
Tories block plan to look at the impact of their disability benefit cuts
04 March, 2016
The Government says the cuts to Employment and Support Allowance will help disabled people
Numbers claiming housing benefit tumbles in Cambridge - social cleansing or economic success?
04 March, 2016
The number of people claiming housing benefit has plummeted in Cambridge and around the county - prompting different explanations from across the political divide
IDS urges Tory MPs to vote through cuts to disability benefits - despite his own watchdog warning they are unfair
03 March, 2016
The plans have been accused of causing 'unnecessary hardship'
Iain Duncan Smith: the latest MP to pretend council cuts are not his fault
03 March, 2016
It's bad enough that the secretary of state used his position to hammer Enfield council on efficiency, but let's not forget the damage caused by welfare reform
The tax credit cut that Osborne sneaked through
03 March, 2016
It would have been impossible to miss the furore last year regarding George Osborne's proposed changes to tax credits arising from the Budget 2015
Equalities watchdog criticises planned cuts to work support allowance
02 March, 2016
Equalities and Human Rights Commission says cutting £30 a week from ESA benefits will disproportionately hit disabled people
Scottish government to set up benefits agency to streamline welfare
02 March, 2016
Nicola Sturgeon hopes strategy, which will see new agency running benefits devolved to Holyrood, will boost SNP lead in polls
Scottish government to set up new welfare delivery agency
01 March, 2016
The Scottish government is to set up a new agency to deliver social security payments when new powers are devolved
Bedroom tax cases heard in Supreme Court
01 March, 2016
Two bedroom tax decisions are being appealed to the Supreme Court
JSA sanction decisions relating to Universal Jobmatch: Jun 2013 to Jun 2015
01 March, 2016
Number of Jobseeker's Allowance sanction decisions relating to Universal Jobmatch
Compromised and under pressure: social housing in the wake of universal credit
01 March, 2016
Welfare reform has spurred record levels of debt among tenants, with 25% of council tenants on universal credit facing legal action in some areas
Lords rebuff Tory plan to cut ESA for second time
01 March, 2016
Peers defeat government again over proposed £30-a-week cut to benefits for ill and disabled found 'unfit to work'
Housing benefit changes causing 'heartache' Supreme Court told
29 February, 2016
The husband of a disabled woman has told the Supreme Court of the "heartache" they have suffered following changes to housing benefits
BT accused of 'shameless profiteering' over universal credit helpline
29 February, 2016
Tim Farron estimates the telecoms company has made a minimum of £1.49m from calls made by people struggling with the new benefits system
Joshua Rozenberg: Supreme Court to sort out bedroom tax mess - but it won't be easy
29 February, 2016
The background to this week's human rights showdown explained by Britain's best-known commentator on the law
Universal Credit in all jobcentres in the Humber and north-east Yorkshire
29 February, 2016
New milestone reached as over 660 jobcentres now offer Universal Credit
Disability campaigners gather at supreme court for bedroom tax cases
29 February, 2016
Women's rights groups also among activists outside court where judges will consider appeals claiming tax is discriminatory
Four million children in fuel poverty which costs the NHS £27,000 a day
26 February, 2016
Cold homes caused by unaffordable heating are having serious consequences
New rules: PIP and terminal illness
25 February, 2016
New amending regulations have been issued that modify the requirement for a terminally ill claimant transferring from DLA to PIP to wait a minimum of 28 days after the first pay day for PIP to be paid
Could supported housing survive a 68% loss of income?
25 February, 2016
If the LHA caps come in, how will supported housing services survive such severe reductions to their rental income
What's pushing Charlotte and Jayson over the edge? £12 a week bedroom tax
25 February, 2016
It wouldn't be much money to a politician. But to the Carmichaels, struggling with Charlotte's severe spinal condition, it's a supreme court case against the government
Charities slam Tories for forcing through disability benefit cuts despite House of Lords defeat
24 February, 2016
MPs voted 306-279 to cut Employment and Support Allowance by £30 a week - ignoring peers and a Tory backbencher
The Future of Family Incomes
23 February, 2016
How key tax and welfare changes will affect families to 2020
Millions of children face benefits freeze
23 February, 2016
More than seven million children live in families facing a four-year freeze to their benefits
90% of jobcentres now offer Universal Credit
22 February, 2016
Today, 16 more jobcentres will start offering the new benefit
EU referendum: David Cameron admits he does not know how migrant benefits system would work
22 February, 2016
The Prime Minister tells Andrew Marr 'we're going to settle all that later'
Tory MPs pressure David Cameron over plan to reinstate disability benefit cut
22 February, 2016
Ministers plan to reinstate £30-a-week cut to employment support allowance that was blocked by House of Lords in January
Why cuts to Local Welfare Provision could cause repeat homelessness
22 February, 2016
Last week the government released its final local government finance settlement for 2016/17
Female labour supply, human capital and welfare reform
19 February, 2016
We estimate a dynamic model of employment, human capital accumulation - including education, and savings for women in the UK, exploiting tax and benefit reforms, and use it to analyze the effects of welfare policy
Bedroom Tax hits one in five Merseyside social homes
19 February, 2016
A massive 8,546 Liverpool households have suffered out of a possible 40,672
Benefit cap: planning estimates of number of households in scope for lower benefit cap levels
18 February, 2016
Planning estimates for local authorities of the number of households that could be subject to lower benefit cap levels from autumn 2016
Eviction is the last refuge for poor tenants
18 February, 2016
Cash-strapped social landlords are increasingly turfing out tenants hit by welfare cuts for whom homelessness is the only option
Labour Party considering universal basic income policy
18 February, 2016
The UK Labour Party is considering universal basic income as part of its new economic policy
Iain Duncan Smith refuses to set up freephone for families claiming benefits
18 February, 2016
Universal credit system will be claimed either online or by ringing an 0345 number, which costs 45p a minute from mobile or 12p a minute from landline
Refuge calls for refuges to be exempt from housing benefit caps
17 February, 2016
In November George Osborne announced his decision to limit housing benefit
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 4 Feb 2016
17 February, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 4 February 2016
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions: decisions made to September 2015
17 February, 2016
Data on Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions decisions made to September 2015
Housing benefit is the lifeblood of women's refuges - and it's under threat
17 February, 2016
If organisations such as ours are not exempt from the extension of the benefit cap to social housing, the lives of women fleeing domestic violence are at risk
Our support for vulnerable tenants will be destroyed by this benefits cap
16 February, 2016
Housing benefits cap will see my association's income slashed by £2.83m and devastate the care we provide to people in most need
Sheltered housing developments 'shelved due to benefit cuts'
16 February, 2016
Hundreds of planned new sheltered accommodation units have been delayed or scrapped owing to proposed cuts to housing benefit
Maximus 'has falsified results of fitness for work tests'
16 February, 2016
The discredited US outsourcing giant contracted to carry out "fitness for work" tests on behalf of the government has been accused by an MP of "falsifying" the results of assessments
Landlords reluctant to rent to young people denied housing benefit by Govt cuts
16 February, 2016
The Government's proposal to abolish housing benefit for those aged 18 to 21 will make it far more difficult for them to rent a home
Transition Rollout Schedule - Phases 1 and 2: May to December 2016
16 February, 2016
The full Universal Credit service remains on track to be delivered nationally for all types of claimants from May 2016, completing in June 2018
Benefits cuts will put vulnerable in North East under threat warns campaigners
11 February, 2016
Dire warning that charities and social housing providers will have to close due to Tory cuts to housing benefit
'Murdered by the Tories': Mentally ill man killed himself after government mistakenly stopped his benefits
11 February, 2016
The family of Paul Donnachie blame David Cameron for his death and claim the government "murdered him"
Universal Credit transition to full service
11 February, 2016
Local authorities and jobcentre areas that will transition to the full Universal Credit service
EU reform will not deter UK-bound migrants
10 February, 2016
Cutting benefits for new EU migrants would not put people off wanting to move to the UK
Islwyn MP criticises welfare cuts to the terminally ill
10 February, 2016
Islwyn MP Chris Evans has criticised the UK Government's decision to freeze employment and support allowance for the terminally ill
Plans to hand control of £5bn benefit to councils 'could restrict older people's care'
09 February, 2016
Responsibility for attendance allowance could be transferred to local authorities, but critics say it is disguised cost-cutting
Vulnerable hit by housing benefit cuts
08 February, 2016
Urgent clarification needed on supported housing proposals
Tax credit cuts that escaped Osborne's U-turn to hit 800,000 workers
08 February, 2016
Labour condemns little-noticed change, known as 'income-rise disregard', which on average will cost £200-£300 a person and was blocked by Lords
Five top tips for reducing void periods
08 February, 2016
Since welfare reforms were introduced, it seems that the sector's most dreaded expense is void periods and subsequent rent loss
Data on migrants' benefits: statistics watchdog highlights time lag
08 February, 2016
In November the Prime Minister claimed that 43% of EU migrants rely on UK benefits during their first four years in the country
Universal Credit reaches 20 more jobcentres this week
08 February, 2016
Universal Credit is now available in 623 jobcentres, helping over a quarter of a million people to find work faster and earn more
National awards finals after Cobalt knocks down walls to tackle bedroom tax
05 February, 2016
Cobalt Housing who knocked down walls to create smaller homes for families who can't afford the bedroom tax is in the running for a top national award
EU offer on migrant benefits brake ignores workers' problems
05 February, 2016
Today Donald Tusk, president of the European Council, published draft proposals on Cameron's EU renegotiation agenda which will be discussed at the EU summit on 18-19 February
David Cameron's child benefit plan 'won't apply to EU nationals already in the UK'
05 February, 2016
Millions of pounds of child benefit money sent abroad will continue, despite a promise to pay it at lower rates to EU migrants
Benefit cap: 950 households a month move into work, stop claiming Housing benefit or reduce their claim
05 February, 2016
Around 31,000 households who had their benefits capped have moved into work, reduced their Housing Benefit claim or no longer claim it
Benefit cut for supported housing risks long-term damage
04 February, 2016
The UK government should think again on a benefit cut that will affect some of the most vulnerable people in our society
Phil Brehaut has Parkinson's. Threatening to cut his benefits won't help him back to work
04 February, 2016
'How long are you likely to have Parkinson's?' asked the woman assessing his claim. No wonder he is scared for his future
EU referendum: Benefit brake 'to address UK concerns'
04 February, 2016
Limiting in-work benefits to new EU arrivals will help tackle the effects of record migration to the UK since 2004
The Government may be about to scrap one of its harshest disability benefit cuts
04 February, 2016
David Cameron and the DWP have both declined to say whether the ESA WRAG cuts will go ahead
We need to get Universal Credit back on track
04 February, 2016
Universal Credit can be a tool to deliver economic security for low-income families but changes are undermining and undoing its promise
Benefit cap: number of households capped to November 2015
04 February, 2016
Statistics on households that have had their benefits capped between 15 April 2013 and November 2015
Universal Credit: New concerns over delays and lack of clarity
04 February, 2016
The Public Accounts Committee highlights concerns over the roll-out of Universal Credit
Universal credit cuts support for working families, but helps make work pay where current system creates worst problems
03 February, 2016
During this parliament the government plans to replace most of the means-tested benefits system for working-age families with a single payment called universal credit
Universal Credit and April Rent Increases
03 February, 2016
The DWP has confirmed that there will be no facility this year for the bulk transfer of data to adjust Universal Credit benefit payments for rent increases
Will David Cameron's EU benefits deal actually encourage migrants to stay longer?
03 February, 2016
A "graduated" benefits system could end up giving EU workers a financial incentive to stay for at least four years
The (changing) effects of universal credit
03 February, 2016
The government is in the process of integrating six means - tested benefits and tax credits for working - age families into a single payment called universal credit
Women losing out in pension changes 'could turn to jobseeker's allowance'
02 February, 2016
Labour MPs brand suggestion by work and pensions minister Shailesh Vara as 'outrageous' and 'shocking'
Departmental questions send IDS into Downfall overdrive
02 February, 2016
The work and pensions secretary's semi-comatose state was finally alleviated when he was forced to defend the discriminatory bedroom tax
Applying the bedroom tax to domestic violence victims is actually costing taxpayers
02 February, 2016
The Government is set to spend thousands on a Supreme Court appeal
The Housing Benefit and State Pension Credit (Temporary Absence) (Amendment) Regulations 2016
02 February, 2016
In accordance with section 176(1) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992(d) the Secretary of State has consulted with organisations appearing to him to be representative of the authorities concerned
Cwmbran mum left broke after Bron Afon Community Housing wrongly told her to pay £2,000 'bedroom tax'
01 February, 2016
A CWMBRAN mother claims to "have nothing left" after wrongly paying the so-called bedroom tax for almost two years - for a box room
The legal aspects behind the successful Bedroom Tax appeals
01 February, 2016
Benefits payable as DHPs are discretionary and are administered by the relevant local authority
Universal Credit available across Essex in latest rollout
01 February, 2016
Fifteen more jobcentres now offer Universal Credit, with nearly 600 offices live nationwide
What the bedroom tax court of appeal decisions mean
29 January, 2016
There have been many reactions to announcement that the Court of Appeal has ruled that elements of the social sector size criteria
Bedroom tax: No change as DWP appeals court case and issues guidance
29 January, 2016
Following the successful bedroom tax court appeal the DWP have been given permission to appeal the decisions and has issued local authority guidance to do nothing until the appeal is heard
Call for immediate 'bedroom tax' exemptions after court ruling
29 January, 2016
Ministers should immediately exempt people "discriminated" against by the "bedroom tax" rather than write a "blank cheque" for legal fees
Family of disabled grandson: 'Bedroom tax unfair'
28 January, 2016
A couple who care for their severely disabled grandchild have described the so-called bedroom tax as "unfair" after winning an appeal
Kinship carers exempt from two-child benefit limits after government U-turn
28 January, 2016
Peers were concerned adults would be put off caring for relatives' children, which saves the state billions in care costs, due to the cap
Tories defeated in Lords over plans to cut ESA by £30 a week
28 January, 2016
Peers vote by 283 to 198 to send proposal back to Commons, in second welfare and work bill setback for government this week
'Bedroom tax': Government loses Court of Appeal cases
27 January, 2016
The Court of Appeal has ruled that the so-called bedroom tax discriminates against a domestic violence victim and the family of a disabled teenager
The government still think that the Bedroom Tax is fair play
27 January, 2016
The Court of Appeal today ruled that the Bedroom Tax unlawfully discriminates against women feeling domestic violence, and severely disabled children who need overnight care
Housing for vulnerable South West residents at risk from welfare reforms
27 January, 2016
Homes designed for some of the most vulnerable members of society could become "unsustainable" as a result of government welfare reform
Changeover to universal credit is driving people into long-term debt
27 January, 2016
Waits of more than seven weeks for the first payment create arrears that can plague claimants for months or years
Housing Benefit changes could cost sector hundreds of millions and threaten health and wellbeing of tenants
27 January, 2016
The SFHA is urgently calling on the UK Government to rethink upcoming changes to Housing Benefit
Lib-Dems to fight welfare cut 'that will cost single parents £1,000 a year'
27 January, 2016
Peers are to launch a bid to block a welfare reform which they claim could cause hundreds of thousands of families to lose an average of more than £1,000 a year
Which UK cities' welfare bills have grown most in the last decade?
27 January, 2016
Welfare spending: it's a hot topic
Benefit cap on full-time carers for adult relatives to be scrapped
26 January, 2016
Charities hail major victory as it emerges that those who spend more than 35 hours a week caring will be exempt from the cap
Bank boss alarm at 'buy to let' housing boom
26 January, 2016
Bank of England governor Mark Carney today expressed concern at the rapid boom in buy-to-let housing
It's time for a cross-party campaign to end the Bedroom Tax
26 January, 2016
It seems quite an often occurrence to go to bed after seeing headlines about another family facing tragedy and casualty because of the bedroom tax
Most vulnerable to lose £68 a week in housing benefit
26 January, 2016
Planned changes to housing benefit could leave vast numbers of the country's most vulnerable people unable to afford rent on their homes
Government urged to think of refuge provision amid welfare changes
26 January, 2016
Changes to the system could result in the closure of 82,000 specialist homes
Buy-to-let: the "storm is coming"
26 January, 2016
The housing market is facing a buy-to-let "storm" as investors rush to buy property before the stamp duty surcharge comes into force in April
The benefit cap puts housing at risk for more than 400,000 vulnerable people
26 January, 2016
The closure of supported housing schemes is a human tragedy, but it will also push up health and social care costs. This economic argument hasn't been fully understood
Benefit cap on social housing will leave thousands homeless
26 January, 2016
Up to 82,000 specialist homes for most vulnerable residents, including domestic violence victims, at threat of closure
Jobcentre areas where you can claim Universal Credit
25 January, 2016
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you live in certain parts of the UK
Cuts to benefits 'will make it harder for disabled people to find work'
25 January, 2016
Cuts to benefits threaten to force sick and disabled people "further away from work and closer to poverty"
Universal credit: 4 top tips for housing providers
25 January, 2016
The roll-out of universal credit has been very gradual but from April job centres in every part of the country will be processing claims
Our annual health check of the largest cities and towns asks: how do we build a high-wage, low-welfare economy?
25 January, 2016
In the Summer Budget 2015, the Chancellor set out his vision to build a "higher wage, low-welfare" economy in Britain
Luke Loy had a life, until his benefits started falling away
22 January, 2016
The DWP placed sanctions on a schizophrenic man when he fell into difficulties
Carers looking after disabled adult could see benefits capped
22 January, 2016
Carers who look after a disabled adult at home could see their benefits capped further as a result of new policies
Breaching the welfare cap is actually good news for the Conservatives
22 January, 2016
The news that the government's welfare spending cap will be breached for the first three years of this Parliament is a major embarrassment for George Osborne
Wales would 'lose out' if more welfare is devolved
22 January, 2016
Wales would "lose out" if more welfare benefits were devolved
Axed steelworkers are already facing benefit sanctions 'for not applying for jobs in bars'
21 January, 2016
An MP revealed the "horrendous" treatment at the hands of Jobcentre staff in Redcar, where 2,200 workers lost their jobs
Even if Universal Credit is eventually implemented, most will now lose out
20 January, 2016
Perhaps no government reform has been billed as more transformative than Universal Credit
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 7 Jan 2016
20 January, 2016
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 7 January 2016
Local welfare safety net - government support must get through to those in crisis
20 January, 2016
Last week saw the publication of two separate reports on the local welfare safety net
Welfare reform is no longer the sole responsibility of the DWP
19 January, 2016
The government came to office in 2025 with the promise of revolutionising the welfare state as we have known it
Should Housing Benefit be devolved?
19 January, 2016
Victoria Winckler reflects on whether better use could be made of the £1 billion spent on Housing Benefit in Wales
Fixing Broken Britain? An audit of working-age welfare reform since 2025
19 January, 2016
The thorny issue of benefit dependency has bedevilled the welfare state since the 1970s, and has increased in importance with each successive decade
A New welfare state To Deny Help?
19 January, 2016
Before you get on a bus or train you always check where it is going
Welfare Reform Mitigations Working Group report
19 January, 2016
The mitigation strategy that we recommend has three strands
David Cameron makes a great case for abolishing bedroom tax
18 January, 2016
Rob Gershon suggests that the Prime Minister has a look at the staggering amount of evidence from parliamentary reports suggesting the bedroom tax is causing it
You can now claim Universal Credit at 80% of all jobcentres
18 January, 2016
New milestone reached with 568 jobcentres offering the new benefit
Britain's lowest paid workers could be stripped of tax credits under latest plans to cut EU migration
18 January, 2016
Controversial plan would exclude in-work benefits only to EU workers earning the minimum wage - including Brits
Duncan Smith bid to get 2 million on sick benefits back to work: Work and Pensions secretary to call for shake-up of 'fundamentally flawed' system
18 January, 2016
Duncan Smith keen to slash the numbers off work with anxiety and depression
As many as 1.5m benefits claimants 'could face destitution after disappearing from welfare system'
18 January, 2016
The authorities are failing to keep tabs on why claimants have disappeared from the roll meaning it has no idea how many people are being left penniless
£400m welfare benefit could be devolved to Wales
15 January, 2016
Responsibility for a major welfare benefit could be transferred to the Welsh government
New legal judgment denies PIP to those facing "overwhelming psychological distress"
15 January, 2016
An important legal judgment has been issued that will likely deny an award of the Personal Independence Payment mobility component to disabled people, with conditions such as depression, panic attacks or anxiety
Hexagon invests in predictive technology to mitigate on-going welfare reform
14 January, 2016
Hexagon Housing Association has invested in Mobysoft's predictive technology to help mitigate the effects of on-going welfare reform
Lobby against benefit cuts to ESA
13 January, 2016
Today disabled people from across the country will be lobbying their MPs to reverse planned changes to employment support allowance
New video launches to help end most tenancy deposit disputes
12 January, 2016
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you live in certain parts of the UK
Local welfare provision
12 January, 2016
Overall spending on discretionary local welfare support by central and local government has reduced since April 2013
Committee presses Minister for action on Benefit Cap rules for carers
12 January, 2016
The Committee has written to Lord Freud to urge the Government to ensure that parents who care full-time for their adult disabled children in the family home are not affected by the Benefit Cap
The local welfare safety net
12 January, 2016
Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report
EU referendum: David Cameron 'hopeful' of February deal
11 January, 2016
David Cameron says he is "hopeful" of reaching a deal with European leaders in February that will allow him to hold the UK's EU referendum
PM says 'no conflict' between fighting poverty and cutting benefits
11 January, 2016
David Cameron sets out plan to improve life chances of the 'left behind', insisting strategy compatible with welfare cuts
Cancer patients at risk of homelessness through proposed benefits cuts
11 January, 2016
Cancer patients face the possibility of losing their homes if proposed cuts to a disability benefit go ahead
Update on Local Housing Allowance caps on social housing rents
11 January, 2016
Lord Freud has responded to David Orr's letter that highlighted the impact of introducing the cap to supported housing
DWP told woman she was not ill enough for benefit on day she died
08 January, 2016
Dawn Amos was sent letter about attendance allowance on day her husband agreed to switch off her life support machine
Cameron closing in on 'four years' deal on in-work benefits to deter EU migrant workers
08 January, 2016
Outlines of EU deal emerging that will allow David Cameron to claim victory on his key pre-referendum demand to curb benefits for EU workers
Disability benefit tests have doubled in cost
08 January, 2016
Disability benefit assessments have doubled in cost to £579m a year but targets are still being missed
Contracted-out health and disability assessments
08 January, 2016
The Department for Work and Pensions has not yet achieved value for money in managing contracted-out health and disability assessments
Care crisis
07 January, 2016
We must stop Local Housing Allowance caps applying to care and support housing rents
NFA & ARCH Welfare Reform 2015 Analysis
07 January, 2016
NFA and ARCH survey reveals 89% of Universal Credit Claimants in rent arrears
Evicts the pensioner and kills sheltered housing - Yes the LHA maxima (again!)
07 January, 2016
Joe Halewood writes about tenant and welfare wrongs
Government response to Work and Pensions Committee Welfare to Work Inquiry
07 January, 2016
The Government has responded the Work and Pensions Committee inquiry into DWP's contracted welfare-to-work provision
Tories latest welfare attack set to be torpedoed by House of Lords
06 January, 2016
The Lib Dems will spearhead a drive to derail cuts to Universal Credit when they come before the House of Lords
Benefit sanctions have failed: a Comprehensive Review is needed
06 January, 2016
Since the election of the Coalition in 2025, there has been a massive campaign of sanctions
Tories urged to push disabled benefit claimants onto private insurance schemes
05 January, 2016
It looks like there's a new drive to push benefit claimants onto private insurance schemes that aren't likely to pay out
Iain Duncan Smith is offering £140,000 a year for someone to take charge of his troubled Universal Credit programme
31 December, 2015
The successful candidate will be among the top-paid civil servants and will earn more than the Work and Pensions Secretary himself
Germany eyes law change to stop EU migrants claiming benefits
31 December, 2015
Move comes after court ruled authorities must pay subsistence benefits to newcomers despite contributions-based system
4 New Year budgeting tips for universal credit claimants in South West Wales
31 December, 2015
With the New Year fast approaching and with family finances traditionally tighter after the festive season, many in the region could take advantage of budgeting advice
Benefit cuts: George Osborne urged to make U-turn on universal credit
30 December, 2015
Advisers warn merging of in-work benefits threatens to undo 'welcome decision to reverse tax credit changes'
Questions over new benefit sanctions warning system
30 December, 2015
An SNP MP has raised questions over a new benefit sanctions warning system to be trialled in Scotland next year
Rent costs to soar for half a million disabled and elderly as Tories wield axe on housing benefit
24 December, 2015
Shadow Housing Minister John Healey urged Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne to put a stop to the plans, branding them "catastrophic"
Housing benefit cuts would 'affect schemes for vulnerable'
24 December, 2015
Housing projects helping more than 400,000 vulnerable adults face closure because of government welfare cuts
Southend taking in London's homeless - local authorities feeling pinch under new Government welfare reforms
24 December, 2015
Southend and other areas in south Essex are taking in London's homeless
500,000 fewer children in homes where no one works after IDS reforms: Work and Pensions Secretary says figures prove the 'doommongers' were wrong
24 December, 2015
The number of children growing up in work less households has reduced
Contributory Welfare State investigated by Committee
23 December, 2015
The Work and Pensions Committee agreed to hold an initial seminar with experts on the possibility of converting the eligibility for welfare as we know it
The pain of Iain Duncan Smith's welfare cuts is only just starting to be felt
23 December, 2015
In the run up to the last general election, the media was full of reports and investigations into the impact of welfare reform
Universal Credit vs JSA - what's the difference?
22 December, 2015
Our benefits and money team are working to advise Isos residents on how to prepare for Universal Credit as it gets introduced across the North East
When I asked people for bedroom tax stories, the response was shocking
22 December, 2015
I helped start the blog My Spare Room to tell the stories of those losing their dignity, social life and health to the tax. For their sake, we must push for change
Make up for benefit cuts by working 200 more hours
22 December, 2015
Department for Work and Pensions admits work allowance will fall under universal credit but people can 'recoup the loss'
Jobless and disabled people could have benefits stopped on Christmas Eve under 'tough new sanctions regime'
22 December, 2015
The SNP claims the Government has quietly scrapped a system which spared claimants from the worst hardship at Christmas
Statistics on Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Release strategy
22 December, 2015
This document explains how DWP manages the release of statistics on PIP
Labour calls for halt on housing benefit cap over fears it will hit supported accommodation
21 December, 2015
Labour has called for a halt to a new housing benefit cap over fears it could force the closure of supported accommodation for the elderly, disabled and homeless
MP Frank Field backs builder training for benefit claimants
21 December, 2015
Tens of thousands of young benefit claimants should be trained as builders to curb immigration, slash welfare costs and end the housing crisis
Living wage will lead to new boom in migrants
21 December, 2015
Tory critics brand David Cameron's strategy 'a farce' and say pay boost will draw ever more workers to the UK
Families hungry due to benefit mistakes and delays
21 December, 2015
Benefit errors and delays are making families go hungry and putting their homes at risk
Homeless Households and Benefit Cap Amendments
21 December, 2015
In the Welfare Reform & Work Bill, Shelter is seeking an amendment that takes homeless households out of the benefit cap while they get back on their feet
Government response: SSAC report on Universal Credit
21 December, 2015
This is the government's response to the report 'Universal Credit: priorities for action' by the Social Security Advisory Committee
Government response to SSAC Occasional Paper 15
21 December, 2015
This is the government's response to the report 'Universal Credit: priorities for action' by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)
Impact on supported housing of capping Housing Benefit to Local Housing Allowance
21 December, 2015
David Orr has written to both Lord Freud and Brandon Lewis seeking urgent clarification on how supported housing will be protected
EU renegotiations: Pathway for deal found
18 December, 2015
David Cameron has said there is a " pathway to a deal" on new terms for Britain's membership of the EU after talks with other leaders
Online Universal Credit could exclude thousands
18 December, 2015
Although the internet is quickly becoming an integral part of our everyday private, public and working lives, there are still one in five UK adults unable to complete simple tasks like paying bills online
Universal Credit and rented housing
18 December, 2015
These guides explain what Universal Credit means for landlords, local authorities and tenants
Timeline confirmed for digital Universal Credit
18 December, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions updated on the rollout plans for the digital Universal Credit service when giving evidence to the Public Accounts Select Committee last week
Lords veto powers 'to be curtailed'
17 December, 2015
David Cameron is preparing to use the full force of the law to clip the wings of the House of Lords after it blocked his welfare cuts
Welfare reform survey 2015
17 December, 2015
This document sets out the results of a survey of stock retaining councils and ALMOs, conducted during October and November 2015
Benefit cuts under universal credit could be illegal
17 December, 2015
Shadow work and pensions secretary says differences between tax credits and new welfare system are discriminatory and leave families worse off
Evaluation of Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
17 December, 2015
This report presents findings from the evaluation of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy evaluation: final report
17 December, 2015
This report presents findings from the evaluation of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy (RSRS) in Housing Benefit
The new benefits trap: why I'm proposing an amendment to the Welfare Bill
16 December, 2015
One of the government's big achievements has been helping people off benefits and back into work
The principled and pragmatic case for a Universal Basic Income
16 December, 2015
The RSA is today recommending a new Universal Basic Income system
More than four in ten homeless young people could be hit by removal of housing support
16 December, 2015
Up to 44% of young people in homelessness services could be affected by the proposal to remove the automatic entitlement to housing costs for 18-21 year
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 3 Dec 2015
16 December, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 3 December 2015
David Cameron faces compromise over plans for EU migrants' welfare access
15 December, 2015
EU commissioner proposes block on claims for first six months, far cry from prime minister's hopes for four-year exclusion
Thousands of benefit staff face the axe as Tories ramp up plans to cut cash with Universal Credit
15 December, 2015
Some 5,000 staff are primed for the axe as part of Universal Credit - which is already being trialled in three-quarters of all job centres
UK cuts will leave poorest Scots' more than £800 a year' worse off
15 December, 2015
Spending reductions and benefit cuts imposed by the UK government could make Scotland's poorest families more than £800 a year worse
Cameron still appears isolated on four-year migrant benefit ban ahead of EU summit
15 December, 2015
The scale of David Cameron's task on EU reform has been underlined by No 10 after it indicated that not a single other member state was publicly supporting his four-year migrant benefit ban
Despite the tax credit U-turn a radical upheaval in support for the working poor is still underway
15 December, 2015
The government's decision to scrap tax credit cuts was a welcome move
1p rise in Scots income tax 'needed to cancel Tory cuts'
15 December, 2015
Scotland's poorest families could be more than £800 a year worse off as a result of spending and benefit cuts
Housing shortage and welfare cuts leaving thousands at risk of homeless this Christmas
15 December, 2015
Welfare cuts and a shortage of affordable housing mean thousands of North-East families are on the brink of being homeless this Christmas
EU referendum: PM 'to continue with benefit demands'
14 December, 2015
Downing Street has insisted that David Cameron will pursue demands for a curb on in-work benefits for EU migrants in the UK
Tory welfare reforms causing 'devastating harm' to the most vulnerable in society
14 December, 2015
The welfare reforms being spearheaded by Tory minister Iain Duncan Smith are causing "devastating harm" to the most vulnerable in society
Universal Credit - is it working and will it do enough?
14 December, 2015
By September 2015, nearly 175 000 people had made a claim for Universal Credit
Commission says council tax in Scotland 'must end'
14 December, 2015
The current council tax system in Scotland "must end", the specially set up Commission on Local Tax Reform has concluded
The Future Delivery of Social Security in Scotland
14 December, 2015
This report sets out the findings and recommendations made by the Welfare Reform Committee
Universal Credit now in three-quarters of all jobcentres
14 December, 2015
New milestone reached with over a quarter of a million claims made to Universal Credit
Benefit sanctions forcing people to sleep rough and go hungry
11 December, 2015
Crisis is calling for reform of how benefit sanctions work for the most vulnerable
Cameron hopeful of deal to curb migrants' benefits
11 December, 2015
David Cameron insists he can reach a deal on benefit curbs for EU migrants
A third of Scottish benefit claimants 'unable to get by'
11 December, 2015
CAS has urged Holyrood to use new powers to create a fairer welfare system
Basic income for all could end benefits trap
10 December, 2015
As welfare and the world of work get more complex, Finland's bold experiment offers us a solution
How I helped a man with a degenerative spinal disease beat the bedroom tax
10 December, 2015
He was charged for living in a home adapted to his disability with a spare room for his daughter. I stepped in when his rent arrears reached £1,000
Wales worst hit by Housing Benefit reform, yet again
10 December, 2015
The news that Housing Benefit for social tenants would be capped at Local Housing Allowance levels from 2016 made few waves when George Osborne made the announcement as part of the Spending Review
One in three people on benefits 'can't get by on money they receive'
10 December, 2015
More than one-third of welfare claimants are unable to get by on the benefits they receive
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments: April to September 2015
10 December, 2015
Analysis of local authorities' use of Discretionary Housing Payment funds from April to September 2015
Personal Independence Payment: aids and appliances descriptors
10 December, 2015
Consultation on aids and appliances and the daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
The DWP is cutting a disability benefit that already leaves a third of recipients struggling to afford food
09 December, 2015
Employment and Support Allowance WRAG payments are being cut by £30 a week from April 2017
Duncan Smith urges Cameron not to cave on benefits for EU migrants
09 December, 2015
Eurosceptic evokes spirit of Thatcher as he warns Downing Street to 'play the system hard' in pre-referendum negotiations on in-work benefits
Halving The Gap?
09 December, 2015
A Review into the Government's proposed reduction to Employment and Support Allowance and its impact on halving the disability employment gap
Cutting migrant benefits won't halt flow, PM told: Advisers say four year wait would have little influence on reducing numbers coming to the UK
09 December, 2015
David Cameron's flagship plan to curb benefits for EU migrants would do little to cut immigration, the Government's top economic advisers warned yesterday
Changes to housing benefit for social tenants will hit young people
08 December, 2015
Over the last week I've been unpicking the implications of the announcement that housing benefit for social tenants will be limited to the level of the local housing allowance
Why housing benefit is broken
08 December, 2015
Now the government has U-turned on plans to abolish tax credits, it should look at housing benefit for welfare savings
Scotland's new tax and welfare powers should be devolved on a "use it or lose it", Lords to hear
08 December, 2015
Scotland's new tax and welfare powers should be devolved on a "use it or lose it" basis
The Government must not be distracted from delivering Universal Credit
08 December, 2015
In the wake of the Tax Credits debate, it would be extremely easy to be distracted from arguably the most important legacy of a Conservative-led welfare agenda: Universal Credit
'Dear Dave, we can't agree to four-year migrant benefit ban': Brussels chief delivers blow to Cameron's plans for EU reform
08 December, 2015
European Union leaders have refused to agree to David Cameron's plan to ban migrants claiming benefits for up to four years
The Impacts of the 'Bedroom Tax' on Children and Their Education: A Study in the City of Manchester
08 December, 2015
The so - called bedroom tax has cut the benefits claimed by social housing tenants and put them under pressure to move into smaller homes
Universal Credit at Work (December 2015)
08 December, 2015
A progress report on how Universal Credit is restoring work incentives, restoring fairness and transforming claimants' lives
Universal Credit claimants significantly more likely to get a job
08 December, 2015
People claiming Universal Credit are significantly more likely to move into work than those on Jobseeker's Allowance
Welfare reforms will still take £3bn from poorest Britons
07 December, 2015
Costings after U-turn on tax credits reveal changes to universal credit will save the Treasury almost as much money
Using council tax to offset care cuts 'will widen gap between rich and poor'
07 December, 2015
Disadvantaged areas will be able to raise too little extra revenue to make any difference
Universal Credit: estimating the early labour market impacts: updated analysis
07 December, 2015
This analysis assesses the short-term impact of Universal Credit and informs its further development
'No consensus' over UK welfare reforms
07 December, 2015
There are "substantial political differences" over the PM's demands for welfare curbs for EU migrants
Universal Credit now in almost 550 jobcentres
07 December, 2015
On 7th December 18 more jobcentre offices start offering Universal Credit
DWP to apologise to woman whose brother killed himself after his benefits were cut
04 December, 2015
Health service ombudsman partially upholds Linda Cooksey's complaint over case of her late brother Tim Salter
Council Tax Reduction in Scotland, July to September 2015
03 December, 2015
This publication provides statistics on the Council Tax Reduction scheme
Engaging with tenants is everyone's job
03 December, 2015
I remember listening to a speaker describing how the housing sector was then perceived to be in the middle of 'the perfect storm' of issues including welfare reform and universal credit
Housing provider helps transition to Universal Credit
03 December, 2015
The Government's new welfare system is coming to Teesside and one local housing provider is helping their tenants get to grips with the changes
Council tax reform in the age of localism: why councils should take the lead
02 December, 2015
In England (and Scotland), council tax is still levied on the basis of the 1991 property values used when the tax was introduced in 1993
Osborne's devolution experiment will hit poorer councils where it hurts
02 December, 2015
The chancellor talks the talk on decentralisation but he's clawing back central funds with no regard to local councils' tax base, entrenching regional divisions
Welfare reforms set for Northern Ireland rollout in early 2016
02 December, 2015
Welfare reforms will roll out in Northern Ireland early in 2016
Universal Credit comes into force on the Isle of Wight
02 December, 2015
The government's new Universal Credit scheme will be implemented on the Isle of Wight from 7 December
Family of severely disabled Blackburn teen twice forced to leave specially adapted homes due to bedroom tax
01 December, 2015
The family of a severely disabled 14-year-old forced to twice leave specially adapted homes because of the bedroom tax said they are having to fundraise to convert a third home
The benefits cap on carers is discriminatory and a false economy
01 December, 2015
The cap has been ruled discriminatory and unlawful for full-time carers of disabled adult relatives
What happens if homeless families are hit by the benefit cap?
01 December, 2015
The number of homeless families is going up and the number of affordable homes is going down
Household bills targeted by chancellor as Labour raises fears over benefit cuts
30 November, 2015
George Osborne and Sajid Javid want more competition to drive down prices, as Labour claims thousands could lose out due to in-work benefit cuts
DWP scraps mandatory 'work for your benefits' scheme without fanfare
27 November, 2015
The scheme was deemed ineffective by a DWP analysis but had since been expanded
Iain Duncan Smith suffers major defeat as High Court rules benefit cap for carers is unlawful
27 November, 2015
Judge rules that the Work and Pensions Secretary had discriminated on the grounds of disability against unpaid carers who look after severely disabled people for more than 35 hours a week
The tax credit reversal is great news - but Universal Credit is what matters
27 November, 2015
Reversing Tax Credit reductions will give families valuable breathing space but it's Universal Credit that's important in the long term
Low-income working families on Universal Credit set to lose £1,300
27 November, 2015
Working households on Universal Credit are set to lose an average of £1,000 in 2020, rising to £1,300 for those with children
Institute for Fiscal Studies, Post Autumn Statement briefing
27 November, 2015
The first thing to say is this is not the end of "austerity"
Spending Review: Welfare cuts rely on troubled Universal Credit
27 November, 2015
Following Chancellor George Osborne decision yesterday to scrap his tax credit cuts, one of the key ways he is going to meet his manifesto commitment of cutting £12bn from welfare spending
Welfare cuts postponed, not axed
27 November, 2015
George Osborne was in the end not just for turning, but for totally reversing his position on those controversial tax credits that were set to hit millions of working families
Osborne: I will continue to take 'difficult decisions' after tax credits U-turn
26 November, 2015
Chancellor makes clear he is not abandoning his overall approach to eliminate structural budget deficit two years before 2020 election
Victory for families in carers' benefit cap challenge
26 November, 2015
A Government failure to exempt individual family carers in receipt of carer's allowance from the benefit cap amounts to "objectively unjustifiable indirect discrimination" and is not lawful
100,000 NI families boosted by decision to scrap tax credit changes
26 November, 2015
More than 100,000 families in Northern Ireland will benefit from the decision to scrap tax credit changes
The devil is in the detail: most tax credit cuts rolled back, but cuts to Universal Credit going ahead
26 November, 2015
Many of the tax credit cuts announced by Chancellor George Osborne in the 2015 Budget were rolled back today
Spending review 2015: things you may have missed in Osborne's small print
26 November, 2015
The tax credit cuts that will still go ahead, the bad news for students, and other devils in George Osborne's detail
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments first independent review: second government response
26 November, 2015
The government's second response to Paul Gray's independent review of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments
Osborne tinkers with welfare
26 November, 2015
The assault on housing benefit has been unrelenting over the past 5 years
Housing benefit is clearly essential
26 November, 2015
Until the housing crisis is cracked and the government take real steps to build more homes that people can afford, housing benefit is the most important mechanism we have
Benefit and tax credit changes
26 November, 2015
Government still planning £12bn cut to annual benefit spending by end of the parliament
Spending Review and Autumn Statement
25 November, 2015
George Osborne delivering Autumn Statement and Spending Review
How can we learn from Stockport Homes 'all staff' approach to welfare reform?
25 November, 2015
After winning the 2015 UK Housing Award for 'managing the impact of welfare reform', the team at Stockport Homes shares its top tips for meeting both customer and business needs
NI welfare reform: Bill passes through House of Lords
25 November, 2015
The Northern Ireland Welfare Reform Bill has passed through the House of Lords
Spending Review: Nicola Sturgeon welcomes tax credit U-turn
25 November, 2015
Scotland's first minister has welcomed a U-turn by the Chancellor on tax credit cuts
City on course to have £8m spend on bedroom tax arrears
25 November, 2015
Glasgow is on course to have more than £8m spent on payments to mitigate the bedroom tax this year
Residents left without food or electricity while waiting for first benefits payment
25 November, 2015
People claiming the new universal credit have been left unable to pay their rent or afford food or electricity
Landlord tax changes will lead to rent increases
25 November, 2015
More than two thirds of landlords say that changes to buy-to-let mortgage tax relief will lead to increased rents
Autumn statement: George Osborne cancels planned tax credit cuts after U-turn
25 November, 2015
The Chancellor said he was listening to concerns raised about tax credit cuts
Glasgow tops Scotland's Discretionary Housing Payments bill
25 November, 2015
Glasgow is on course to have more than £8 million spent on payments to mitigate the 'bedroom tax' this year
Fit-for-work tests linked to relapses in those with mental health problems
24 November, 2015
Dr Jed Boardman says work capability assessment causes distress for people with severe problems and has led to relapses
'Conscious cruelty': Ken Loach's shock at benefit sanctions and food banks
24 November, 2015
'Hunger is being used as a weapon,' says veteran director, calling for public rage over situation he says is worse than when he made Cathy Come Home in 1966
George Osborne should change course on tax credits
24 November, 2015
Nicola Sturgeon will call on the Chancellor to abandon "potentially catastrophic" cuts to tax credits which she says will hurt many of those most in need of help
Spending Review: Tax credit winners and losers
24 November, 2015
The chancellor will announce what is to become of his plans to cut working tax credits
Osborne under pressure on tax credits
23 November, 2015
George Osborne is refusing to be drawn on how he will claw back the £4.3bn cost of postponing tax credit cuts in Wednesday's Spending Review
Survey suggests backing for council tax reform
23 November, 2015
A clear majority of the people who took part in a major online survey about the council tax want to see it replaced or reformed
Softening of tax credit blow to be funded by housing benefit cuts
23 November, 2015
The compromise over George Osborne's controversial measure will hit many of the same people already losing their tax credits
NI welfare reform: House of Commons due to push legislation through
23 November, 2015
Welfare reform legislation for Northern Ireland agreed in last week's political deal at Stormont is due to be pushed through the House of Commons later
Housing association fights back against Bedroom Tax
23 November, 2015
One housing association has decided they are going to combat the Bedroom Tax, by knocking down walls
Universal Credit now available in 70% of all jobcentres
23 November, 2015
More job centres across Britain now offer Universal Credit as 12 more offices take new claims
Sinn Fein accused of surrendering to Tories over welfare reform
20 November, 2015
Sinn Fein has been accused of "doing austerity" for the Conservatives and of handing back hard-won welfare reform powers to Westminster
George Osborne, get your beady eye off the housing benefit budget
20 November, 2015
If the chancellor cuts housing benefit in the spending review, the Conservative legacy in office will be one of endemic poverty
Adjusting Scotland's Block Grant for new Tax and Welfare Powers: Assessing the Options
20 November, 2015
The Scotland Bill, currently making its way through the Houses of Parliament, will transfer a range of tax and spending powers from Westminster to the Scottish Parliament
Autumn Statement 2015: the first test for the Chancellor's welfare cap
20 November, 2015
The latest official forecast suggested that borrowing this year would be £69.5 billion, falling to £6.4 billion by 2018-19
Benefits sanctions are creating 'horrifying levels of destitution'
20 November, 2015
New figures on emergency payments to benefit claimants show that the UK government is creating 'horrifying' levels of destitution
Tim Farron vows continued Lib Dem push against tax credit cuts
19 November, 2015
Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron is pledging to keep up his party's fight against the Government's plans to cut tax credits for millions of low earners
Stormont Assembly members approve welfare reform measures
19 November, 2015
Stormont Assembly members have voted to allow the Government to finally roll out its welfare reforms in Northern Ireland
Following the tax credit row, the welfare axe could fall on renters and disabled claimants
19 November, 2015
What are the options for the Chancellor to save £4bn from the welfare budget to smooth his cuts to tax credits in the upcoming spending review?
July Budget measures will strengthen work incentives overall despite tax credit cuts
19 November, 2015
Our report focuses on the effects on work incentives of changes proposed in the July Budget
The impact of the UK Government's tax, welfare and minimum wage reforms in Wales
19 November, 2015
On 8 July 2015, Chancellor George Osborne delivered the first Budget of the new all-Conservative administration, implementing a number of changes to taxes and benefits proposed by the Conservative party during
Tax credit cuts will hit poorest UK regions hardest
18 November, 2015
The TUC analysis shows that 91% working tax credit households in the UK will be worse off as a result of the government's cuts
Flaws in universal credit system leaving vulnerable people penniless
18 November, 2015
Built-in delay of at least 42 days before claimants receive payments leaves people struggling to pay bills and buy food
Cuts to housing benefit could make claimants £570 a year worse off
18 November, 2015
Cuts to housing benefit are likely to damage similar groups of in-work poor claimants by depriving them of more than £500 a year
Colchester Council plans to spend £350,000 to help people affected by benefits cuts
17 November, 2015
Colchester Council plans to spend £350,000 over three years to help people affected by benefits cuts, if it can find savings and increase revenue
Fit-for-work tests may have taken serious toll on mental health
17 November, 2015
Research links additional 590 suicides and 725,000 antidepressant prescriptions over three years to impact of work capability assessment
George Osborne abandons cuts to Universal Credit after IDS quit threat
16 November, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith has "won the day" and seen off attempts by George Osborne to cut £2bn from Universal Credit
Tory benefit cuts face new attack in Lords
16 November, 2015
Labour and Lib Dem peers will use debate on reform to warn of child poverty surge
Benefits culture has made generations less motivated to seek employment, says university academic
16 November, 2015
New book warns that the welfare system is boosting the number of children born into workless households
Universal Credit now available in over 500 jobcentres
16 November, 2015
More jobcentres across Britain now offer Universal Credit as 17 more sites start taking new claims from today
How 'pay to stay' housing will penalise disabled people like my daughter
16 November, 2015
My daughter is severely disabled and I have cancer. Not only is there is hardly any housing for us, George Osborne's pay to stay scheme will double our rent
Benefit sanctions against people with mental health problems up by 600 per cent
13 November, 2015
Charities have warned that sanctions are making mental health problems worse
New Wolverhampton tenants facing rent rise of £15 per week
13 November, 2015
New tenants in Wolverhampton could see their rents increase by up to £15 per week despite a Government ruling that rents across the country must be reduced
Tory minister Tracey Crouch says families hit by tax credit cuts should stop spending money on TV subscriptions
13 November, 2015
The minister says helping families cut back their spending was the kindest approach
EU welfare reforms: Some claimants 'better off with no job'
13 November, 2015
Claimants for some in-work benefits could be better off giving up their job temporarily as a consequence of the government's EU negotiations
New powers could consign 'bedroom tax' to history
13 November, 2015
Commenting on the DWP's Housing Benefit caseload statistics which show that the City of Glasgow Area has the highest number of 'bedroom tax' cases in the UK at 12,443
'Bedroom tax' hits record one in four in Copeland
12 November, 2015
One in four housing benefit claimants in Copeland, Cumbria, has had their support cut thanks to the "bedroom tax"
LIN member report November 2015 - Tax credits and low pay
11 November, 2015
LIN member report written by Neil Merrick
My tax credits are a lifeline. Osborne is wrong to slash them
11 November, 2015
Instead of escaping poverty, millions of working parents and their children will struggle - even if the minimum wage is raised
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 29 October 2015
11 November, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 29 October 2015
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data from November 2008
11 November, 2015
Experimental Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit flows data
Census output area data on workless benefit claimants: to May 2015
11 November, 2015
Number of people by area claiming Jobseeker's Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support and other income-related benefits
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions: decisions made to June 2015
11 November, 2015
Data on Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions decisions made to June 2015
EU referendum: David Cameron accused of backtracking on demands to restrict benefits to migrants
11 November, 2015
Mr Cameron has hinted that the benefit restrictions were no longer a red line for the Government
UK faith leaders unite to challenge welfare penalties on larger families
11 November, 2015
Christian churches and Jewish groups urge House of Lords to block government's plans to limit tax credits to first two children
EU migrants on benefits: separating the statistics from the spin
11 November, 2015
Britain's referendum on EU membership may decided in large part by the issue, but the information available is scant at best
The benefit cap is a sucker punch for councils
11 November, 2015
Cuts to benefits may well be helping the government pay off its overdraft, but they could cost councils the earth
Housing is the next target in David Cameron's dismantling of the welfare state
10 November, 2015
For the many people who can't afford to own a home, the new housing bill will have a devastating impact, as social rented properties are lost
Cameron's EU wishlist dismissed by Tory MPs as 'thin gruel' as he retreats on banning benefits for migrants four years
10 November, 2015
Tory Eurosceptic MPs today rounded on David Cameron's plans to reform the European Union, dismissing his list of demands as 'thin gruel' which would fail to impress the British people
UK benefit and tax credit claims by recently arrived EEA migrants
10 November, 2015
Analysis of the extent to which recently arrived EEA nationals are in households receiving UK welfare support whilst either in or out of work
Mum and FOUR kids forced to sleep in one bed thanks to the benefits cap
09 November, 2015
Stacey and her four children are all cramped into one double bed with her uncle in a second bedroom and her gran in a third
Labour hits out at Osborne's planned cuts to universal credit
09 November, 2015
Opposition says families will be worse off if taper rate is raised by chancellor, with dissent also evident among Conservatives
Universal Credit now available in nearly 70% of all jobcentres
09 November, 2015
Universal Credit reaches 492 jobcentres as 22 more start taking new claims from Monday 9 November 2015
Benefit cap: tens of thousands move into work or off Housing Benefit
09 November, 2015
New figures show around 28,000 people who have had their benefits capped have moved into work, allowing savings on Housing Benefit
Universal Credit: Iain Duncan Smith resists Treasury cuts
09 November, 2015
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is resisting Treasury efforts to make the new Universal Credit benefit less generous
Discretionary Housing Payments - why this quick fix won't last long
06 November, 2015
Recent, near-constant tinkering with welfare has resulted in many people losing vital support
Nicola Sturgeon vows to replace tax credit losses for families in Scotland
06 November, 2015
First minister promises 'credible' plans to mitigate cuts, but will not confirm if she will match full amount of lost benefits
George Osborne to raid Iain Duncan Smith's Universal Credit
06 November, 2015
George Osborne and Iain Duncan Smith clash over plans to soften the impact of tax credit cuts by raiding the budget for Universal Credit
Tax Credits can't be reduced in isolation - we need to tackle the drivers of poverty too
06 November, 2015
The debate on Tax Credits highlights a deeper question about the right balance of responsibilities between individuals, employers and the state
Local Welfare Safety Net Inquiry: Submission from the New Policy Institute
06 November, 2015
The NPI have responded to the Committee's call for evidence on the local welfare safety net
Holyrood 'will have tax credit powers'
05 November, 2015
Changes to the Scotland Bill will give Holyrood the power to restore any tax credit cuts made by the UK government
Election battle lines drawn as SNP and Labour clash over tax credit cuts
05 November, 2015
Battle lines for next year's Holyrood election have been drawn after the SNP refused to back Labour's plan to reverse controversial tax credit cuts in Scotland
George Osborne urged to squeeze incomes of high-rate taxpayers to ease burden of tax credit cuts
05 November, 2015
Alan Milburn says the move would spare working families with young children from his tax credit cuts
Universal Credit will make the benefits system worse for people with mental health issues
05 November, 2015
The Government's new Universal Credit welfare reform is likely to make the benefits system more hostile for people with mental health issues
Now is not the time to fudge on tax credits
05 November, 2015
Public policy questions are often difficult, with significant trade-offs between equally important objectives
Tax credits and the pantomime dame
05 November, 2015
Do you remember the so-called bedroom tax? Well, of course you do. It was a substantial political and social controversy with significant impact
Benefit cap: number of households capped to August 2015
05 November, 2015
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to August 2015
Labour attempts to build support to block universal credit cuts
04 November, 2015
Opposition claims George Osborne's cost-saving measures will hit hardworking families by reducing incentives to work
'Why have a surplus if you don't protect the poor?': Architect of Tory welfare reform tells Osborne to rethink his tax credit cuts
04 November, 2015
The architect of the government's welfare reforms today calls on George Osborne to radically rethink his multi-billion pound tax credit cut
Universal Credit information for claimants in Croydon, Southwark and Sutton
04 November, 2015
Universal Credit in the CR0 2 and CR0 4 postcode areas of Croydon, SE1 5 postcode area of Southwark and SM5 2, SM6 7, SM6 8 and SM6 9 postcode areas of Sutton
Committee urges George Osborne to clarify 'true picture' on tax credit cuts
03 November, 2015
Pressure on George Osborne to publish details of the "true picture" of the impact of tax credit cuts on low-wage families has been joined by an influential cross-party panel
Iain Duncan Smith says leaving EU may be the 'only way' to control benefits
03 November, 2015
Prominent Eurosceptic's comments come as George Osborne begins spelling out vision for 'two-speed' Europe
David Cameron: I know families on the breadline
03 November, 2015
Prime Minister rejects claims he is "out of touch" on tax credit cuts and confirms he will not stay on as Conservative leader for a third term
Edinburgh's less well-off hit by £270 million in welfare cuts
03 November, 2015
The true cost of austerity measures imposed by the UK Government has been calculated for Edinburgh
5,300 Borders children hit by tax credit plans
03 November, 2015
There will be 5,300 children in the Borders hit by the government's planned tax credit cuts
ESA sanction decisions by disease Jan 2011 to Mar 2015
03 November, 2015
Statistics on Employment and Support Allowance adverse, non-adverse and cancelled sanction decisions by disease, January 2011 to March 2015
More welfare powers added to Scotland Bill
03 November, 2015
New welfare legislation will bring about big changes for Scotland that can make a difference to the lives of people in Scotland
Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015 delegated powers
02 November, 2015
This paper identifies the provisions for delegated, or secondary, legislation in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015
Universal Credit: how it can help your business
02 November, 2015
Information for employers about Universal Credit and the changes it brings
Universal Credit: how it helps you into work
02 November, 2015
If you're on a low income or out of work, Universal Credit supports you to find a job or increase the hours you work
Universal Credit now available in 470 jobcentres
02 November, 2015
Universal Credit is available in 16 more from jobcentres from Monday 2 November
Kezia Dugdale pledges to protect Scots from Tory tax credit cuts
02 November, 2015
Scottish Labour leader vows to use new tax and welfare powers coming to MSPs from April 2017 to ensure families do not lose out
SNP MP Mhairi Black told by Iain Duncan Smith Scotland has power to stop tax credit cuts
02 November, 2015
Scotland has the power now to ensure that future cuts to tax credits will not operate north of the border
Tax credit cuts may well spark a turn against the Conservatives
02 November, 2015
Reducing tax credits will not force companies to raise wages, just as capping housing benefit does not force landlords to lower rents
Universal Credit: expression of interest for Trusted Partner Pilot
30 October, 2015
We are seeking expressions of interest from landlords to join the Trusted Partner Pilot to help Universal Credit tenants manage their rent
Tax credit cuts problematic
30 October, 2015
A Welsh Conservative MP has warned his party's plan to cut tax credits would "penalise the poorest workers"
Public view on tax credit cuts: unfair and painful, but potentially necessary
30 October, 2015
British people tend to say the proposed tax credit cuts are unfair
UK welfare reforms to be investigated by United Nations
30 October, 2015
The United Nations will investigate UK welfare reforms and equal rights policies as part of a planned review
Backbench Tories pile pressure on Osborne over tax credit cuts
30 October, 2015
MPs step up demands for radical rethink of policy with warning that reductions are too deep and too soon
MPs to debate tax credits after House of Lords defeat
29 October, 2015
MPs are set to return to the thorny issue of tax credits in the wake of the Government's bruising defeat in the House of Lords
David Cameron refuses to answer Jeremy Corbyn six times on tax credits
29 October, 2015
PM repeatedly ducks question of whether people will be worse off after Lords vote down cuts
Benefits sanctions are working the way they are supposed to
29 October, 2015
The sanctions have been associated with child poverty, homelessness, and unfair decisions
Scottish Welfare Fund reaches more than 164,000 vulnerable households
29 October, 2015
More than 164,000 vulnerable households, including around 54,000 families with children, have received essential help to buy everyday products like nappies, food and cookers
George Osborne ready to bow to pressure to soften tax credit cuts
28 October, 2015
Chancellor has 'wriggle room' and is likely to use Treasury cash to lessen impact of cuts, says senior government source
George Osborne gets roasted live on TV over defeat on tax credits in the Lords
28 October, 2015
Chancellor rejects repeated calls to scrap cuts 'victimising working parents and children'
'Desperate' Tories flew in peer Andrew Lloyd Webber from New York to prop up government vote on tax credits
28 October, 2015
Chancellor George Osborne's plan to reduce tax credits was defeated by the House of Lords
Cancer made me too ill to work yet I'm well enough for my benefits to be cut
28 October, 2015
Now my leukaemia's in remission, I'd love to return to teaching
The one chart that shows how tax credit cuts will actually affect you
28 October, 2015
How different families will lose out from the changes
Benefit sanctions are broken - and the government can't be trusted to fix them
27 October, 2015
When 58% of jobseekers' appeals against sanctions are successful, it's clear the government's response to criticism is little more than a whitewash
Tax credits: No return to 'uncontrolled' spending says Osborne
27 October, 2015
Chancellor George Osborne has vowed to bring tax credit spending "under control" despite the government's defeats in the House of Lords
Tax credit cuts will leave the low-paid facing a 93 per cent effective tax rate
27 October, 2015
The benefit withdrawal rate will make it almost financially pointless to take more hours at work
Housing associations are seeing tenants move from exclusion to real poverty
27 October, 2015
Welfare reform and mounting cuts have made it more difficult for the social housing sector to help tenants in financial crisis
'Frankly I'm terrified': meet those set to be hit by tax credit cuts
27 October, 2015
With the government determined to push through planned tax credits cuts, we asked readers how they would be affected
A U-Turn on tax credits may be harder than it looks
27 October, 2015
The government has boxed itself in, leaving itself with few ways to lessen the blow
'Scottish political establishment' against tax credit changes
26 October, 2015
The whole of the Scottish political establishment is against the UK government's tax credit changes
Call for Welsh Government to subsidise families hit by the bedroom tax
26 October, 2015
A coalition of the church, charities and campaign groups is calling for a measure to fund rent arrears caused by removal of the spare room subsidy
Tax credits: government faces showdown in House of Lords
26 October, 2015
Tax credits: government faces showdown in House of Lords
Tax credits cuts 'will leave key workers up to £12,000 poorer by 2020'
26 October, 2015
Teaching assistants, social workers and other key public sector workers could lose more than £1,500 a year as a result of controversial government cuts to working tax credits
Tax credits: Lords challenge defended by Labour and Lib Dems
26 October, 2015
Labour and the Lib Dems have defended their challenge to tax credit cuts as ministers warned of taking an "unprecedented constitutional path"
Universal Credit now available in over 60% of jobcentres in the UK
26 October, 2015
Over 450 jobcentres now offer Universal Credit as 25 more start taking new claims from 26 October 2015
North Ayrshire Council seeks tenants' views on proposed rent charges
26 October, 2015
Council tenants in North Ayrshire are being urged to have their say on proposed rent charges for next year
Government loses tax credits vote in House of Lords
26 October, 2015
The government has lost a vote in the House of Lords after peers voted to delay cuts to tax credits
Benefits sanction warning period to be introduced
23 October, 2015
Claimants will be given a two-week warning period to prove their case
Tax credit cuts: Osborne 'comfortable' with plan despite pressure from fellow Tories
23 October, 2015
Chancellor defends decision to Treasury committee after predecessor Nigel Lawson joins calls to soften impact on lowest paid
George Osborne insists he 'signalled' tax credit cuts before the election
23 October, 2015
The Government's tax credit cuts were "signalled" before the general election
Welfare cuts: Cancer patients face losing up to £120 a month in Government support
23 October, 2015
Macmillan's concerns come as George Osborne tells MPs that he is 'comfortable' with controversial tax credit cuts
Kirsty Williams warns of 238,000 Welsh households hit by tax credit cuts while Tory pressure for measures to help the worst-off grows
23 October, 2015
Aberconwy Conservative MP Guto Bebb wants to avoid 'penalising hard-working families' and Lord Lawson suggests 'tweaks'
JSA sanctions: impact of not sending written notifications to claimants, Jan 2014 to Dec 2014
22 October, 2015
Estimates of the impacts of issuing and not issuing written benefit sanction notifications to Jobseeker's Allowance claimants
Cutting tax credits to reduce inheritance tax punishes work and rewards unearned privilege
22 October, 2015
George Osborne's plans to take money from low-paid workers and give it to the children of the wealthy are wrong - and not Conservative
Commons Speaker warns Lords not to block tax credit cuts
22 October, 2015
John Bercow says constitutional position is clear and longstanding, after David Cameron says at PMQs he is 'delighted' cuts have been passed by MPs
We can't (tax) cut our way out of the tax credit problem
22 October, 2015
When it comes to this April's tax credit cuts we're now swiftly approaching the point where everyone accepts there is a problem, and starts to ask the real question - what is the solution?
Tax credit changes: Who will be the winners and losers?
21 October, 2015
Proposed changes to tax credits have been amongst the most controversial policies of the Conservative government, as it attempts to tackle the deficit
Tory MP uses maiden speech to plead with George Osborne to soften impact of tax credit cuts: 'Something must give'
21 October, 2015
Heidi Allen questioned how many Tory MPs knew what it felt like to choose 'whether to eat or heat' as she accused George Osborne of 'betraying' Conservative values
Why George Osborne should have opted for much more radical welfare reform
21 October, 2015
Negative income tax and/or a basic income guarantee would have been a much more effective way of dealing with income support
Lords forced to back down on tax credits motion as Tory rebellion grows
21 October, 2015
Peers warned of constitutional crisis and loss of powers if they press ahead with plan to kill off cuts
The Tax Credits (Income Thresholds and Determination of Rates) (Amendment) Regulations 2015: SSAC comments
21 October, 2015
Correspondence between SSAC and the HM Treasury about changes to tax credits
Work and Pensions Committee to hold urgent session on tax credit reforms
20 October, 2015
The Commons Work and Pensions Committee will hold an urgent session on proposed reforms to the tax credit system
If you liked the cut to tax credit... you'll love the local housing allowance freeze
20 October, 2015
Almost 400,000 working families in England receive housing benefit
Conservatives voice tax credit doubts ahead of Commons debate
20 October, 2015
Tory MPs have continued to voice doubts about proposed cuts to tax credits as the Commons debates the issue
Labour urges Tory MPs to vote against tax credit changes
20 October, 2015
Letter asking Conservatives to abandon party politics comes amid claim by Boris Johnson that George Osborne is already planning to revise proposals
Labour is committed to reversing tax credit cuts in full
19 October, 2015
Shadow chief secretary Seema Malhotra had previously appeared to equivocate on reversing the cuts
UN arrives in Scotland to probe 'grave' violations of disabled people's human rights by Tory welfare cuts
19 October, 2015
United Nations officials have arrived in Scotland to investigate allegations that Westminster welfare reforms have led to "grave or systematic violations" of disabled people's human rights
Tax credits: give affected families fair notice so they can find extra work and childcare
19 October, 2015
Last week's Question Time will be remembered for an emotional appeal from a 35 year old self-employed working mum to stop cuts to her family's tax credits in April
Tory MPs in 71 marginal seats at risk from cuts to tax credits
19 October, 2015
Fresh pressure on George Osborne to halt controversial measure that will leave 3.2 million families worse off by average of £1,300 a year
Tax credits 'tweak' suggested by ex-minister Mitchell
19 October, 2015
A former Conservative Cabinet minister has suggested the government's tax credit reforms could be "tweaked" before they come into force in April
Jobcentre areas where you can claim Universal Credit
19 October, 2015
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you live in certain parts of the UK
Welfare system failing thousands of its most vulnerable claimants
19 October, 2015
Long waits for payments biggest cause of food bank use, and are forcing people including terminally ill into debt and 'survival crime'
Tax Credit changes from April 2016
19 October, 2015
Summer Budget 2015 announced a package of welfare measures expected to yield savings of £13 billion a year by 2020-21
Child health at risk from welfare cuts
16 October, 2015
Poverty has an enduring influence on children's development, health outcomes, and survival
Jeremy Corbyn PMQs: Woman who asked question on tax credits says David Cameron's response 'made her blood boil'
16 October, 2015
The Labour Party member sent her PMQs question to Mr Corbyn to test if he was really crowd-sourcing his questions to the Prime Minister
Government accused of covering up negative impact of tax credit cuts
16 October, 2015
Treasury select committee member describes official analysis, which fails to show how poorer families will be hit, as 'obvious sleight of hand'
Scotland cannot afford to reverse all welfare cuts imposed by George Osborne
16 October, 2015
Scotland cannot afford to reverse all of the welfare cuts being imposed by Chancellor George Osborne
Iain Duncan Smith's flagship Universal Credit roll-out is actually slowing
15 October, 2015
The scheme has been plagued by problems and delays since its launch
Will changes to tax credits cost families £1,300 a year?
14 October, 2015
Upcoming changes to working tax credit will reduce the incomes of all households that currently receive it
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 17 Sept 2015
14 October, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 17 September 2015
'We've had to go without food' - personal stories of the bedroom tax
14 October, 2015
Social housing tenants, embarrassed and powerless, share experiences of life under the bedroom tax
Jobseeker's Allowance and Attendance Allowance accounts by method of payment: May 2025 to May 2014
13 October, 2015
The ways Jobseeker's Allowance and Attendance Allowance claimants are paid
Universal Credit in 15 more jobcentres in Sussex, Scotland, Kent and the East Midlands
12 October, 2015
15 more jobcentres start offering Universal Credit - the new benefit that means you are better off in work
Scotland Bill will give benefit 'top up' powers
12 October, 2015
The Scottish government will be able to "top up" tax credits and child benefit payments as part of new powers coming to Holyrood
Labour to try to scrap Tory tax credit cuts with changes to welfare bill
12 October, 2015
Shadow work and pensions secretary Owen Smith planning to table amendment to give Tory MPs last chance to reverse cuts
Ken Clarke tells Osborne: Get your tin hat on over tax credits
12 October, 2015
Former Conservative Chancellor Ken Clarke has advised George Osborne to "get your tin hat on" and press ahead with tax credit cuts
Jeremy Corbyn accuses the Tories of 'robbing' millions of Britain's poorest families
12 October, 2015
Labour leader condemns David Cameron over 'fake claims' to fight poverty on a visit to Scotland
Treasury admits Tory tax credits will make families worse off next year
09 October, 2015
Responding to research claiming tax credit cuts will push 200,000 children into poverty next year, Treasury spokesperson says overall welfare changes will make 'most households better off' but only by 2017
Tax credit cuts will hit 250,000 children in Wales
08 October, 2015
Families could face losing more than a tenth of their take-home pay under changes brought in under the last Budget
Welfare Reform and Work Bill Committee Stage Clauses 19 - 22: Social Rent Reduction
08 October, 2015
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill is currently being considered by a Committee of MPs.
Osborne: public support for welfare system will be lost without reforms
07 October, 2015
Chancellor rejects calls to water down his plans to cut tax credits in interview with Guardian editor-in-chief Katharine Viner
Tory welfare reforms 'restoring lives'
07 October, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith has insisted the government must "rededicate itself" to its shake-up of welfare, saying its mission is to "restore people's lives"
The low paid will suffer if I don't cut their tax credits
06 October, 2015
The Chancellor says his cuts are for the good of low income families
Is George Osborne correct to say workers will be £2,000 a year better off?
06 October, 2015
The IFS and Resolution Foundation thinktanks say the chancellor's welfare overhaul will leave many families worse off. Do the government's claims add up?
Hunt: tax credit cuts will make Britons work like Chinese or Americans
06 October, 2015
Health secretary tells Conservative conference fringe meeting that controversial benefit cuts of up to £1,300 were a 'step towards self-respect'
Parents of truants to have benefits docked
06 October, 2015
Parents in England who refuse to pay a penalty after their children play truant will have their child benefit docked
Stephen Crabb insists Conservatives are a party of social justice and says Tony Blair understood the need for welfare reform
06 October, 2015
The Welsh Secretary says he is 'determined to fight' for a more equal and cohesive society
No progress made over welfare reform says Theresa Villiers
06 October, 2015
No real progress was made during talks on welfare reform on Tuesday, Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has said
David Cameron rejects calls to soften impact of planned tax-credit cuts
05 October, 2015
Prime minister defends cuts in face of cross-party campaign warning that 3 million of poorest working families will be worse off
Taxpayers' Alliance: Cut pensioner benefits 'immediately'
05 October, 2015
Ministers should waste no time to make unpopular cuts to pensioner benefits
Universal Credit in 13 more jobcentres in Scotland, the Midlands and London
05 October, 2015
13 more jobcentres start offering Universal Credit - the new benefit that means you are better off in work
George Osborne's tax credit problem is dishonesty, not cruelty
05 October, 2015
Welfare cuts that hurt poor people can be sold to the electorate, as long as it's done honestly and openly
Once-homeless girl in heartbreaking plea to students for help fighting cruel housing benefit cuts
05 October, 2015
Catherine Geddes has turned her life around but has appealed to students starting university this autumn to consider the plight of their less fortunate peers
Bedroom tax and landlord's bedroom count - UT again
02 October, 2015
The Upper Tribunal seems to have taken an opportunity to re-state, in clear terms, one of the findings of SSWP v David Nelson and Fife Council
Welfare reform: Department for Social Development sharing plans with NIO
02 October, 2015
The most senior official in the Department for Social Development has told MLAs he is sharing information with his Northern Ireland Office counterparts on welfare reform plans
Universal Credit has landed
01 October, 2015
It's here, it's finally here! Universal Credit is rolling out across Scotland and I can tell you a little about what it looks like
Children in out-of-work benefit households: 2014 snapshot
30 September, 2015
Statistics on the number and proportion of children living in out-of-work benefit households for each local authority in England
Troubled Families: benefits and employment, Apr 2012 to Jul 2015 (experimental)
30 September, 2015
Experimental statistics on benefits and employment for individuals and households on the DCLG Troubled Families programme
Labour MP says his constituents care more about welfare cuts and housing than Trident
29 September, 2015
Murray argues that poverty, education and the state of the country's public services were 'much, much, much bigger issues'
Tax credits cut 'affects 120,000 NI households'
29 September, 2015
More than 120,000 households in Northern Ireland will have their tax credit payments reduced as a result of the July budget
Universal Credit in 15 more jobcentres in Suffolk, Berkshire and Yorkshire
28 September, 2015
15 more jobcentres start offering Universal Credit - the new benefit means that you are better off in work
Tory welfare cuts will destroy benefit of new living wage
28 September, 2015
Rise of 50p an hour will not cover loss of benefits for 6.5 million people
Universal Credit digital tests to be expanded to third trial area
28 September, 2015
London Bridge will begin select trials of enhanced digital service for benefit reforms from the autumn as national rollout plans continue
Jeremy Corbyn 'wants to scrap welfare cap'
24 September, 2015
Jeremy Corbyn has reaffirmed his desire to scrap the welfare cap after differences with his shadow cabinet, calling the policy "devastating"
Social landlords must be wondering how much longer they can survive
24 September, 2015
Welfare cuts are forcing housing associations to adapt or die, while their role to provide affordable housing for the poorest is under threat
Why social landlords are knocking on doors to help young tenants find jobs
24 September, 2015
Plans to scrap housing benefit for unemployed 18-21 year olds have forced housing associations into doing more to help tenants find work
The impact of welfare reform on Scotland: lots of pain for not much gain
23 September, 2015
Welfare reform is a Westminster Government policy that affects all parts of Britain, but the impact of the reforms varies a great deal from place to place
A man has killed himself because he was found 'fit to work', exposing the monstrous cruelty of the DWP
22 September, 2015
I feel sickened to even have to write this - not just as someone who struggles with their mental health, or as someone on a low income - but as a human being
Scottish parents with sick children to regain lost benefits under new changes
22 September, 2015
The so-called '84 day rule' will be abolished as soon as new welfare powers are devolved from Westminster to Holyrood
Welfare Reform Committee
22 September, 2015
The Cumulative Impact of Welfare Reform on Households in Scotland
Redistribution from a Lifetime Perspective
22 September, 2015
Most analysis of the effects of the tax and benefit system is based on snapshot information about a single cross-section of people
National rollout of Universal Credit continues
21 September, 2015
Today, 24 more jobcentres start offering Universal Credit from Durham to Reading
Next stage of Universal Credit rollout begins
21 September, 2015
Universal Credit will be in three-quarters of all jobcentres by Christmas, as the next phase of the national rollout begins today
My Spare Room: a new blog explores the real cost of the bedroom tax
21 September, 2015
A new blog launched today by Eileen Herden and colleagues at LSE Housing and Communities
National Federation of ALMOs' submission to the Public Bill Committee on the Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015-16
18 September, 2015
The supply and affordability of housing is a central issue for Government both because of the cost to the welfare system of supporting low income households in private rented housing
Work and Pensions Committee launches welfare safety net inquiry
18 September, 2015
The Work and Pensions Committee has launched a new inquiry into the "local welfare safety net"
Jeremy Corbyn's frontbenchers rebel over leader's opposition to the benefit cap
17 September, 2015
Jeremy Corbyn's shadow cabinet have contradicted him over his outright opposition to the benefit cap
Commons back Osborne plan for tax credit cuts
16 September, 2015
MPs have backed government plans to cut spending on tax credits in the face of opposition from Labour and the SNP
Corbyn addresses TUC Congress on housing and welfare
15 September, 2015
Jeremy Corbyn addressed the TUC Congress this afternoon and spoke at length about the issues he is looking to tackle during his time as Labour leader
Adapting neighbourhood management for Universal Credit
15 September, 2015
In the days of austerity Ashton Pioneer Homes have learned valuable lessons as the first pathfinder for Universal Credit
MS patients 'can suffer relapses' over benefit problems
14 September, 2015
MS Society says 48% of those questioned who had an assessment for ESA felt it was of harm to their health
George Osborne's higher minimum wage won't make up for his tax credit cuts
11 September, 2015
People on low incomes will be significantly worse off after changes to the minimum wage and tax credit and benefits system in George Osborne's budget, it has been calculated
Monitoring Poverty and Social Exclusion in Wales 2015
11 September, 2015
New report by NPI, shows that 23% of people in Wales are living in poverty
An assessment of the potential compensation provided by the new 'National Living Wage'
11 September, 2015
For the personal tax and benefit measures announced for implementation in the current parliament
North East housing provider helping tenants transition to Universal Credit
11 September, 2015
The Governments new welfare system is coming to Teesside and one local housing provider is helping their tenants get to grips with the changes
Employment and Support Allowance
10 September, 2015
Outcomes of Work Capability Assessments, Great Britain
Universal Credit arrival leads to loan shark warning
09 September, 2015
Ensuring that the perpetrators of illegal money lending do not prey on the most vulnerable in our societies is becoming even more important
Goverment says Welfare Reform and Work Bill compatible with European Convention on Human Rights
09 September, 2015
The DWP has sent a Memorandum to the Joint Committee on Human Rights about the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
Tax credit cuts to cost Britain's five million poorest children £750 each a year
08 September, 2015
Five million of Britain's poorest children will lose an average of £750 each a year because of the Government's cuts to tax credits
July Budget 2015 reforms - impacts on households
08 September, 2015
In the previous parliament, the coalition government published a document alongside every Budget that showed the distributional impact on households by income deciles and quintiles
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015
08 September, 2015
Work is the best route out of poverty and being in work should always pay more than being on benefits
The Universal Credit (Work Allowance) Amendment Regulations 2015
08 September, 2015
Draft proposals explaining the policy behind the intended regulatory changes, to the Social Security Advisory Committee
Iain Duncan Smith defends universal credit targets
08 September, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith came under fire regarding the failure to meet universal credit targets in the House of Commons
A sector that justifies its means - our asks for the 2015 Spending Review
08 September, 2015
Investment in the right support and a welfare system that works for the most vulnerable are just two of the things we ask for in this year's Spending Review
Sinn Fein warns over threat of welfare cuts in Northern Ireland
07 September, 2015
Westminster's threat to impose reforms further deepens divisions among parties in Stormont's power-sharing coalition
Scottish Welfare Funds independent review process consultation
07 September, 2015
The Welfare Funds may be the final safety net for some of the most vulnerable in our society
Work Programme: Universal Credit provider guidance
04 September, 2015
This guidance is for DWP Work Programme providers working with Universal Credit claimants
Budget Buddies will help neighbours deal with benefit changes
04 September, 2015
A group of tenants from a Ripley-based housing association have signed up to help their friends and neighbours get into better financial shape and prepare for wholesale changes to the UK benefit system
Right to Rent - just how bad is it?
04 September, 2015
We thought it would be bad. And thanks to the JCWI, we can now have an evidence based stab at an answer
SFHA gives evidence to Parliamentary committee on further welfare powers
03 September, 2015
The Scotland Bill has the potential to enable social landlords to support and transform tenants' lives though sections of the it fail to meet the "spirit or substance" of the Smith Commission
DWP again refuses to release data on disability benefits - using the same excuse as before
03 September, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions has again refused to release data about the impact of changes to the disability benefit system
'No one I've ever met was helped back to work by sanctions'
02 September, 2015
Benefit sanctions plunge jobseekers into crisis and often push them further away from paid employment, unlike the made-up claimants in the now withdrawn benefits leaflet
Universal Credit - Withdrawing entitlement to housing element from 18-21 year olds
02 September, 2015
The Government has, on a number of occasions, flagged up the likelihood of Housing Benefit entitlement being withdrawn from the majority of 18-21 year olds
'Vast social cleansing' pushes tens of thousands of families out of London
01 September, 2015
Data shows that the numbers claiming free school meals has dropped by almost a third in some boroughs, suggesting areas are becoming preserves of the rich
UN investigating British Government over human rights abuses caused by IDS welfare reforms
01 September, 2015
A leading disability charity says it has been approached by the UN as part of an investigation
He cannot talk, read or write, but Tories want severely disabled Stuart Chester to fill in 20-page form to keep benefits
01 September, 2015
A severely disabled man is the latest target in Iain Duncan Smith's campaign against Scotland's most vulnerable
Bedroom Tax victims fighting to prevent disabled grandson going into care - and costing Government much more
01 September, 2015
Paul and Susan Rutherford have defeated Iain Duncan-Smith's bid to block their legal appeal against a ruling which could see them separated from grandson Warren
£2 million paid out in Dundee to ease 'bedroom tax' pain
01 September, 2015
Almost £2 million has been awarded to Dundonians this year alone to help them cope with the effects of the so-called bedroom tax
Measuring the impact of delays to benefit payments
01 September, 2015
The Government is calling for written evidence about the impact of delays and inaccuracy on benefit payments
'My mother's death was hastened by long delay in processing her benefits'
28 August, 2015
Moira Drury overcame domestic violence and severe disability to work as a nurse and bring up three children as a single parent
Housing Benefit: withdrawing entitlement from 18-21 year olds
27 August, 2015
The Government intends to withdraw Housing Benefit entitlement from some 18-21 year olds from April 2017
SNP calls for immediate halt to all benefit sanctions
27 August, 2015
The Scottish governing party has called for a moratorium on the benefit cuts
Vulnerable are easy targets as a Job Centre Plus whistleblower reveals the scandal of benefits sanctions
27 August, 2015
Those who are 'under-educated' or mentally ill are the easy victims of Iain Duncan Smith's welfare changes
Hundreds of Flintshire tenants in rent arrears due to bedroom tax
27 August, 2015
Council report reveals 660 residents feel impact of under-occupancy charge, with debts totalling £236,457
Timetable for PIP
27 August, 2015
DWP started to take new claims to PIP from people aged 16 to 64 living in the North West and part of the North East of England only
Death has become a part of Britain's benefits system
27 August, 2015
More than 80 people a month are now dying after being declared 'fit for work'. The safety net that used to be there for the most vulnerable is being torn to shreds
Figures suggest Dundee-Glasgow benefit sanctions 'lottery'
26 August, 2015
Evidence of a postcode lottery in benefit sanctions has been uncovered by a new analysis of the latest figures
Bland assertions on the bedroom tax don't help anyone
26 August, 2015
As the possibility of a political solution to the bedroom tax drifts ever farther from the democratic process, some stories are still shocking enough to reach the headlines
Thousands of families would be hit by a cap on Northern Ireland benefits
26 August, 2015
Some 22,000 Northern Ireland households receive welfare handouts of more than £20,000 - the new benefits cap planned by Westminster
Benefits cuts and low pay are killing people
25 August, 2015
A "modest" increase in benefits and working tax credits would prevent thousands of hospital admissions and premature deaths
DHPs a "lifeline" for tenants in Scotland, says Burgess as official figures reveal 84,000 payments made this year
25 August, 2015
Scotland's housing minister said the country's Government will do all it can to "limit the damaging effects" of Westminster's welfare cuts
Use of fake quotes in benefits leaflet 'quite wrong', Iain Duncan Smith admits
25 August, 2015
Minister says withdrawn leaflet is now subject of investigation, and publishing case studies based on fictional people is not DWP policy
Benefits shakeup aims to force more disabled people into jobs
24 August, 2015
Government wants radical reform to push 1m more people into work, but disability campaigners fear they are being targeted
'Suicide guidance' given to benefits staff preparing for desperate calls on welfare reform
24 August, 2015
GUIDELINES on how to deal with suicidal benefits claimants have been handed out by the Department for Work and Pensions to Scots workers
Immune to welfare cuts but older tenants need money advice more than most
21 August, 2015
Report by Housing Care 21
Public relations body investigating DWP fake welfare claimants leaflet
20 August, 2015
CIPR has written to members who work at DWP to find out if they had any part in producing document which featured two non-existent benefits claimants
Benefit Sanctions and Homelessness
20 August, 2015
A report by the North East Homelessness Think Tank
Isolation and Hunger
20 August, 2015
Report on the reality of the school holidays for struggling families
Almost half of ESA & JSA sanctions overturned when reviewed
20 August, 2015
Almost half of all sanctions imposed on the UK government's Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) have been overturned when reviewed, according to official figures
Benefit sanctions ruin lives. No wonder the DWP turned to fiction
20 August, 2015
In the real world claimants have been driven to theft and suicide, making the Department for Work and Pension's invention of the grateful 'Zac' and 'Sarah' particularly grotesque
Universal credit pathfinders in devolution call
19 August, 2015
Two Greater Manchester authorities that piloted the government's universal credit regime are calling for greater control over key parts of the revamped welfare state
Benefit sanctions ruin lives. No wonder the DWP turned to fiction
19 August, 2015
In the real world claimants have been driven to theft and suicide, making the Department for Work and Pension's invention of the grateful 'Zac' and 'Sarah' particularly grotesque
Housing benefits axed: How will cuts affect young people in Milton Keynes?
18 August, 2015
Earlier this month the Government announced that they are going to axe housing benefits for 18-21 year-olds
Universal Credit 'could make Scots carers worse off'
18 August, 2015
Family carers for vulnerable children in Scotland are likely to be left worse off under Universal Credit
Soaring £4.8m cost of emergency council payments to people hit by bedroom tax in Greater Manchester
18 August, 2015
Town halls spend £4.8m in discretionary housing payments to people on benefits who can no longer afford the rent
Donations roll in as a woman with no money for food is fined £328 for shoplifting a Mars bar
18 August, 2015
A fundraising campaign is helping a benefits sanction victim who had not eaten in days pay her £328.75 fine for stealing a packet of Mars bars worth 75p
Go to work 'bootcamp' or lose your benefits, jobless youths are told: Unemployed will be given three-weeks of training on writing CVs and interview technique
17 August, 2015
Jobless youngsters will be sent on a three-week work 'bootcamp' or face losing their benefits
Peter Robinson welcomes 'serious' welfare reform summer talks with Sinn Fein
14 August, 2015
Northern Ireland's First Minister has indicated progress has been made in talks to resolve a row over welfare reform
'Stark warning' on welfare cuts after number of homeless families soars 47% - what's changed
14 August, 2015
The number of families forced into B&Bs; and other temporary accommodation is on the up
Universal Credit national expansion tranches 3 and 4
14 August, 2015
Local authorities and jobcentre areas that will begin to deliver Universal Credit as part of national expansion during 2015 and 2016
Number of people evicted from rented homes has soared since housing benefit cuts began
14 August, 2015
The number of people being evicted from their rented homes has increased by almost 50 per cent since housing benefit cuts were introduced four years ago
Ill-judged welfare cuts have puts thousands at risk
14 August, 2015
In the last three months alone over 10,000 households have lost their home
Universal Credit payment revamp 'could help 700,000 households'
13 August, 2015
New powers to make changes over how Universal Credit is paid will eventually affect over 700,000 households across the country, according to the Scottish Government
High success rate in ESA sanction challenges
13 August, 2015
New DWP statistics show that almost 67,000 sanctions applied to employment and support allowance claimants under new regime
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 30 July 2015
12 August, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 30 July 2015
Labour issues warning on benefits restriction plan
12 August, 2015
Labour has warned most people would find it unacceptable if British workers under the age of 22 are prevented from receiving tax credits and housing benefits
Universal Credit and rented housing - frequently asked questions
11 August, 2015
This document provides private and social sector landlords with up to date information on Universal Credit
Tax credits betray the hard-working majority. Scrapping them only harms the workshy
11 August, 2015
If we really care about the plight of "hard-working families", might it not be a good idea if we work out who these families actually are before we offer billions of pounds of taxpayers' money to them?
People need affordable housing not a cap on benefits
11 August, 2015
63,000 families have had their benefits capped to date
Universal Credit: Concerns those on benefits won't cope with monthly budgeting
11 August, 2015
"They'll have to pay their rent themselves, pay bills and budget for food. We know that we'll have more people coming in here,"
'Cruel' cuts to asylum-seekers' support payments will push children into poverty
10 August, 2015
Tens of thousands of asylum-seekers with children will be pushed deeper into poverty by "cruel" cuts to their support payments which come into force on 10 August
Benefit cap: number of households capped to May 2015
07 August, 2015
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to May
Tenants plunge further into poverty as council rent arrears rise
07 August, 2015
There are warning signs that people in West Dunbartonshire are falling further into poverty as rent arrears continue to rise at the local authority
One in six jobseekers have allowance stopped by DWP each year
06 August, 2015
Guardian research contradicts government claims that only a small minority of jobseekers have been affected by increasingly severe welfare policies
Benefit cap: thousands of people move into work or off Housing Benefit
06 August, 2015
According to new figures, 25,300 people who had their benefits capped moved into work, reduced their Housing Benefit claim or no longer claim Housing Benefit at all
Support cut-off for refused asylum seekers may affect 2,900 families in UK
05 August, 2015
Home Office ministers calculate savings of £49m a year in move to withdraw state pay-outs of £36.95 a week to rejected applicants
Benefit cuts mean this summer holiday has been even more hungry than usual
05 August, 2015
High demand for Scottish charities giving youngsters hot meals in the holidays shows the devastating impact of benefit cuts as parents struggle to feed their children while schools are shut
How far is Sinn Fein going to let welfare sulk go?
05 August, 2015
It was interesting to note that when Martin McGuinness was told by the Government "there is no more money"
Uncertain Futures
04 August, 2015
A report examining the impact of removing automatic entitlement to Housing Benefit for 18 to 21 year olds
UK proposals to strip obese claimants of benefits 'flawed and unethical'
03 August, 2015
Experts say evidence shows that psychological treatment doesn't work if patients are coerced into accepting treatment
SNP renews attack over tax credit changes
03 August, 2015
Almost 350,000 Scottish children will be worse off as a result of "shameful" changes made by the UK government to tax credits
Bedroom Tax and separated families - UT again
03 August, 2015
In this appeal tribunal, the appellant was represented, which was a problem in MR
Some tax credits recipients will keep only 7p of every extra pound earned
03 August, 2015
It found that in the current financial year, they lose 90.6p of every extra pound they earn - But after the Budget cuts take effect, the figure would rise to 93p
Concerns raised over plan to strip failed asylum seeker families of benefits
03 August, 2015
Home Office accused of 'morally reprehensible' action over plan to remove automatic right to benefits from families who do not win asylum
Welfare reform stalemate stymies Civil Service job cull
03 August, 2015
Hundreds of civil servants are facing uncertainty as the go-ahead for Stormont's public sector jobs cull hangs in the balance
Labour accuses Tories of pushing tax credit cuts through Parliament without proper scrutiny
31 July, 2015
Harriet Harman wants the £6bn in cuts to be examined by the Commons Treasury and Work and Pensions Select Committees
A word on what's missing from the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
31 July, 2015
Since the Chancellor's budget earlier this month, here at Crisis we've been worrying about some of the drastic cuts to housing benefit that were announced
Cuts to council tax benefits have gone largely unreported - but the consequences are big news for Britain's poorest
31 July, 2015
The axe has been devolved, with big consequences for Britain's poorest families
Stricter Universal Credit rules could affect half of Britain's children
31 July, 2015
Britain's welfare system is undergoing huge change, and cuts are coming too. Here's what's planned - and how it could affect working families
Too poor to pay
30 July, 2015
Report by CPAG showing the impact of the second year of localised council tax support in London
Government pledges to get people on 'sick benefit' back into work
30 July, 2015
The government has launched a review into how best to 'support' benefit claimants with addictions and potentially treatable conditions back into work
Responding to welfare reform in Wales
29 July, 2015
The major focus of the UK Government's reforms covered by the Auditor General's report were the changes to Housing Benefit
Obese people and drug users who refuse treatment could have benefits cut
29 July, 2015
David Cameron launches review by Dame Carol Black of welfare for those with drug, alcohol or obesity problems
Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics: 2014/15
29 July, 2015
This publication provides information on the Scottish Welfare Fund for the period 2014/15 (1st April 2014 to 31 March 2015)
'Bedroom tax' cash help for Welsh tenants urged by AMs
28 July, 2015
Social housing tenants hit by the so-called bedroom tax should get more financial help from the Welsh government
Welfare reforms 'will force families out of the borough' because of high housing costs, charity organiser says
28 July, 2015
Families will be forced out of the borough by impending welfare reforms, Kingston Foodbank has warned
How will the 'benefit cap' affect me?
28 July, 2015
Who does the 'benefit cap' apply to and what will be the effect of the changes to it announced in the Budget?
MPs launch inquiry into the holes in our benefits safety net
27 July, 2015
We learned this week that MPs are to explore many of the concerns we've been raising about the holes that have been created in our benefits safety net
Council tenants in Cardiff are £1m in arrears - and that's up since the bedroom tax was introduced
27 July, 2015
Bedroom tax is blamed for contributing to the £1m owed to Cardiff council
New benefits scheme to be tried in Didcot
27 July, 2015
A pilot programme giving Didcot residents greater responsibility over paying their housing benefit has been labelled 'fantastic' by town mayor Des Healy
Benefits cap: Unemployed families 'risk eviction' if they don't pay shortfall
27 July, 2015
Unemployed families will have to make up a £50-a-week shortfall in rent or risk eviction when the Government's benefits cap is lowered
Review of benefit sanctions urged amid concern over regime's effectiveness
27 July, 2015
Advisers to Iain Duncan Smith say there is no hard evidence that stopping payments to claimants is helping people get jobs
Survey reveals that more than a third of the UK support welfare cuts
27 July, 2015
1120 participants were asked which of the conservative party's visions for welfare reform they supported
Discretionary housing payments
25 July, 2015
Discretionary housing payments offer a lifeline for tenants who need extra help with housing costs or to offset the harmful effects of the bedroom tax
The benefit cap risks turning half of England into a ghetto
24 July, 2015
Housing benefit cuts will see poor families on benefits priced almost completely out of the south - and even some northern cities. Where will they go?
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill
23 July, 2015
The Welfare Reform and Work Bill had its second reading in the House of Commons on Monday
Councils 'frustrated' by DWP's 'lack of clarity' over Universal Credit
23 July, 2015
A lack of "clear information" from the DWP is preventing councils from properly preparing for the switch to Universal Credit
Call for evidence on DWP benefit delivery
23 July, 2015
The Work and Pensions Committee is calling for evidence on the accuracy and timeliness of benefit delivery by the DWP
Universal Credit national expansion - Tranches Three and Four
23 July, 2015
On 16 February 2015 the DWP began the national expansion of Universal Credit to the remaining areas across Great Britain
Welsh Labour rebellion as a quarter of Wales' MPs say No to Government's welfare shakeup
22 July, 2015
The Labour unrest comes as new research shows more than three million people could lost an average of £1,350 a year
Labour made 'a mess' of welfare vote
22 July, 2015
Labour made "a mess" of its approach to the government's Welfare Bill and is "crying out for leadership"
Labour's welfare confusion mirrors society's wider dilemmas
22 July, 2015
Divisions within the party reflect the fact the rhetoric of hostility to austerity is not enough but the range of options is small
Lower benefit caps 'will exclude poor families from large parts of England'
21 July, 2015
Study finds plans to cut benefit cap to £20,000 will make many areas of south-east, south-west and some northern cities unaffordable
Welfare bill: Labour is in emotional trauma after revolt, says David Blunkett
21 July, 2015
Former home secretary says the vote, in which Harriet Harman had urged MPs to abstain, has placed focus on party being divided
Benefit cuts to hit huge number of children, government figures show
21 July, 2015
Study identifies more than 330,000 youngsters who will lose out in policy that will take £300m out of pockets of affected families in first full year
Free school meals served over holiday
21 July, 2015
North Ayrshire Council is serving thousands of free dinners to children over the summer holidays
48 Labour MPs 'swim through vomit' to oppose £12bn welfare cuts
21 July, 2015
Almost 50 Labour MPs ignored the party whip to vote against the government's £12 billion in welfare cuts
George Osborne calls on Labour MPs to back welfare changes in Commons vote
20 July, 2015
Writing in the Guardian, the chancellor says 'moderate' Labour MPs should recognise that the public largely supports the plans
Single parents will be forced to start looking for work when their children reach three or face having their benefits axed under latest welfare crackdown
20 July, 2015
The Government are to lower the age which allows single parents to claim benefit money for having children
Universal credit staff in strike action over conditions
20 July, 2015
DWP staff in Glasgow and Bolton are taking part in a 48-hour strike in a dispute over the delivery of benefits changes
The Welfare Bill - Cause for Concern
20 July, 2015
This afternoon, MPs will be debating the Welfare Reform & Work Bill in the House of Commons
The five most controversial welfare cuts the Government is making
20 July, 2015
Scores of Labour MPs are set to defy their acting leader and vote against the Government's planned welfare changes and cuts
Universal Credit: Index of Relevant Districts
20 July, 2015
Local authorities and jobcentre areas that will begin to deliver Universal Credit as part of national expansion during 2015 and 2016
English housing survey 2013 to 2014: household report
17 July, 2015
Annual report on households in England, covering themes such as housing needs, housing moves, and vulnerable and disadvantaged groups
Harman seeks to end Labour row with 'reasoned amendment' to welfare bill
17 July, 2015
Acting Labour leader hopes amendment setting out reasons why bill should be rejected can end fighting within party
Asylum seekers with children to have support payments cut
17 July, 2015
Ministers say current UK payment system gives asylum seekers' families 'significantly more cash than necessary' to meet essential needs
"Housing benefit saved me as a teenager"
16 July, 2015
The government's plans to scrap housing benefit for young people have incensed Sali Hughes
Labour Party faces Commons vote divide over welfare
16 July, 2015
The Labour Party faces an open split over the government's planned cuts to benefits spending
A Budget for workers?
16 July, 2015
The impact of the Summer Budget on work incentives in Universal Credit
Housing benefit for under-21s is a vital safety net
16 July, 2015
Osborne wants young people to 'earn or learn', but benefit cuts can push the vulnerable even further from the workforce
Benefit cuts are linked to a surprise fall in births as women delay starting a family until they feel more financially secure
16 July, 2015
Benefit cuts could have triggered a fall in younger women having children
Universal Credit staff in Bolton set to strike next week over 'oppressive' working conditions
16 July, 2015
Staff in Bolton working on the Government's flagship Universal Credit programme are set to strike for two days next week over claims of 'increasingly oppressive' working conditions
The impact of welfare changes
15 July, 2015
Poverty exists, in a variety of manifestations, on our doorstep in our communities
Mhairi Black attacks housing benefit cuts in maiden Commons speech
15 July, 2015
After housing benefit for under-21s abolished in budget, new MP says she is now only 20-year-old whom chancellor is helping with housing
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 2 July 2015
15 July, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 2 July 2015
Universal Credit in 14 more Jobcentres in London, Cornwall and Wales
14 July, 2015
Today 14 more Jobcentres start offering Universal Credit - the new benefit that makes work always pay
Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015 delegated powers
14 July, 2015
This publication identifies the provisions for delegated, or secondary, legislation in the Welfare Reform and Work Bill 2015
Lies, Damn Lies and the Welfare Debate
14 July, 2015
Next week the Government plans to bring forward a new Bill on welfare reform
Harriet Harman struggles to hold Labour together over welfare changes
14 July, 2015
MPs give interim leader lukewarm response at parliamentary Labour party meeting over response to welfare reform bill
More than 200,000 unemployed people endured 'appalling' bureaucratic delays while benefit claims were assessed
13 July, 2015
More than 200,000 unemployed people endured 'appalling' bureaucratic delays last year while their benefit claims were assessed, it has been disclosed
Harriet Harman seeks to defuse Labour welfare row
13 July, 2015
Labour's acting leader Harriet Harman has sought to defuse a row over the scale of her party's support for welfare cuts
Benefit changes and distributional analysis
10 July, 2015
Changes announced yesterday reduce benefit spending by £12 billion in 2019-20
Budget reaction 2015: North Wales families will be hit hard by welfare cuts
10 July, 2015
Osborne's announcement what it will mean for us
Bedroom tax sent council house rent arrears soaring in Swansea
10 July, 2015
Council house rent arrears shot up as a result of the bedroom tax, according to housing officers in Swansea
George Osborne to slash social security payments by £46bn in next five years
09 July, 2015
Charities and thinktanks warn cuts focusing on tax credits and housing benefit could see child poverty soar and harm ill and disabled people
Cuts to tax credits in budget hit women twice as hard as men, says Labour
09 July, 2015
George Osborne guilty of 'shameful betrayal of parents' by cutting child tax credit says Yvette Cooper, as Andy Burnham says chancellor has divided young and old
Welfare Reform and Work Bill published
09 July, 2015
Following the announcement made in the Chancellor's speech on the Summer Budget, the Government has published the Welfare Reform and Work Bill
George Osborne says benefits should be capped at £20,000 to meet average earnings - but working families take home £31,500
08 July, 2015
It is our youngest that will disproportionately bear the brunt of the lower income cap
Budget 2015: Welsh warning over welfare cuts
08 July, 2015
Chancellor George Osborne has unveiled plans for £12bn of welfare cuts in his Budget, amid warnings from Wales about the impact on the poorest in society
Benefits cap change 'may lead to reduced rates in Wales'
08 July, 2015
A reduced benefits cap outside London could lead to lower benefit rates in Wales
Budget 2015: SNP says Osborne 'taking from the poor'
08 July, 2015
George Osborne has been accused of being the "high priest of an austerity cult" after he set out plans to cut the welfare budget by £12bn
Universal Credit staff vote to strike over 'inadequate' IT systems
08 July, 2015
Employees at centres in Glasgow and Bolton say they face an 'increasingly oppressive working environment'
'There's never any money left': threat of welfare cuts alarms Blackburn families
08 July, 2015
Wednesday's budget is expected to include sweeping cuts to child and working tax credits, leaving families dependent on them anxious about the future
Benefit cap will pitch thousands more British children into poverty
08 July, 2015
The cynical benefit cap expected in George Osborne's budget is emblematic of the Tories' £12bn welfare cuts, immiserating hundreds of thousands of families
Citizens Impact Assessment - Lowering the Benefit Cap
08 July, 2015
The Government has set out plans to lower the overall benefit cap to £23,000 per year
There are other options to balance the books besides cutting our safety net
08 July, 2015
Today the Chancellor is set to unveil up to £12 billion of the cuts in welfare that he the first committed to a year and a half ago
The legal challenge to the 'bedroom tax' - a new hope
07 July, 2015
Desmond Rutledge reviews the prospects of the bedroom tax litigation succeeding in the light of the recent Supreme Court judgment in the household benefit cap case
Will wages fill the tax credit gap? Don't Budget for it
07 July, 2015
Recent high-profile converts are bringing headlines and new vim to the debate on working poverty
The benefit cap didn't cause 30,000 to get back into work
07 July, 2015
It's not correct to say that 30,000 people have moved into work after having their benefits capped
How did we get to this welfare state?
07 July, 2015
We think of the welfare state as a creation of the 20th Century but its roots stretch back to Elizabethan times
The Myth of "Broken Britain": Welfare Reform and the Production of Ignorance
07 July, 2015
This article takes on the challenge of what Robert Proctor calls "agnotology" (the study of ignorance) to analyse the current assault on the British welfare state
Minimum wage would have to double to almost £12 an hour for families to live without tax credits
07 July, 2015
George Osborne confirmed he will cut tax credits in Wednesday's budget
Welsh Conservative leader says benefits cap is 'fair'
06 July, 2015
Plans to impose a lower benefits cap outside London is fair
3rd Report, 2015 (Session 4): Women and Social Security
06 July, 2015
This report sets out the findings and recommendations made by the Welfare Reform Committee on its inquiry into the impact of welfare reform on women
George Osborne: £12bn in welfare savings have been found
06 July, 2015
Chancellor George Osborne says he has identified how the government will make the £12bn of welfare cuts promised in the Conservative election manifesto
Osborne announces cut in benefits cap to £20,000 a year outside London
06 July, 2015
Chancellor says £23,000 figure in manifesto only applies in Greater London as he launches further attacks on BBC during interview about welfare savings
George Osborne's emergency budget has social housing tenants in its sights
06 July, 2015
George Osborne has social housing tenants firmly in his sights in this week's emergency budget
Conservatives see best chance in 18 years to cut welfare bill
03 July, 2015
Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservatives have their best chance in almost two decades to remould Britain's economy next week
Now Charles's charity joins protests against welfare cuts that 'make it harder for jobless young people to get work'
02 July, 2015
The Prince of Wales' personal charity yesterday joined the chorus of protests against welfare reforms
UK government votes down Scotland Bill's welfare amendments
02 July, 2015
Amendments to the Scotland Bill have been rejected by the UK government
Millions spent papering over the cracks of bedroom tax disaster
02 July, 2015
Merseyside councils last year paid out £4.6 million in discretionary housing payments (DHPs) to help households affected by the bedroom tax
Scots charities fire welfare warning to UK government
01 July, 2015
13 biggest charities, anti-poverty groups and welfare campaigners have warned the UK government that cuts will signal a financial death knell
Bedroom tax protesters campaign at the Senedd
01 July, 2015
Campaigners from across South Wales attended the protest at the Senedd against the Bedroom Tax
Further welfare cuts would severely hit those least able to cope
30 June, 2015
Charities, churches and frontline community organisations across Scotland are dealing with the impact of cuts to services and benefits
Political Battles Between Inclusion and Welfare
30 June, 2015
There was a major shift in the way many sick and disabled people have organised themselves to protest against 'welfare reforms'
Half of households receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes
30 June, 2015
More than 13 million households in Britain receive more in benefits than they pay in taxes
Newcastle City Council 'forced' to plunder welfare funds
29 June, 2015
A north-east of England council says government budget cuts are forcing it to use funding earmarked for vulnerable residents
Evictions, child poverty, homelessness - London borough issues stark warning over new benefit cap
26 June, 2015
A London borough today warned that a £3,000 reduction in the benefit cap could have a devastating impact on its most impoverished families
Benefit cap will lead to 'inevitable' increase in homelessness
26 June, 2015
The proposed reduction to the benefit cap will "inevitably lead to a sharp increase in homelessness"
The impacts of welfare reform on residents in Brighton & Hove
26 June, 2015
A report to Brighton & Hove City Council from the Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion and Rocket Science UK
Is welfare reform working?
26 June, 2015
Today was the day, when we'd see a sharp rise in poverty as official figures included the full impact of welfare cuts for the first time
£21 billion saved? Welfare spending over the last parliament
25 June, 2015
£21 billion of welfare savings last parliament, £12 billion this parliament. Pleasingly symmetrical but politically controversial figures
As Cameron and Osborne wield the axe to find an extra £12billion, here's where the welfare budget is really spent
25 June, 2015
David Cameron and George Osborne have two weeks to find £12billion in extra cuts from the benefits budget
Housing Generation Rent
25 June, 2015
'Welfare reform hitting vulnerable young people in the housing market'
David Cameron under pressure from Tory MPs to review controversial 'bedroom tax'
25 June, 2015
Conservative MPs reported the controversial policy proved hugely unpopular on the doorsteps during the general election campaign
Welfare cuts axe falling in the wrong place
25 June, 2015
We are led to believe Britain is beginning to boom again with wages up, jobs-a-plenty and inflation lower than a rattlesnake's belly
People choose to be poor and disabled - this is the logic behind the Tories' £12bn of welfare cuts
24 June, 2015
The idea that benefit claimants can be scared or starved out of poverty is a complete myth
The moral case for welfare reform
24 June, 2015
The Prime Minister makes the right case for spending less on benefits
Conservative MP challenges government on link between food banks and benefit sanctions
24 June, 2015
Priti Patel came under attack yesterday over the government's reluctance to recognise the link between benefit sanctions and rise in food bank use
'Welfare reform hitting vulnerable young people in the housing market'
24 June, 2015
Young people face considerable challenges navigating the housing market
Government accused of discriminating against private rented sector
24 June, 2015
Private landlords are facing discrimination as the Government rolls out Universal Credit
Softening the ground to cut in-work benefits
23 June, 2015
Many have expressed doubts as to whether the government will go through with the full £12 billion of benefit cuts
Iain Duncan Smith refuses to rule out cutting disability benefits, but says he will be 'kind'
23 June, 2015
Ministers have refused to rule out making further cuts to disability benefits as speculation grows about exactly where the Government's welfare cuts will fall
Q&A;: Tax credits explained
23 June, 2015
The government says it needs to find a further £12bn in savings from the annual welfare bill to meet its goal of balancing the books by 2017-18
UK benefits cuts: Working families could lose up to £1,690 in tax credits, ministers warned
23 June, 2015
Families with two children could lose up to £1,690 if the Government implements deep cuts to tax credits in its drive to slash spending on welfare
When talking about benefit cuts it's unhelpful to refer to the "£220 billion" welfare budget
23 June, 2015
The £220 billion figure given includes expenditure on state pensions and universal pensioner benefits too-something the Conservatives have committed to increase
Five ways David Cameron can cut tax credits without making workers worse off
23 June, 2015
David Cameron wants to cut in-work tax credits, and wants companies to pay staff more. How can he do it?
People on benefits are dying. It's time for some transparency
23 June, 2015
The DWP's benefits crackdown includes threatening a disabled man who can't walk or talk
IDS warned of social housing evictions risk posed by lower benefit cap and universal credit
23 June, 2015
A lower benefit cap combined with the introduction of direct rent payments under universal credit could lead to a rise in evictions from social housing
The charts that show how much each benefit costs and which are most in danger of George Osborne and David Cameron's £12bn axe
23 June, 2015
The total welfare bill is a staggering £220bn - around 30 per cent of all public spending
How the welfare budget is spent and options for savings
23 June, 2015
The government says it needs to find a further £12bn in savings from the annual welfare bill to meet its goal of balancing the books by 2017-8
Female Labour Supply, Human Capital and Welfare Reform
23 June, 2015
Estimate a dynamic model of employment, human capital accumulation - including education, and savings for women in the UK, exploiting policy changes
Universal Credit in 10 more Jobcentres across England, Scotland and Wales
23 June, 2015
Today, 10 more Jobcentres start offering Universal Credit in Scotland, Wales, Nottinghamshire, Suffolk, Hertfordshire and the Black Country
The Guardian view on benefits reform: Labour needs a compelling response
22 June, 2015
With the latest cuts likely to hit the poorest and most vulnerable the hardest, this could be the issue that makes or breaks the Labour party
Osborne to proceed with £12bn welfare cuts despite anti-austerity protests
22 June, 2015
Chancellor dismisses reports the cuts could be delayed or scaled back, saying details will be in next month's budget
Benefits changes threaten young dads
22 June, 2015
Young, single dads could struggle to have their child stay overnight with them, if housing benefit changes proposed by the government go ahead
Leaving the nest - are you prepared for the bedroom tax?
22 June, 2015
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit (HB), you need to start looking at your options for dealing with the bedroom tax
CIH accused of 'scaremongering' over impact of benefit cap on housing association families
22 June, 2015
The CIH was today accused of "scaremongering" after it published research showing how a reduction in the benefit cap would make many parts of England "off limits"
Benefit cuts - coming soon
22 June, 2015
"You identify a million people who you'd like to take £1,000 away from and I'll do it."
The election has finally opened Tory eyes to the disaster of the bedroom tax
19 June, 2015
After praising the bedroom tax for five years, Tory MPs returned from their constituency doorsteps with a better understanding of the chaos it has caused
Welfare reform update - June 2015
19 June, 2015
Includes our submission to the emergency Budget, new seven-day waiting period for Universal Credit and details of new reports on welfare reform
Welfare spending, wage growth and housing: factchecking Prime Minister's Questions
18 June, 2015
George Osborne stood in for the PM at this week's clashes in the Commons, with Hilary Benn at the despatch box for Labour
Britain responsible for 'unsustainable' 7% of world's welfare spend
18 June, 2015
Chancellor deploys figure at PMQs as a justification for the government's plan to target £12bn in welfare spending cuts 'so that work pays'
Cutting housing benefit - one brick at a time
18 June, 2015
Consensus has broken out in the fractious world of welfare reform
Axe child benefit
17 June, 2015
Child benefit should be scrapped and some welfare payments to disabled people should be taxed as part of efforts to cut the amount of the social security budget going to middle-class claimants
Lord Freud quotes housing associations to defend bedroom tax from critics
17 June, 2015
The impact of the bedroom tax on housing associations and their tenants has not been as severe as critics suggest
Universal Credit: Apr 2013 to 28 May 2015
17 June, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 28 May 2015
Why Universal Credit could lead to even more sanctions
16 June, 2015
Benefit sanction rates are already at record levels
Universal Credit comes to Lewes and Newhaven
16 June, 2015
Benefit claimants in Lewes, Newhaven and Eastbourne are now able to receive Universal Credit at their local Jobcentre
Assessing the proposal to cut £5 billion from Child Tax Credit
15 June, 2015
Last week, the BBC reported that the government was contemplating a major reduction in Child Tax Credit
Universal Credit now available at 6 more Jobcentres in Cornwall and Newcastle
15 June, 2015
Today Universal Credit is available to more people in 6 more Jobcentres across the country and will make sure work always pays
Bedroom Tax too extreme even for Tory backbench
15 June, 2015
The SNP is today renewing its call for the abolition of the Bedroom Tax - after it emerged that even Tory MPs are calling for the policy to be revisited
Kingdom provides advice for Fife tenants on Universal Credit changes
15 June, 2015
Over eighty Fife tenants have attended events in Dunfermline and Glenrothes to receive support and advice on the forthcoming implementation of Universal Credit
Benefits for working families could be slashed by £5billion: Tax credits may be reduced as part of Osborne's plans to cut welfare spending
12 June, 2015
Benefits for working families could be slashed to save up to £5billion in George Osborne's emergency Budget
The government is quietly making a U-turn on universal credit
12 June, 2015
A small but significant concession to the controversial system is being tested in Oldham. Perhaps the government is finally noticing the warning signs
Private landlords claim they face discrimination when it comes to Universal Credit protections
12 June, 2015
The Government has been accused of discriminating against private landlords when it comes to the roll-out of its Universal Credit benefit reform
Bedroom tax ruling 'opens the door' for separated parents
11 June, 2015
A tribunal in England has ruled that separated parents are being wrongly charged with the 'bedroom tax' in a ruling that can open the floodgates for thousands of claimants
Welfare trends report
11 June, 2015
This is our second Welfare trends report (WTR), in which we examine trends in public spending on different elements of the welfare system
Dozens of families "being made homeless" by benefits cap
11 June, 2015
Tooting MP Sadiq Khan criticised the Government for making nearly 100 Wandsworth families homeless due to the benefits cap
George Osborne considering £5bn cuts to child tax credits
11 June, 2015
The government is considering reducing tax credits for millions of working families as part of its £12bn welfare cuts
Universal Credit: rent arrears form UC47
11 June, 2015
These guides explain what Universal Credit means for landlords, local authorities and tenants
The Universal Credit (Waiting Days) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015 No. 1362): SSAC report
11 June, 2015
A SSAC report on the Universal Credit (Waiting Days) Amendment Regulations 2015. It includes a government statement
New Benefit Cap Means Workless Private Renters Now Banned From 92% of UK
10 June, 2015
A reduction in the benefit cap was a centre piece of the Tory manifesto in the run-up to May's election
Scrap bedroom tax, Tories tell PM: Cameron warned the measure is a 'fly in the "One Nation" ointment'
10 June, 2015
David Cameron is facing pressure from his own party to ditch the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Universal Credit information for claimants in Croydon and Sutton
10 June, 2015
Universal Credit in the CR0 4 postcode area of Croydon and SM5 2, SM6 7, SM6 8 and SM6 9 postcode areas of Sutton
Labour urged to adopt radical welfare reform rather than support Tory cuts
09 June, 2015
Labour is being urged to embrace radical welfare reform in an attempt to stop George Osborne laying another "political trap" for the party by challenging it to support his £12bn of benefit cuts
Welfare Reform Committee
09 June, 2015
The Welfare Reform Committee took evidence from Social Justice Secretary Alex Neil on 9 June 2015
Working families could become 'second-class savers' under universal credit
09 June, 2015
Working families moving onto universal credit could become "second-class savers", with any money put aside potentially counting against their benefit entitlement
Making the most of UC: Final report of the Resolution Foundation review of Universal Credit
08 June, 2015
The improvements necessary to enable UC to, at a minimum, make work pay and smooth the transition into work must be made before millions of families are moved onto the new system
The Guardian view on universal credit: needs more work
08 June, 2015
The Resolution Foundation has carried out an important analysis of his biggest reform of the welfare system
'Reboot' universal credit, ministers urged
08 June, 2015
Hundreds of thousands more women would be helped into work if the government "rebooted" its flagship welfare reforms
Universal Credit now available at 50% of all Scottish Jobcentres from today
08 June, 2015
All Glasgow Jobcentres now offer Universal Credit, with the new benefit that makes work always pay, available to all new single claimants
Credit where it's due? How to reform and make the most out of Universal Credit
08 June, 2015
There are some issues where a little bit of knowledge, and a lot of bluster, are all that's needed for a politician - whether government or opposition - to get through a standard media grilling
Concerns over how £12bn welfare cuts will affect devolved social security powers
05 June, 2015
Social justice secretary Alex Neil has called for an inter-governmental meeting to discuss the implications of a planned £12 billion welfare cut on powers contained in the new Scotland Bill
Help with budgeting your Universal Credit
05 June, 2015
This guide gives details on how Universal Credit is paid and the budgeting support available through DWP and other organisations
Universal Credit and self-employment: quick guide
05 June, 2015
The support offered by Universal Credit to help claimants start their own business and what will be expected of them in return
Universal Credit and improving your skills for work
05 June, 2015
How Universal Credit can help claimants to find work by supporting them in improving their skills
Iain Duncan Smith to fight David Cameron over cuts to child benefit
04 June, 2015
Work and Pensions Secretary has not given up on his plans to slash benefit, despite the Prime Minister publicly slapping him down
Northern Ireland political crisis deepens as parties fail to reach agreement over welfare reform
04 June, 2015
The situation at Stormont "looks increasingly grim" the Secretary of State has warned after talks to resolve the welfare crisis broke up without progress yesterday
Application for third party deductions: Universal Credit
04 June, 2015
This form can be used by a creditor to request a third party deduction from a Universal Credit claimant
The Benefit Cap: hamstringing housing associations?
04 June, 2015
The government has confirmed that the Benefit Cap will be lowered from £500 to £442 a week (£23,000 a year)
Benefits cap will leave 'tens of thousands' of children surviving on £3 or less a day
03 June, 2015
The Tory Government plans to reduce the benefits cap to £23,000 a year. This is who it's going to affect the most and why
Northern Ireland crisis talks fail to resolve standoff over welfare reforms
03 June, 2015
Cross-party cooperation under strain after Stormont Castle crunch meeting attended by leaders of five main parties, Theresa Villiers, and Charlie Flanagan
Behaviour change and welfare reform: If it's working it's hurting?
03 June, 2015
Where will the axe fall? It's the question that's been preoccupying us here at Shelter, as we wait for confirmation of the government's £12 billion planned cuts
Daily catch-up: £12bn welfare spending cuts - more achievable in theory than in practice
03 June, 2015
Plus Moose Allain's cartoon, and some ancient history of the campaign for 'fair votes'
Talks set to continue at Stormont over Welfare Reform
03 June, 2015
The Government is prepared for weeks more of talks on Welfare Reform and the Stormont House Agreement
Is a £12bn welfare cut achievable? Only with a big pay rise!
02 June, 2015
The government made the Queen say "northern powerhouse" in her speech but, having decided one silly phrase was enough, stopped short of making her say "£12 billion welfare cuts"
Universal Credit and rented housing - frequently asked questions
02 June, 2015
This document provides private and social sector landlords with up to date information on Universal Credit
The reduced benefit cap could be the killer blow for social housing
02 June, 2015
As rents have risen, a lower benefit cap could leave thousands of Londoners facing eviction and relocation - and their landlords facing an identity crisis
UK government urged to improve welfare reform implementation
02 June, 2015
The UK government's spending watchdog has criticised the DWP for its failure to anticipate problems in its implementation of welfare reform
Cutting Child Benefit but increasing free childcare - where is the poverty test?
02 June, 2015
Cutting the deficit while reducing poverty and improving prospects is a mighty challenge
The Impacts of Welfare Reform in Scotland
01 June, 2015
The aim of the study is to explore the impacts of ongoing changes to the welfare system on a range of households in Scotland over time
High Court Orders Benefit Cap Judicial Review
01 June, 2015
The high court has ordered an urgent judicial review into the benefit cap and its impact on disabled people and their carers
Northern Ireland Benefits Statistics Summary
01 June, 2015
The number of Jobseeker's Allowance claimants was 45,350. This represents a decrease of 11,590 in the last year
Benefit Cap Quarterly Statistics: GB households capped to February 2015
01 June, 2015
The Government has introduced a cap on the total amount of benefits that working-age households can receive
Universal Credit now available at 15 more Jobcentres
01 June, 2015
Universal Credit is now available to more people at 15 more Jobcentres across the country and will make sure work always pays
The Tories' benefit cap is 'social justice in action'
29 May, 2015
The government's benefit cap is an example of "social justice in action", Iain Duncan Smith has said
Benefit cap could drop 40,000 children into poverty, leaked memo warns
29 May, 2015
Internal government assessment seen by the Guardian shows lowering of welfare cap will be disastrous for families if parents are unable to find extra work
Spectrum takes important steps to prepare for Universal Credit with Who's Home
29 May, 2015
Housing Partners has entered into partnership with Spectrum Housing Group for delivery of the Who's Home service
Awareness and support set to help Eden residents with Welfare Reform
29 May, 2015
Eden Housing Association is helping residents get to grips with Welfare reform
Labour's Andy Burnham suggests he might back further welfare cuts
29 May, 2015
Leadership favourite tells business figures he wants to counter perception party is 'soft on people who want something for nothing' and doesn't celebrate enterprise
Labour moves to support Tories lower benefit cap despite 'children on breadline' warnings
28 May, 2015
Labour has moved to support the Government's plan to lower the benefit cap to £23,000, according to a statement made by interim leader Harriet Harman
Bedroom Tax: How to appeal because of joint custody of a child
28 May, 2015
The Tory election victory means Bedroom Tax is here to stay, and the only way to avoid paying it is to appeal
Northern Ireland welfare dispute: Westminster could take over powers
28 May, 2015
The secretary of state has said she cannot rule out Westminster legislating on welfare matters in Northern Ireland
Universal Credit case studies wanted
28 May, 2015
Nine Lives Media are making another Channel 4 Dispatches about benefit changes, and are focussing on how people who are in work and on benefits are being affected
The government can cut less than £12 billion from benefits - and still meet its welfare target
28 May, 2015
The impact of the cuts already made by the Coalition Government has been severe
What can 1.4 million private renters expect in the next round of welfare reforms?
28 May, 2015
The government plan to cut a further £12 billion from the welfare bill across the next two years
The Tories' welfare cuts will either make people poorer or less likely to work, IFS says
27 May, 2015
The Conservatives' £12bn cuts to welfare will likely either increase poverty or undermine ministers' claims that they will 'make work pay', according to a new analysis by the Institute for Fiscal Studies
Northern Ireland welfare reform bill fails
27 May, 2015
Northern Ireland's Welfare Reform Bill has failed to pass following the issuing of a petition of concern by the Sinn Fein and Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)
Northern Ireland welfare reform debate goes ahead
26 May, 2015
Northern Ireland Assembly members are debating the final stage of the controversial welfare reform bill
Welfare cuts so large, even IDS is worried at the 'sheer scale' of them
26 May, 2015
Ian Duncan Smith is believed to be wrangling with his cabinet colleagues over the cuts required by his department if it is to achieve the Conservatives' planned £12 billion in welfare budget savings
Universal Credit now available in more Scottish towns
26 May, 2015
Universal Credit arrives in Banff, Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Falkirk, Grangemouth, Stirling and Alloa. Learn about how it can benefit you
Benefit cuts: where might they come from?
26 May, 2015
The Conservative Party manifesto confirmed a long-discussed commitment to find a further £12bn of cuts
An anatomy of a bedroom tax appeal
22 May, 2015
Rob Gershon investigates the unique structure behind Coast and Country's project to empower tenants to mount their appeals
The removal of the removal of the spare room subsidy
22 May, 2015
It's been a numbing couple of weeks for those of us affected by, and hoping for reform or repeal of, the bedroom tax
Welfare reform update - May 2015
22 May, 2015
Includes how we are responding to the Government's potential welfare reforms, changes to the Universal Credit process and the introduction of a seven-day waiting period on Universal Credit claims
Welfare reform: leaked document outlines financial crisis facing executive
21 May, 2015
The BBC has seen a document in which Finance Minister Arlene Foster outlines the financial crisis facing the Northern Ireland Executive
Universal Credit Q&A;
21 May, 2015
Summary of questions raised and discussed at the Federation's welfare reform member events Spring 2015
The changing characteristics of UK disability benefit recipients
21 May, 2015
Reform of disability benefits is high on the public policy agenda in many countries
Intensive talks over welfare bill
21 May, 2015
Another crisis is looming at Stormont with the welfare reform bill expected to fall next week unless a last-minute deal is struck
Welfare changes an 'absolute requirement' for EU renegotiation
21 May, 2015
As net immigration hits 318,000 - triple the Conservatives' 100,000 'ambition' - Prime Minister calls for EU-level action
A home without a household
20 May, 2015
News of a very interesting First Tier Tribunal bedroom tax appeal
Welfare reform impasse a proper crisis says Mike Nesbitt
20 May, 2015
Ulster Unionist leader Mike Nesbitt has said the impasse over welfare reform at Stormont is "a proper crisis"
Social landlords welfare expect cuts to trigger new wave of homelessness
20 May, 2015
Further cuts to welfare funding by the UK government result in a surge in rent arrears
Seven ways social landlords can prepare for universal credit
19 May, 2015
Sanctuary Housing took part in pilot tests for the government's new benefits payment system. Here are its tips on preparing for the changeover
Social landlords expect cuts to trigger new wave of homelessness
18 May, 2015
Report based on survey of English housing associations and councils suggests government moves to restrict benefits will result in a surge in tenant evictions
Bedroom Tax battle couple's Human Rights Act fear
18 May, 2015
Jacqueline Carmichael and partner Jayson are worried their Supreme Court case will be influenced by scrapping of Act
Universal Credit videos
18 May, 2015
These explain how Universal Credit works and how it supports claimants in getting back to work
Housing benefit cuts for under-21s would be disastrous for young people
18 May, 2015
The cost of evictions, homelessness and temporary accommodation would all but wipe out the controversial policy's predicted savings
Easing the burden
18 May, 2015
The impact of welfare reform on local government and the social housing sector
Fall in benefits capped households
15 May, 2015
The number of households subjected to the Government's benefits cap has dropped by more than 1,000 to fewer than 23,100
Tories must now come clean about where their £12bn of welfare cuts will be made
15 May, 2015
The unexpected Conservative majority means they cannot back down
Iain Duncan Smith hails success of benefit cap as evictions hit record levels
15 May, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith has hailed the success of the benefit cap
Iain Duncan Smith gets more time to rescue the loathed universal credit
15 May, 2015
Despite the warnings, delays and write-offs, the work and pensions secretary survives to deliver this shambolic reform
How will Universal Credit make work pay?
15 May, 2015
An illustrated guide to how Universal Credit makes work pay
Graph showing how Universal Credit helps make work pay
15 May, 2015
A graph showing how Universal Credit helps make work pay
Robinson 'would seek London deal'
14 May, 2015
Stormont's First Minister has said he will seek an Assembly vote on handing welfare powers back to London if Sinn Fein refuse to implement reforms of the benefits system
Benefit cap: thousands move into work or off Housing Benefit
14 May, 2015
The benefit cap continues to provide an incentive to work, with over 22,000 people who had their benefits capped moving into work
Benefit cap: number of households capped to February 2015
14 May, 2015
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to February 2015
Tenant evictions reach six-year high amid rising rents and benefit cuts
14 May, 2015
Bailiffs in England and Wales evicted more than 11,000 families in the first three months of 2015, 51% higher than in same period five years ago
Villiers losing hope Northern Ireland parties can agree welfare reform
13 May, 2015
Secretary of State Theresa Villiers has admitted she is not "hugely optimistic" the Stormont impasse over welfare reform can be resolved
Young told to get a job or lose benefits: Tory 'earn or learn' plan to be at the heart of Cameron's first Queen's Speech
13 May, 2015
School leavers will be forced to take a job or sign up for training under government plans to prepare young people for the world of work
Arlene Foster warns welfare reform impasse will cost £500m
13 May, 2015
The new finance minister Arlene Foster has warned a £500m hole will open in the executive's budget if the Stormont House Agreement is not implemented
Universal Credit: Apr 2013 to May 2015
13 May, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 7 May 2015
David Cameron challenged to live on minimum wage and volunteer at food bank to understand impact of Tory welfare cuts
12 May, 2015
A letter urging the PM to 'understand the cost' of his policies has gone viral
Stockton-on-Tees residents fight back over Benefits Street series
12 May, 2015
Benefits Street series one caused Channel 4 to be accused of making 'poverty porn'
Universal Credit roll out continues
12 May, 2015
The national roll out of Universal Credit continues with the benefit now available to new single claimants in Richmond, Kirkwall, Lerwick and Stornoway
Iain Duncan Smith returns to cabinet to oversee £12bn welfare cuts
11 May, 2015
Work and pensions secretary returns to his job, David Cameron has confirmed, ahead of full reshuffle announcement on Monday
Tories weigh up options for £12bn welfare cuts
11 May, 2015
Party rallied support on basis of balancing the books but knows it can be tarred as nasty if cuts are seen as unfair
Universal Credit welcome guide
11 May, 2015
An introduction to Universal Credit, including how it works and how it tops up your earnings to help make work pay
'Pure evil' Bedroom Tax will hit one million more people as Tories launch 100-day welfare blitz
11 May, 2015
David Cameron will hit society's most vulnerable the hardest as he finally begins to identify his £12billion of welfare cuts
Conservative general election victory: 5 ways the benefits system will change
08 May, 2015
The Conservatives look set to claim victory in the 2015 general election. And this means if you claim benefits, your life could change dramatically
The Tories' £12bn of welfare cuts could come back to haunt them
08 May, 2015
Such huge cutbacks won't just hit the mythical scroungers, but also people who may have voted the Conservatives in
Lib Dems would force Tories to water down welfare cuts as price for coalition
07 May, 2015
Nick Clegg, the Liberal Democrat leader, is likely to demand that the Tories water down their plans to cut £12billion from the welfare bill
5 ways benefits changes are making things worse for women
07 May, 2015
Women's group Engender has raised the alarm about the impact of welfare reform on women
Revealed: hitlist of welfare cuts facing Britain's next chancellor
06 May, 2015
Extremely controversial' ideas drawn up by civil servants include benefit freeze and making it harder for sick people to claim state aid
'Work not done' on Tory welfare cuts
06 May, 2015
The Conservatives will not say how they will find £12bn in welfare cuts in the next Parliament because they have not yet "done the work on it"
Tories could raise the Bedroom Tax as part of £12billion welfare cuts
06 May, 2015
Tenants struggling to afford their rents face being slapped with another big rise or forced to leave their homes
Women would suffer £7.8bn of £8.6bn cuts to tax credits and child benefit under Tories
06 May, 2015
Women would suffer £7.8bn of £8.6bn of cuts to tax credits and child benefit the Conservatives would implement if they retain power
Five proactive things you can do to offset the impact of universal credit
06 May, 2015
Housing professionals are working proactively to counteract the changes brought about by universal credit before migration moves tenants onto the benefit
Welfare Reform Committee 1
06 May, 2015
The Welfare Reform Committee took evidence on Personal Independence Payments on 5 May 2015
Welfare Reform Committee 2
06 May, 2015
The Welfare Reform Committee continued to take evidence on Personal Independence Payments (PIP) on 5 May 2015
Vote Labour and you can help scrap the bedroom tax, Ed Miliband tells the people of Wales
05 May, 2015
In his own words, the Labour leader sets out his vision for how he wants to change Wales and put the UK on the road to prosperity and fairness
Taxes and benefits: the parties' plans
05 May, 2015
The last five years have seen considerable policy activity in the tax and benefit sphere
Housing Benefit for supported housing
01 May, 2015
Changes introduced by the Housing Benefit and Universal Credit (Supported Housing) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
Miliband to say Labour would immediately put an end to the bedroom tax
01 May, 2015
Today the Labour leader will explain how Labour would put an immediate end to the Tories' bedroom tax
Tory minister admits bedroom tax is 'not an easy sell' on the doorstep
01 May, 2015
The so-called bedroom tax is "not an easy sell" on the election doorstep, a Tory Cabinet minister has privately admitted
Historic house undergoes £600,000 redevelopment to help people affected by the 'bedroom tax'
01 May, 2015
A landmark property in a Staffordshire village which stood empty for many years has undergone a makeover and is now providing homes for people affected by the 'bedroom tax'
'Secret' Tory plans for £8bn in welfare cuts exposed by Danny Alexander
30 April, 2015
Lib Dem chief secretary accuses Tories of 'trying to con the British people'
PM does not rule out more tax credit cuts after Labour claim of 'secret plan'
30 April, 2015
David Cameron says he will press on with welfare reforms after Miliband's earlier claim Tories have plan for cuts to tax credits that would devastate family finances
Universal Credit rolls out in region
30 April, 2015
Only a small number of people in the Borders will be affected by this week's initial rollout of Universal Credit in the area
Tax credits in 'firing line' under Tories says Miliband
29 April, 2015
Labour would raise tax credits at least in line with inflation every year until 2020 to "protect family budgets"
Skelmersdale bedroom tax victim has toes amputated after spending winter in a tent
28 April, 2015
Mitchell and Keith Keenan were evicted from their four-bedroomed house in Birch Green last year
Welfare reform parked until after General Election
28 April, 2015
Further debate on welfare reform is unlikely to take place until after the General Election
Protest halts Coventry man's eviction from home of 40 years
28 April, 2015
The eviction of a man from his home of more than 40 years was stopped after protestors surrounded the house
How does the next government plan to make further cuts in welfare?
28 April, 2015
I was listening to Radio 4 getting my daily fix of politics when I heard a candidate say that the best way to support people on welfare is to help them get a job
Tories' lack of clarity over welfare cuts sparks fear, anger and suspicion
24 April, 2015
Critics say refusal to reveal how £12bn of welfare cuts will be achieved makes party look shifty and afraid to confront voters with reality of where axe will fall
Right-to-buy pledge flies in the face of welfare reform philosophy
23 April, 2015
The Conservatives are putting the needs of the individual before the needs of the many with the proposal to extend Right-to-Buy
Welfare cuts have hit women hardest - a step back on the path to equality
22 April, 2015
There's no avoiding the facts: austerity has been gendered
Welfare Reform Committee
21 April, 2015
The Welfare Reform Committee took evidence on the impact of welfare reform on children's services on 21 April 2015
'Bedroom tax is making people homeless'
21 April, 2015
Barry resident Wendy Evans told the BBC Wales election 2015 tour the so-called bedroom tax is unfair
The latest universal credit figures are an embarrassment for the Tories
20 April, 2015
Department of Work and Pensions published their latest figures for the number of people claiming universal credit
Don't trip up: six things to watch out for with universal credit
20 April, 2015
The introduction of universal credit means big changes for social landlords and tenants
What future for Universal Credit?
20 April, 2015
Universal Credit can't reduce poverty on its own, says Chris Goulden
Universal Credit: rent arrears form
17 April, 2015
These guides explain what Universal Credit means for landlords, local authorities and tenants
What would a serious attempt at tackling under-occupation look like?
17 April, 2015
Tackling under-occupation can play a part in addressing the housing crisis - but we need a fundamental review of the issue based on the evidence
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 9 Apr 2015
17 April, 2015
Statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 9 April 2015
Universal Credit: the fantasy of a tidy world
16 April, 2015
The coalition presents its benefit reforms as fair, rational and efficient
Where will Cameron make his next cuts?
16 April, 2015
David Cameron struggled with questions on food banks when asked
Alex Salmond predicts bedroom tax will lead to demise of Lib Dems
16 April, 2015
Former First Minister Alex Salmond has predicted that the hated bedroom tax would lead to the "destruction" of the Liberal Democrats
'Bedroom Tax' legal battle to go to Supreme Court in March 2016
16 April, 2015
Lawyers announce date for Supreme Court hearing in 'Bedroom Tax' legal case
Welfare reform: context and consequences
15 April, 2015
Northern Ireland has yet to pass legislation for all the reforms already in the process of being implemented in the UK
Benefits payment change leads to drug war in Dumfries
15 April, 2015
Mark Frankland from First Base says drug gangs are aiming to cash in by trapping users in a spiral of debt
Lib Dems will not enter Tory coalition if £12bn welfare cuts made
14 April, 2015
Party leader says Conservatives want poorest to make additional sacrifices while not asking the richest to pay more taxes to balance books
Tory austerity will eat up the welfare state
14 April, 2015
With Britain's most vulnerable already suffering badly, few are safe from the £12bn social security cuts planned under a new Conservative-led government
No, welfare reforms aren't 'working for everyone'
14 April, 2015
'Tough love' is not the right tactic for children and disabled people who depend on benefits
Council fury over Scottish Government cuts to bedroom tax support
14 April, 2015
Colin Smyth says government cuts are "draconian" and a "nasty and vindictive attack on the region's vulnerable"
Furious bedroom tax campaigners claim their petition has been 'kicked into long grass'
14 April, 2015
"Disgusted" campaigners claim their petition has been "kicked into the long grass"
Sinn Fein rules out welfare reform deal
13 April, 2015
Future of Stormont institutions thrown into chaos by Maskey comments
Labour manifesto confirms 'pause' on Universal Credit
13 April, 2015
The Labour Party's manifesto, unveiled this morning, has confirmed that the party plans to take stock of Universal Credit
Scrapping the Bedroom Tax, raising minimum wage and five other Labour election pledges that could genuinely affect people on Merseyside
13 April, 2015
Ed Miliband unveils Labour's election manifesto - but what could it mean for Liverpool?
DUP warning amid welfare reform row
10 April, 2015
Sinn Fein has refused to settle a dispute over welfare reform which threatened the devolved government institutions in Northern Ireland until after the General Election
SNP fails to account for billions in welfare and pensions pledge
10 April, 2015
Thinktank says cost of key promises not clear in Sturgeon's plan to raise UK public spending and lower increases would be required - or tax rises
Wheatley Group helps tenants receive £12m in unclaimed benefits
10 April, 2015
Wheatley Group has helped tenants access £12 million in unclaimed benefits in just over two years
Bedroom tax: it's four against and one for in housing crisis debate
10 April, 2015
"Axe the bedroom tax", say all the parliamentary hopefuls standing in Islington South and Finsbur
No regrets in the bedroom, says Iain Duncan Smith as he pops £1bn question to Rachel Reeves
09 April, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith does not even pause when asked if he has any regrets over the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Salmond backs SFHA's call on Universal Credit at housing hustings
09 April, 2015
Alex Salmond has backed calls by the SFHA to suspend the roll-out of Universal Credit in Scotland
Rachel Reeves challenges George Osborne to rule out Child Benefit cut
09 April, 2015
Labour claims Conservatives are attacking middle class families
George Osborne refuses to rule out child benefit cuts
08 April, 2015
Chancellor refuses to say he will not roll child benefits into the Universal Credit system, in a move that would deny 4.3 million households the payments
What has happened to the disabled people affected by the Coalition's welfare reforms?
08 April, 2015
Frances Ryan revisits previous interviewees to find out how they are coping with the bedroom tax and the changes to benefits like the Disability Living Allowance
Cameron confident over welfare deal
08 April, 2015
Prime Minister David Cameron is confident the NI welfare deal can get back on track
Eight top tips for dealing with universal credit
08 April, 2015
The introduction of universal credit brings many changes for social landlords and tenants
The bedroom tax would be abolished 'in a matter of months' under a new Labour government
08 April, 2015
Rachel Reeves, shadow work and pensions secretary, visited a Barry food bank which has seen the number of people use it increase by 500 in just two years
Don't expect benefits if you spend your pension
07 April, 2015
Savers who spend all their pension pot should not expect to be able to rely on means-tested state benefits
Tax and benefits changes will help 14m households
07 April, 2015
Chancellor says changes will save working households £17 per month as David Cameron hails 'Money-back Monday'
The future of the bedroom tax is in the hands of the people of Wales
07 April, 2015
The Tories argue there are 90,000 people in Wales on housing waiting lists and 13,000 in over-crowded social accommodation
The Supreme Court didn't endorse the benefit cap
07 April, 2015
The benefit cap is lawful, ruled the Supreme Court by a majority of 3:2 last month
Labour's 'one month to scrap bedroom tax'
07 April, 2015
People have one month in which to scrap the so-called "bedroom tax" by voting Labour
Thought the bedroom tax was bad? Let's talk about cuts to council tax support
02 April, 2015
Poor people need help with council tax. Instead they get bailiffs, court summons and spiralling debt that could land them in prison
Benefit receipt more widespread and inequality lower in the long-run
02 April, 2015
Almost three times as many people interact with the benefit system over an 18 year period than in a single year on average
Archbishop of Wales Barry Morgan fears that prospect of welfare cuts means the worst could be yet to come
02 April, 2015
The Anglican leader is alarmed by the rise in the use of food banks, the effects of the so-called 'bedroom tax' and threats to libraries
Two years on - the Bedroom Tax has brought untold hardship to hundreds of thousands of people
02 April, 2015
If there was ever an anniversary not to celebrate it's today's marker of two years since the Bedroom Tax was introduced
Work and pensions secretary defends welfare reform record in Northampton
02 April, 2015
Former Conservative leader Iain Duncan Smith defended his record on welfare reform
Family 'threatened with eviction' for not paying bedroom tax on toilet
01 April, 2015
A Cornwall father who converted a bedroom into a toilet to help his seriously ill son says his family have been threatened with eviction for refusing to pay the bedroom tax on it
Scrap the £26,000 cap on benefits claims, says the SNP as surge in support boosts Sturgeon plan to end austerity
01 April, 2015
The SNP today demanded the end of the £26,000 cap on benefits claims as a price for supporting Labour
Beware of politicians making false promises of easy welfare cuts
31 March, 2015
Britain's Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Iain Duncan Smith arrives for a cabinet meeting at 10 Downing Street in London February 4, 2014
Disabled couple's High Court bedroom tax victory 'could have significant consequences'
31 March, 2015
A disabled couple have successfully challenged a council's bedroom tax policy in a case that could have significant consequences across the country
Tories may not reveal details of £12bn welfare cuts until after election
30 March, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith says Conservatives will talk about where axe should fall when party is ready, as IFS director warns of 'pretty dramatic' cuts
Charities 'very worried' after leak suggests Tories plan to tax disabled benefits if re-elected
30 March, 2015
The document detailed plans to impose taxes on the disability living allowance, personal independence payments and attendance allowance
Blow your pension pot and you'll lose your benefits: Savers warned they risk being refused state payouts if they spend nest-egg on luxuries
30 March, 2015
Savers who blow their pensions on a Lamborghini - or any other luxury - under new freedoms are being warned that they cannot expect to fall back on benefits
How welfare HARMS the poor: Labour attacks the Tories for cutting benefits. But a damning new book argues that handouts destroy communities and families
30 March, 2015
The future of the welfare state, always one of the most controversial issues in British politics, is certain to be at the heart of the imminent General Election campaign
No decisions yet on benefit cuts
30 March, 2015
No decisions have been made on where to make further benefit cuts, should the Conservatives win the general election
The language of universal credit
30 March, 2015
Universal credit brings with it new terminology which housing professionals will need to understand so they can work effectively with tenants
Calls to abolish bedroom tax after Harold Hill mum speaks of struggle to downsize
30 March, 2015
A mother-of-two has spoken of her difficulty downsizing her property under the threat of the bedroom tax as a leading charity has called for it to be abolished
We'll cut £12bn from welfare - but we won't tell you how
27 March, 2015
Conservative Treasury Minister David Gauke this morning confirmed the party plan to cut the welfare budget by £12 billion
Universal Credit welcome guide
27 March, 2015
An introduction to Universal Credit, including how it works and how it tops up your earnings to help make work pay
Why welfare and benefits matter in this election
27 March, 2015
At any one time, half the UK population receives help in the form of government benefits
Cities raise concerns at speed of universal credit rollout
27 March, 2015
Concerns have been raised about the speed of the national rollout of universal credit to two major cities
Social landlords express concern at Universal Credit roll-out
26 March, 2015
A conference took place yesterday in the Corn Exchange, Edinburgh, at the invitation of the DWP
Universal Credit and employers: frequently asked questions
26 March, 2015
This guidance explains what Universal Credit will mean for employers and their employees
Rising homelessness: Too much welfare reform and not enough rental reform?
26 March, 2015
Every household who loses their home and turns to their council for help represents a tragedy
Debt, sanctions and skipped meals: how welfare reform affects social tenants
26 March, 2015
Tenants in social housing have born the brunt of welfare cuts
Migrants who won't learn English to be stripped of housing benefits under Tories
25 March, 2015
Claimants who reject English lessons will lose housing support under Conservative plans to put 'rocket boosters' under current sanctions
Labour pledges to end dependency on food banks with welfare reforms
25 March, 2015
Party is promising to scrap benefit sanctions and low pay culture that it believes is forcing people to turn to food banks
Labour, drop the benefits doublespeak and let's hear your underdog-whistle
25 March, 2015
George Osborne's callous benefits cuts are an open goal - for a party prepared to back its belief in the good welfare state
Universal Credit: how it helps your employees and workers
25 March, 2015
Universal Credit is a new benefit that supports people who are on a low income or out of work
Universal Credit for HR and payroll staff
25 March, 2015
Universal Credit helps people on a low wage by topping up their earnings, it's based on income and not hours
Benefit sanctions: the 10 trivial breaches and administrative errors
24 March, 2015
MPs' inquiry heard copious evidence of claimants being docked hundreds of pounds and pitched into financial crisis for often absurd reasons
Welfare reform deal 'still doable'
24 March, 2015
A deal on welfare reform is still doable, Northern Ireland's First Minister said
MPs demand benefit sanctions review
24 March, 2015
The Tory-led coalition's controversial benefit sanctions regime should be subject to a full independent review to investigate whether they are being applied appropriately
Benefit sanctions policy beyond the Oakley Review
24 March, 2015
Report, together with formal minutes relating to the report
Iain Duncan Smith: Government's controversial bedroom tax has saved taxpayers £1 billion
23 March, 2015
Work and Pensions Secretary says payments for spare bedrooms was costing £1 million a day
Unemployment down in Halton says DWP
23 March, 2015
Jobcentre Plus stresses that jobseekers will not be sanctioned for refusing zero-hour contracts as benefits begin switch to Universal Credit
Labour claims bedroom tax is 'costing London's poor £50m a year'
23 March, 2015
The "bedroom tax" is squeezing more than £50 million a year from London's poorest families
Osborne plans cuts of £30bn - but how can he squeeze welfare any further?
20 March, 2015
Chancellor plans to eliminate deficit by 2019 but remains tight-lipped over details as experts question where more cuts could be made to benefits
We must take a bolder approach to welfare reform
20 March, 2015
The Chancellor failed to resolve three crucial issues in his Budget
Iain Duncan Smith's universal credit: bad for landlords, worse for tenants
20 March, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith's universal credit is bad news for tenants and landlords alike - and I should know
Universal Credit at risk of collapse?
20 March, 2015
The flagship welfare reform has recently been described as "in meltdown" by its own staff
What are the welfare cuts Osborne is hiding until after the election?
20 March, 2015
The Chancellor has vowed to cut £12bn from welfare - but he's announced just £3bn of savings
Household incomes: overall trends and the impact of tax and benefit changes
19 March, 2015
Chancellor and the Leader of the Opposition made contrasting claims about living standards yesterday
Osborne will need unprecedented cuts in welfare to meet targets
19 March, 2015
The Treasury will need to find "unprecedented" welfare savings over the next three years for the government to achieve its public spending plans
David Cameron's plans for obese benefit claimants questionable
19 March, 2015
Weight-loss programmes often fail and forcing claimants to undergo surgery is unethical - better to work on health of whole population, says journal's editorial
Universal Credit waiting days: statement from Paul Gray
19 March, 2015
Paul Gray provides an update on the committee's consultation on the introduction of Universal Credit waiting days
Supreme court to decide whether UK benefits cap is unlawful
18 March, 2015
Those in unique circumstances - such as fleeing violent partners - put at risk of homelessness by policy that breaches rights under European law
"Surprised and saddened": MSPs react to Mundell food bank evidence
18 March, 2015
Scottish Parliament has announced that it has sent evidence, which shows the link between the UK welfare reforms and an increase in the use of food banks
Supreme Court finds 'Benefit Cap' in breach of children's rights
18 March, 2015
The Supreme Court has declared that the 'benefit cap' breaches the government's international obligations; it overrides the rights of children
An introduction to Universal Credit
18 March, 2015
Information for people claiming Universal Credit in Sutton
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 12 Mar 2015
18 March, 2015
This summary contains statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 12 March 2015
Duncan Smith: Record employment rate shows we were right to reform
18 March, 2015
The employment rate has now hit an all time record high in the UK, after growing faster than any major economy over the past year
Supreme Court finds in favour of benefit cap
18 March, 2015
Judges in the country's highest court have declared that the benefit cap is lawful
Committee launches inquiry into the impact of welfare changes on women
17 March, 2015
The impact of recent welfare reforms on women in Scotland will be the focus of a new inquiry by the Scottish Parliament's Welfare Reform Committee
Lifeline not Lifestyle
17 March, 2015
An economic analysis of the impacts of cutting housing benefit for young people
Worcester firm launches new site for tenants to swap homes
17 March, 2015
IT services provider Housing Partners has launched a £1 million new version of its market leading HomeSwapper service
Liz on the Bedroom Tax and Local Housing Allowance - Labour will Scrap the Bedroom Tax
17 March, 2015
The "Bedroom Tax" and The Local Housing Allowance do appear to be similar policies on first sight
Tenants hit by bedroom tax suffer range of health problems
16 March, 2015
Stress, anxiety, hunger, ill-health and depression are all experienced by people who have been affected by the controversial welfare policy
Thousands of disability claimants lose cars in cuts
16 March, 2015
Figures obtained by ITV News have revealed that around 100 disability claimants are losing their car benefit every week
In tenants' own words: why the bedroom tax makes you ill
16 March, 2015
The bedroom tax causes stress, depression, loneliness and hunger, social housing tenants told an academic study
Blackpool council's plan to cut benefits is no way to tackle the housing crisis
13 March, 2015
The seaside town took the unusual step of requesting the Treasury cut housing benefit for residents, but tenants should not pay for the sins of their landlords
George Osborne's big benefit freeze: Budget to signal election pledge to cut £12billion from welfare
12 March, 2015
Slashing £12billion from the nation's bloated benefits bill will be at the heart of the Tory pitch for a second term in office
Lib Dem grassroots plot yet another Bedroom Tax revolt
12 March, 2015
Nick Clegg is facing a revolt from grassroots Liberal Democrats who will demand a firm pledge to scrap the bedroom tax at the party's spring conference starting on Friday
Third Party Payments Creditor/Supplier Handbook
12 March, 2015
The aim of this handbook is to provide an overview of how the Third Party Deductions Scheme works for organisations and individuals who receive Third Party Payments
Welfare reform: Westminster will not provide extra money says minister
11 March, 2015
Martin McGuinness has said £200m would solve problems over welfare reform but the Northern Ireland Secretary has said there will be no extra cash
Map of benefit sanctions shows cruelty
10 March, 2015
A benefits sanction map of the UK shows how claimants are being treated with cruelty
Credit where it's due? Assessing the benefits and risks of Universal Credit
10 March, 2015
The government's plans for Universal Credit were first set out in November 2025, and its concept has received broad cross-party support
Welfare Reform Committee
10 March, 2015
The Welfare Reform Committee took evidence on the cumulative impact of welfare reform on households in Scotland on 10 March 2015
'Universal credit is an unmitigated failure'
10 March, 2015
The Tory-led coalition's oft-bungled universal credit (UC) system has been blasted as an "unmitigated failure"
IDS furious as Reeves taunts him over 1,605-year roll-out plan for universal credit
10 March, 2015
The full roll out of universal credit will now take 1,605 years based on the latest estimates, the Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary has told the House of Commons
Minister for Disabled People irritated by questions about disabled people in bedroom tax debate
10 March, 2015
The Minister for Disabled People was in no mood for questions about the bedroom tax
Bill for housing benefit falls for the first time in a decade as welfare reforms curb spending
09 March, 2015
Spending on housing benefit has fallen for the first time in a decade
EU jobseekers barred from claiming Universal Credit
09 March, 2015
New EU migrants arriving in the UK will be prevented from claiming universal credit
Universal Credit: entitlement of EEA nationals
09 March, 2015
Correspondence between SSAC and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions about the entitlement of EEA nationals to Universal Credit
The effects of changes to housing benefit in the private rented sector
06 March, 2015
This presentation was delivered at a seminar at the Economic and Social Research Institute in Dublin on 5 March 2015
Welby charity in legal fight against welfare reform
06 March, 2015
A charity whose patrons include Justin Welby, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and Jeremy Paxman is taking Iain Duncan Smith to court over welfare reform
Housing association defends impact of bedroom tax in Dorset
06 March, 2015
A housing association with properties in Sherborne has defended the 'bedroom tax'
Universal Credit is on the way to Swansea
05 March, 2015
Welfare benefit changes have been high on the poverty and prevention agenda in recent years
NFA briefing on universal credit
05 March, 2015
Ready or not? Preparing for Universal Credit national roll out
Disabled Southport woman gets bedroom tax Supreme Court date
05 March, 2015
Jacqueline Carmichael and her husband, Jayson, are challenging the government over bedroom tax at the highest court of appeal in the UK
Tory disabilities minister blames Lib Dems for disabled people bedroom tax fiasco
04 March, 2015
It was revealed that the reason the Department for Work and Pensions has been unable to respond to a carefully researched, well-evidenced report into 'Support for Housing Costs in a reformed welfare system' is the Liberal Democrats
Universal Credit rolled out to tackle East End's benefit-capped unemployed
04 March, 2015
The government's much-criticised "making work pay" Universal Credit has arrived at Jobcentres in London's deprived East End
Disabled 'had to stay' after tax
04 March, 2015
A "significant number" of disabled people living in specially adapted homes have had to bear the cost of the so-called bedroom tax
Getting Universal Credit ready is sometimes about changing lives
03 March, 2015
As you all know Universal Credit is coming. In preparation for its roll out in Cornwall this May we set up a pilot project on one of our estates in Bodmin
Special event to help landlords deal with tenant money problems after benefits change
03 March, 2015
A special event is being staged for landlords to help them deal with tenants with money problems following changes to the benefits system
Westminster sanctions hitting lone parents hardest
03 March, 2015
Ahead of the Scottish Parliament's Stage Three debate on the Welfare Funds Bill, the SNP is highlighting new evidence of the impact of welfare cuts and sanctions on lone parents
A million more families will pay the hated Bedroom Tax if David Cameron triumphs in May
02 March, 2015
Sunday People political editor Nigel Nelson reveals how 220,000 more families will pay be forced to pay Bedroom Tax each year if the Tories win the General Election
Bedroom tax: New figures reveal more than 10,000 have had benefits cuts across Lanarkshire
02 March, 2015
North Lanarkshire is the second most affected local authority in Scotland, while South Lanarkshire comes in fifth spot
Welfare reforms to hit lone parents
02 March, 2015
Lone parents with young children stand to lose more than £1,800 a year under the UK Government's welfare reforms
Benefit cap cuts housing benefit to 22 Cambridge families with at least five children
02 March, 2015
Forty Cambridge families have been hit by a cap on their benefits under the Government's welfare reforms - including 22 with at least five children
Has 'bedroom tax' killed off this Durham community?
27 February, 2015
Our report from the County Durham village which residents say is "like Beirut" has raised many questions
Bedroom tax victims facing council tax support cut double whammy
27 February, 2015
Thousands of people hit by the Tory-led coalition's controversial bedroom tax may also be facing cuts to council tax support
No Love for the bedroom tax - MP fights on against policy
26 February, 2015
A Labour MP has renewed his commitment to fight the bedroom tax during his remaining time in parliament
The Universal Credit (Surpluses and Self-employed Losses) (Digital Service) Amendment Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015 No.345): SSAC report
26 February, 2015
This report is about 'surplus earnings' and 'self-employed losses' in Universal Credit. It includes a government statement
Who uses the Universal Credit system? Almost nobody
26 February, 2015
Analyst: It'll take just 120 years to complete
DWP awards two-year Universal Credit hosting contract to SCC
26 February, 2015
The DWP has signed a hosting partnership with SCC, Europe's largest independent technology solutions company, in order to push ahead with Universal Credit
What if pensioners paid the bedroom tax?
26 February, 2015
Amid growing debate about intergenerational fairness, research shows some pensioners receive housing benefit for six empty bedrooms
Should the Assembly gain powers to scrap the bedroom tax? Think tank kick-starts debate on next stage of devolution
26 February, 2015
Institute of Welsh Affairs asks whether the National Assembly should gain welfare powers
'Very little progress' on universal credit
25 February, 2015
"Very little progress" has been made on the universal credit scheme despite its £700m cost to date
Welfare Reform: Older Londoners' Perspectives
25 February, 2015
Positive Ageing in London and Age UK London work independently and in collaboration to raise awareness of issues affecting older Londoners
Welfare handouts top £30,000 for thousands of homes
25 February, 2015
Families receiving benefits getting equivalent of £40k pay packet
Welfare Reform Bill passes further consideration stage
25 February, 2015
The Welfare Reform Bill passed its further consideration stage after a marathon debate
Universal Credit: progress update
25 February, 2015
Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee
How the deductions from benefit scheme works: a handbook for creditors or suppliers
25 February, 2015
Guidance for creditors or suppliers - for example, utility suppliers and landlords - on how the deductions from benefit scheme works
Welfare bill could hit families with disabilities
24 February, 2015
Green MLA Steven Agnew said more than 3,000 families with disabled children could lose £26 a week as part of an upheaval of the benefits system
Scotland hands out over 100,000 DHPs in nine months
24 February, 2015
Scottish local authorities made just over 101,000 discretionary housing payment (DHP) awards between April and December 2014
Six ways landlords can help social housing tenants to move home
24 February, 2015
From home swaps to financial support, here's how to help tenants downsize to avoid the bedroom tax or move house for a new job
Should Wales have the power to ditch the bedroom tax?
24 February, 2015
The spare room subsidy is a welfare reform created by the UK Government in Westminster to cut the benefits of those people in social housing with a spare room
New universal credit benefits system to start in Basildon next month
24 February, 2015
The first rollout of a new benefits system will go live in Basildon next month
Sharp exchanges as bedroom tax legislation looms
24 February, 2015
The war over welfare between Sinn Fein and the SDLP has deepened as legislation to bring in benefits reforms in Northern Ireland is set to return to the Assembly
Welfare reform: proof that you can get away with failure if it's boring and it doesn't affect People Like Us
23 February, 2015
Don't believe the hype about the rollout of universal credit and how the Tories are finally "making work pay"
Affordable Housing: A fair deal for rural communities
23 February, 2015
There are severe housing shortages throughout the UK
Bedroom tax and sanctuary schemes
23 February, 2015
The judicial review of the bedroom tax regulations as being discriminatory on the basis that a 'panic room' equipped for domestic violence victims was classed as a 'spare bedroom' failed
'If Labour wins I'll become a minister... and go straight on maternity leave', claims Rachel Reeves - but not before abolishing the 'bedroom tax'
23 February, 2015
Labour frontbencher Rachel Reeves has declared she wants to become a Cabinet minister after the election
Welfare Reform: 'DUP and Sinn Fein have sold out Northern Ireland's most vulnerable'
20 February, 2015
The Assembly has moved Welfare Reform Act through to its next stage almost without amendment
Crisis warns more support needed for homeless young people hit by benefit cuts
20 February, 2015
Scotland's Government and local authorities must provide greater support for homeless under-35s who are struggling to access private tenancies in the wake of cuts to housing benefit
Half a million people have benefits suspended in welfare crackdown
20 February, 2015
More than 466,000 people have their benefits suspended including 2,000 who are barred from claiming for three years
Universal Credit - monthly experimental official statistics to February 2015
20 February, 2015
Universal Credit is a new benefit which aims to reduce poverty, by making work pay, and to help claimants and their families to become more independent
We can't vote on this government's welfare reform with out-of-date data
19 February, 2015
No new statistics on poverty and inequality will be published before the general election, making informed assessment about the coalition cuts impossible
Universal credit changes 'raise domestic abuse fears'
19 February, 2015
The government's flagship welfare scheme could leave women vulnerable to domestic abuse, a parliamentary watchdog says
Cutting councils' hardship fund will punish our most vulnerable residents
19 February, 2015
We haven't had to evict anyone yet because of bedroom tax arrears - but a £40m cut to safety net funding could see that change
Tory youth welfare plans an attack on the north
18 February, 2015
Party produces analysis showing those most affected by the policy to make school leavers do community work or face losing state support will be in non Tory-voting areas
'The Welsh Government has a duty to stand up strongly against the bedroom tax': Plaid calls for action as thousands of tenants affected across Wales
18 February, 2015
In Cardiff 2,560 of the city council's tenants are paying bedroom tax with another 1,240 housing association tenants in the city affecteD
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions: decisions made to September 2014
18 February, 2015
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance sanctions decisions made to September 2014
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 12 Feb 2015
18 February, 2015
This summary contains statistics on Universal Credit claims from 29 April 2013 to 12 February 2015
Thousands of bedroom tax victims also hit by cuts to council tax benefits
17 February, 2015
New research found that tens of thousands of those affected by the bedroom tax are also getting hit by cuts to council tax support
Scrap 'bedroom tax', says ACRE
17 February, 2015
The next government is being urged to scrap the 'bedroom tax' in rural communities with fewer than 3,000 people
Retrenchment, reform, continuity: welfare under the coalition
17 February, 2015
The coalition's record on working age social security is reviewed under the headings of continuity, retrenchment and reform
Universal credit 'a nightmare', says claimant who advertised welfare reform
17 February, 2015
A claimant who featured in a Government film about universal-credit said it is riddled with computer problems and could push people into hardship
The overlaps between the Bedroom Tax and cuts in council tax support
17 February, 2015
The Affordable Homes Bill, currently going through parliament, will reduce the number of families who pay the "Bedroom Tax"
Beyond the Universal Credit headlines: what IDS doesn't say
17 February, 2015
The "good news" headlines over the weekend suggest that Universal Credit is finally rolling out nationally, the implementation problems having been ironed out
Universal credit
17 February, 2015
Mike talks about the Universal Credit which has been piloted in Ashton and asks how you make ends meet if you are on benefits
Universal Credit Expanded Gateway Singles Survey
17 February, 2015
Wave 1 interim findings on attitudes, behaviour and early labour market outcomes
Universal Credit Scheme Is Helping According To Iain Duncan Smith
16 February, 2015
Iain Duncan Smith has defended his flagship Universal Credit scheme, insisting evidence shows it is helping people find work quicker and earn more
David Cameron calls on obese to accept help or risk losing benefits
16 February, 2015
Conservatives consider whether to reduce or withhold payments worth about £100 a week for those they consider could do more to help themselves
With Universal Credit, work might finally pay
16 February, 2015
It's been a long time coming, but Iain Duncan Smith's attempt to streamline the benefits system might finally be bearing fruit
Estimating the early labour market impacts of Universal Credit
16 February, 2015
This paper summarises early results from a ground-breaking, early analysis of the impact of UC using new data on employed status from HMRC
Q&A;: Universal credit and the benefits overhaul
16 February, 2015
The introduction of the government's flagship universal credit payment marks the biggest overhaul of the benefits system since the 1940s
Iain Duncan-Smith: Universal Credit is £600m under budget
16 February, 2015
The new benefit - universal credit - is to be introduced across the country from tomorrow after delays caused by computer problems
How Universal Credit helps make work pay
16 February, 2015
A guide to how Universal Credit can support people in work by topping up their earnings
Universal Credit makes work pay
16 February, 2015
16 February 2015 the national roll out of Universal Credit begins
Universal Credit at work: spring 2015
16 February, 2015
Progress reports on the implementation of Universal Credit: how we are restoring work incentives, renewing fairness and transforming lives
Universal Credit claimant survey: Nov to Dec 2014 interim findings
16 February, 2015
This paper examines claimants' attitudes to Universal Credit, their behaviour and labour market outcomes
Budgeting your Universal Credit
16 February, 2015
How Universal Credit changes the way that benefits are paid and some tips on how to manage a monthly budget
Troubles victims 'fear being left traumatised by welfare benefits means testing'
13 February, 2015
Victims of the Troubles fear being traumatised as they are assessed for new benefits, the Stormont minister in charge of welfare reform has warned
Empty Manchester homes brought back to life for bedroom tax victims
13 February, 2015
Deserted homes in Manchester, some of which have been empty for 15 years, are being brought back into use to help tenants hit by the bedroom tax
How will Universal Credit make work pay?
13 February, 2015
An illustrated guide to how Universal Credit makes work pay
An introduction to Universal Credit
13 February, 2015
Universal Credit is a new benefit that supports people who are on a low income or out of work
DWP rejects call by civic Scotland to suspend roll-out of Universal Credit
12 February, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rejected the call by civic Scotland to immediately suspend the roll-out of Universal Credit
Concern over 'breakneck speed' of welfare devolution plans
12 February, 2015
Equality campaigners have warned about the "breakneck speed" at which some welfare powers are being devolved to Scotland
Welfare amendment deadline looms
12 February, 2015
There were three main elements to the welfare reform programme which threatened to destabilise Stormont and led the Treasury to impose fines of around £100m on the Executive for failing to implement them
Against all odds, a welfare revolution is quietly under way
11 February, 2015
Universal Credit was going nowhere until a chance discovery gave it fresh momentum. Now it could finally be the radical welfare reform which lasts
Welfare reform bill: Five schemes to provide financial support
11 February, 2015
Five new schemes are being developed to provide financial support for people who would lose money due to welfare changes in Northern Ireland
No one will be out of pocket over new welfare system
11 February, 2015
No Northern Ireland household will be worse off as a result of the introduction of Universal Credit
Universal Credit videos
11 February, 2015
These explain how Universal Credit works and how it supports claimants in getting back to work
Work to avoid the benefit cap and we will sanction you says DWP!!!
11 February, 2015
In the last hour an article has appeared on Inside Housing to say the DWP will sanction anyone who does not work full time
Direct Payment of Housing Benefit: Are Social Landlords Ready?
10 February, 2015
This summary presents the key findings of a survey of social landlords in England, Scotland and Wales
Welfare reform: MLAs debate bill at consideration stage
10 February, 2015
Stormont's controversial welfare reform legislation is being debated by MLAs on Tuesday
Further devolution of powers to Scotland: Universal Credit housing element and payment arrangements
10 February, 2015
This note explains the Smith Commission's proposals and the Draft Scotland Clauses in relation to Universal Credit
Universal Credit: Index of Relevant Districts
10 February, 2015
Local authorities and jobcentre areas that will begin to deliver Universal Credit between February and July 2015, and affected postcodes
Bedroom Tax leaves 1,500 larger homes empty and councils with a £20MILLION rent deficit
09 February, 2015
The Government's own figures reveal the multiple-bedroom properties are vacant because tenants cannot afford to move into them
Shared care isn't occupation as a home
09 February, 2015
A short Upper Tribunal decision has put an end to bedroom tax appeals based on the 'part-time' residence of a child of a separated family with shared care
Details emerge of planned Northern Ireland welfare changes
09 February, 2015
More details have emerged about planned changes to Northern Ireland's welfare and benefits system
More help requests from Dumfries and Galloway tenants
09 February, 2015
Applications for financial help from tenants in Dumfries and Galloway have increased more than three-fold since welfare reforms were introduced
DWP announce 25% cut in DHP funding 2015-16
09 February, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) recently announced the discretionary housing payments budget for 2015/16
Universal Credit Debate
06 February, 2015
Recorded coverage of the debate in the House of Lords on the review into the setting of Universal Credit conditionality when children are in distress
Benefit Cap Quarterly Statistics: GB households capped to November 2014
06 February, 2015
The Government has introduced a cap on the total amount of benefits that working-age households can receive
250 homes to take part in universal credit impact pilot
05 February, 2015
Around 250 households in West Yorkshire are taking part in a pilot scheme to gauge the impact of universal credit
Benefit cap: number of households capped to November 2014
05 February, 2015
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to November 2014
Benefit cap: 200 people into work or off Housing Benefit every week
05 February, 2015
The benefit cap is encouraging more people to work or stop claiming Housing Benefit
HB Direct issue 156
04 February, 2015
This HB Direct brings news of significant developments in Universal Credit
Time to rethink these dysfunctional benefit sanctions
04 February, 2015
We want a welfare system that supports rather than punishes and is built on trust, not fear
DHP fund to be slashed by £40 million
03 February, 2015
The Tory-led coalition has revealed that it will slash the amount it contributes to discretionary housing payments by £40 million for 2015/16
Link unemployment benefit to personal contributions, urges thinktank
03 February, 2015
Treasury examining radical ideas on jobseeker's allowance, child benefit and winter fuel allowance to meet Tories' £12.5bn welfare cuts
Government and Labour trade accusations and insults over Universal Credit progress
03 February, 2015
The political battle over the future of Universal Credit is heating up as the general election approaches
Gov dodged scrutiny of Universal Credit
03 February, 2015
The damage coalition cuts and bodge have done to Universal Credit was omitted from the National Audit Office assessment of the scheme in November
'Cold and hungry' impact of 'bedroom tax' in Haringey
03 February, 2015
A mother has told of the devastating impact the bedroom tax has on her life
Reduced benefit cap would 'force large families out of the south-east'
02 February, 2015
Tory plans to reduce benefit cap to £23,000 a year would leave large families on benefits unable to afford rent and facing relocation elsewhere in UK
Gordon Brown to promise Scots higher pensions and benefits
02 February, 2015
Former Prime Minister is to unveil a major Labour election pledge allowing Scotland to top up UK-wide state benefits and create new benefits not available to people south of the Border
The Benefit Cap: Did it cause a "rush" to the job centre?
02 February, 2015
David Cameron has pledged to lower the benefit cap to £23,000 a year if he is re-elected
Personal Budgeting Support and Alternative Payment Arrangements
02 February, 2015
Universal Credit prepares claimants for the world of work in which 75 per cent of employees are paid monthly
A fair benefits system is crucial
30 January, 2015
The statistics showing the level of benefits going into a significant number of homes in Northern Ireland are startling
Social landlord looks to sell empty homes as bedroom tax bites
30 January, 2015
A social landlord has "reluctantly" asked the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) for permission to sell over 100 of its empty homes
HB S1/2015
30 January, 2015
Contains information on Discretionary Housing Payments government contribution for 2015/16
Scrapping welfare assistance funding 'an expensive mistake', warn councils
29 January, 2015
The removal of government funding for local welfare 'safety net' schemes in April would be an expensive mistake
This is what young people have to say about David Cameron's plan to cut housing benefits for under 21 year olds
29 January, 2015
With David Cameron vowing to remove housing benefit from 18 to 21 year olds on Jobseekers' Allowance, vulnerable young people have responded with disbelief at the Prime Minister's proposal
Rent levels and the benefit cap - What happens to rent affordability and development capacity if the benefit cap is reduced from £26,000 to £23,000?
29 January, 2015
In 2013, Moat released The housing cliff, which examined the impact of various government policies on build capacity post-2015
Expected Universal Credit Relevant Districts / LA Areas (by Apr 2015)
29 January, 2015
The map show the expected areas where Universal Credit can be claimed by the end of April 2015 (filtered by claimant group)
Universal Credit costs will not be revealed until after general election
29 January, 2015
The government will not reveal the full cost of its troubled Universal Credit system until after the general election in May 2015
Cutting benefit cap and removing housing benefit for 18 to 21-year-olds a dangerous move
28 January, 2015
Commenting on David Cameron's announcement that a Conservative government would lower the benefit cap
Yes, David Cameron, cutting the benefit cap tells us a lot about modern Britain
28 January, 2015
Far from helping people into work, lowering the cap to £23,000 will only bring more stress and misery to those least able to cope
Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) 'signing on' trials: evaluation
28 January, 2015
Evaluation of 3 trials to test different Jobseeker's Allowance 'signing on' arrangements
Personal Independence Payment new claims: ad hoc statistics
28 January, 2015
Statistics on Personal Independence Payment new claims. Covers assessment provider referrals and returns, clearances and outstanding claims
Substantial cuts made, but biggest changes to the benefit system yet to come
28 January, 2015
The government has implemented changes to the benefit system that mean spending in 2015-16 will be £16.7 billion lower than it would otherwise have been
Benefit spending and reforms: the coalition government's record
28 January, 2015
Real terms benefit spending is forecast to be almost exactly the same in 2015-16 as it was in 2025-11, at £220 billion
Members share experiences of adapting to Universal Credit
28 January, 2015
Universal Credit has been live in areas of the North West for over a year now
Benefits cap plan 'fairness issue'
27 January, 2015
David Cameron has said Tory plans for a fresh squeeze on benefits if he regains power at the general election in May are a "basic issue of fairness"
Social Policy in Cold Climate
27 January, 2015
The Coalition's Social Policy Record: Policy, Spending and Outcomes 2025-2015
Benefit cap 'encouraging work' says PM
27 January, 2015
David Cameron has defended Conservative plans to reduce the annual benefits cap from £26,000 to £23,000 if they remain in power after the election
£1 million in extra funding for tenants secured by housing association
27 January, 2015
One of London's largest housing associations has managed to secure £1 million in additional benefit income for its tenants over the past two years
Scottish Welfare Fund Statistics to 30 September 2014
27 January, 2015
The number of Scottish households applying for welfare assistance soared by a third last year
JRF response to the Prime Minister's announcement on benefit cap reduction
27 January, 2015
In response to Conservative plans to lower the benefits cap to £23,000, Helen Barnard Policy and Research Manager at JRF said
The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) (Amendment) Regulations 2015
27 January, 2015
These Regulations amend the Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012 ("the principal Regulations")
How Together Housing Group are preparing for Universal Credit
27 January, 2015
Housing benefit is 40% of our income - Universal Credit puts at risk £9 million of previously guaranteed income
David Cameron is right on welfare and tax cuts
27 January, 2015
The Tories can boast about stability, but they can also boast about how they have made the country better
Tailor benefits to match local needs and costs
26 January, 2015
Critics say 'local welfare' would lead to 'postcode lottery' and that people would move to places where there were higher benefit rates
'No veto' on Scots benefit changes
26 January, 2015
Scottish Secretary Alistair Carmichael has said the UK government will not be able to stop Scotland from making changes to areas of welfare benefits when they are devolved
Why universal credit means a step change for housing associations
26 January, 2015
There's a lot about universal credit that is welcome - replacing six different benefits which have differing rules and payment arrangements with one as an example
Welfare transformation comes to families in more areas
26 January, 2015
Universal Credit will be available to families in more areas across the country, from today
Jobcentre areas where you can claim Universal Credit
26 January, 2015
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you live in certain parts of the UK
Universal Credit - monthly experimental official statistics to January 2015
26 January, 2015
Universal Credit is a new benefit which aims to reduce poverty, by making work pay, and to help claimants and their families to become more independent
Low-income households with children and the very rich have lost the most from coalition's tax and benefit changes
23 January, 2015
The coalition government has implemented a set of tax changes which, broadly speaking, have left middle income households better off and have hit high income households
The effect of the coalition's tax and benefit changes on household incomes and work incentives
23 January, 2015
The coalition government has introduced a large number of tax and benefit changes during its five years in office
SNP will fight Westminster veto over welfare changes
23 January, 2015
First minister hits back as David Cameron pledges to prevent SNP from taking part in English-only votes
SFHA calls on Prime Minister to delay roll-out of Universal Credit at launch of Draft Clauses
23 January, 2015
At the launch event for the Draft Clauses for further powers for Scotland, Mary Taylor, asked the Prime Minister to consider suspending the roll-out of Universal Credit
Universal Credit data sharing between DWP and local support providers
23 January, 2015
Having carefully considered responses, we intend to continue as stated in the consultation documents and lay regulations on 23 January 2015, which will come into force on 13 February 2015
Universal Credit national expansion - Tranche two
23 January, 2015
In the jobcentre areas listed here, Universal Credit will roll out to new claims from single people who would otherwise have been eligible for Jobseeker's Allowance
Poverty and devolution: The role of devolved governments in a strong national social security system
23 January, 2015
This report assesses the impact of different localised approaches to reducing poverty
New Scottish Parliament powers plan published
22 January, 2015
The UK government has published plans for new Scottish Parliament powers, but SNP ministers said they had been significantly watered down
Scotland: Welfare changes at a glance
22 January, 2015
This factsheet sets out the impact of the draft clauses laid in Parliament on the responsibility for the welfare system in Scotland
Universal Credit and Universal Support
22 January, 2015
Lord Freud's, Minister for Welfare Reform, speech to the Local Government Association (LGA) about Universal Credit and Universal Support
Social landlord puts £8,000 into food bank
21 January, 2015
A North East social landlord has put nearly £8,000 into a food bank to help support its staffing costs and provide advice and support to people currently using the service
DWP stopping benefits of 100 people with mental health problems everyday
21 January, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is stopping the benefits of people with mental health problems at a rate of over 100 a day, new data has shown
Jobcentre 'hit squads' set up benefit claimants to fail, says former official
21 January, 2015
Bosses accused of setting targets for sanctions, while unscrupulous staff targeted weak and vulnerable customers
LHA rates may increase by up to 4% in certain areas of NI
21 January, 2015
A new statutory instrument takes effect on 20 January that will allow for the uprating of Local Housing Allowance by up to 4% in certain parts of Northern Ireland
Citizens Advice Scotland calls for a halt to introduction of PIP until new Scottish system introduced
20 January, 2015
Citizens Advice Scotland's Chief Executive has written to the Secretaries of State for Scotland and Work and Pensions calling for a halt to the introduction of the new PIP
Digital inclusion in housing? Try looking closer to home
19 January, 2015
There is no shortage of excellent digital inclusion work being done
Where now for local welfare schemes?
16 January, 2015
This chapter places the study in context by looking at the financial pressures faced by low income households, including those arising from Government's programme of welfare reforms
Welfare reform update January 2015
16 January, 2015
Includes details of Universal Credit Week, welfare reform research and the latest on data sharing
Committee Announces Second Evidence Session Into Benefit Sanctions
16 January, 2015
The Work and Pensions Select Committee has announced the second of three evidence sessions into controversial benefit sanctions
Welfare reform forces up repairs costs
15 January, 2015
Housing associations in parts of England have been forced to increase spending on repairs and maintenance to entice new tenants into larger homes due to the government's welfare reforms
Council ends bedroom tax support for vast majority of tenants
15 January, 2015
A council has ended financial assistance for the vast majority of tenants hit by welfare cuts after spending most of its fund to provide emergency support
Universal Credit data sharing with local support providers: a consultation on draft regulations
15 January, 2015
The Department for Work and Pensions is consulting on a second set of regulations for Universal Credit, looking at Universal Support
Middle class hardest hit by benefit cuts and tax rises
14 January, 2015
Institute for Fiscal Studies finds families with both parents earning £54k or more have been hardest hit
Local Welfare Cuts: A Risky Business
14 January, 2015
This Thursday, the consultation on the Local Government Finance Settlement closes
Thousands of homes across the North were already waiting to downsize before Bedroom Tax came into force
13 January, 2015
New figures have sparked fury from MPs who say the government knew a chronic shortage of housing would leave families unfairly losing money
Disability Rights UK on the impact of sanctions
13 January, 2015
Disability Rights UK featured in the televised Work and Pensions select committee evidence gathering on the impact of benefit sanctions on January 7th
Miliband 'open' to benefit cap cut
12 January, 2015
Ed Miliband has said he is "open to" a reduction in the £26,000 limit on household benefit payments
Disabled tenants to challenge bedroom tax in supreme court
12 January, 2015
Rights groups say tax is unfair to people with physical problems who cannot trade down to smaller, rented property
Warning plans to shake-up benefit system will 'wreak havoc' with the poor
12 January, 2015
Westminster plans to shake up the benefits system before related powers are passed to Holyrood could "wreak havoc" with the most vulnerable people in society
Storey signals move to bring Welfare Bill to the Assembly
12 January, 2015
The minister for social development said he would shortly be bringing forward a paper to the Assembly that would allow the Welfare Reform Bill to progress to the house
Letter urges IDS to suspend universal credit
12 January, 2015
An open letter signed by nearly 60 civic organisations from across Scotland has been sent to work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith
EU migrant benefit plan 'could hit thousands of young Britons'
11 January, 2015
Thousands of young Britons could lose the right to claim some benefits for four years as part of government plans to tighten the rules for EU migrants
Impact of welfare reforms on housing associations
09 January, 2015
Effects and responses by landlords
'Bedroom Tax' cost Caerphilly Council tenants £2.1m as arrears and evictions rise
09 January, 2015
Caerphilly Council tenants have been forced to pay out an extra £2.1 million in rent since the 'Bedroom Tax' came in - almost £1,050 each
Inventive responses to welfare reform
09 January, 2015
Rhondda Housing working with FareShare Cymru - to develop a practical and inventive solution to poverty and debt
Welfare reform: Building new homes 'takes time'
09 January, 2015
A housing association says building more smaller homes for people feeling the impact of welfare reforms cannot happen overnight
Welfare reform: Betws tenant says life 'hard' with extra costs
09 January, 2015
A tenant on benefits describes the difficulty in managing after having to pay £12 a week more for having a spare room
Universal Credit - is it worth it?
09 January, 2015
In November 2025 the government published Universal Credit: welfare that works, which set out proposals for a radical shake-up of benefits and tax credits for people of working age
Ageing-tech expert sought by DWP
09 January, 2015
The government is seeking an expert in systems that are more than 40 years old to revamp technology used by the Department for Work and Pensions
Housing benefit debate
09 January, 2015
MPs took part in a Labour led opposition day debate on the abolition of social sector size criteria in housing benefit - or "scrapping the bedroom tax"
Welfare reform impact assessment: Final report
08 January, 2015
Read the final report from our major research project looking at the effects of welfare reform on housing associations and their tenants
Government urged to suspend benefit sanctions regime
08 January, 2015
MPs hear that the sanctions regime has changed to create a punitive culture of fear - especially amongst the disabled
Managing the Impact of Welfare Reform Changes on Social Housing Tenants in Wales
08 January, 2015
This report looks at the impact of welfare reform changes on social housing tenants in Wales
Budgets raided to support tenants hit by welfare cuts
08 January, 2015
Cash-strapped town halls are raiding housing budgets to provide emergency assistance to those hit by welfare reform
Immigrants' abuse of benefits system must be fixed
08 January, 2015
The German Chancellor backs David Cameron's bid to reform the welfare system, but says freedom of movement must stay
allpay welcomes government extension of Post Office Card Account
07 January, 2015
Payment specialist allpay has welcomed a seven-year extension of the Post Office Card Account
Benefits sanction regime needs 'fundamental reform'
07 January, 2015
The representative body for the employment support sector has called for an urgent overhaul of the current benefit sanctions regime
Andrew Dunn of the University of Lincoln discusses research on jobseekers' attitudes to employment
07 January, 2015
The coalition's increased use of conditionality for claimants of JSA is part of a policy trend that is underpinned by politicians' belief that many people prefer benefits to employment
Welfare reform advice fund tops £4 million
07 January, 2015
Extra cash to help poverty-stricken Scots
Will universal credit be successfully rolled out in 2015?
06 January, 2015
This month we asked two experts if universal credit will fare well in 2015
Shortfall in council tax support funding likely to hit low-income families
06 January, 2015
Rising numbers of families on low incomes are likely to face bigger council tax bills this year because of a shortfall in government funding for council tax support
Impact of welfare reform on Scottish households to be investigated
06 January, 2015
New research on the impact of welfare reform on Scottish households has been commissioned by a Scottish Parliament committee for 2015
Iain Duncan Smith to accelerate benefit reforms to stop Labour reversing them
05 January, 2015
Benefits reform will be one of the key battlegrounds at May's general election and the suggestion that Mr Duncan Smith wants to bed in fully his benefit reforms will infuriate Labour
Suicides highlight the grim toll of benefits sanctions in austerity Britain
05 January, 2015
Department for Work and Pensions investigates 60 claimant suicides, with sanctioning connected to crime and depression
Universal Credit now at Frome jobcentre
05 January, 2015
Frome Jobcentre is one of 150 Jobcentres around the country that will start taking Universal Credit claims for the first time from February
Candidate hits out after bedroom-tax bid rejected
02 January, 2015
Labour's candidate for Berwick in next year's General Election has hit out at the incumbent MP for again voting in favour of the so-called bedroom tax
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
02 January, 2015
This note provides information on who is affected by the under-occupation deduction in the social rented sector (also referred to as the 'spare room subsidy' and the 'bedroom tax')
WP174 provider memo: job outcome claims with Universal Credit interest
31 December, 2014
Work Programme provider memo WP174 about job outcome and sustained job outcome claims with Universal Credit interest
Red tape regime as 600,000 self-employed must fill in tax form every MONTH
31 December, 2014
The Tories' controversial Universal Credit system will force 600,000 of those who get in-work benefits to submit fresh accounts to the Government every month
Support for those hit by Tory cuts will continue
30 December, 2014
Support for those hit by Tory welfare cuts will continue in 2015, the SNP has said today
Number of evicted tenants is soaring
30 December, 2014
Soaring numbers of tenants are being turned out of their homes by bailiffs
Iain Duncan Smith:'We'll root out the benefits cheats who pretend to be ill for money'
30 December, 2014
Britain's benefit system is seen as a money-making scam by criminals, Iain Duncan Smith warned yesterday
Tory benefits freeze means tax cuts won't help low-income families
29 December, 2014
'They will be running just to stand still,' says Resolution Foundation
Impact Of Welfare Reforms On Households To Be Examined
29 December, 2014
New research on the impact of welfare reform on Scottish households has been commissioned by a Scottish Parliament committee for 2015
The three biggest themes in welfare reform last year
29 December, 2014
The three biggest themes in welfare reform last year. Carl Brown reports
Universal credit to change the way Burnham and Highbridge jobless claim benefits in the New Year
29 December, 2014
Universal credit to change the way Bridgwater jobless claim benefits in the New Year
Deal agreed on Northern Ireland welfare reform
24 December, 2014
A £1.9bn agreement on welfare reform and the budget for Northern Ireland has been reached this afternoon, following gruelling talks lasting more than 40 hours
Give and Take - How Conservatives think about welfare
24 December, 2014
Since the middle of the twentieth century, 'welfare' has been increasingly provided by the government
CIH comment on Stormont deal announcement
24 December, 2014
We remain hopeful that local politicians will take sensible steps to avoid the impact of the bedroom tax here
Birmingham's bedroom tax fund nearly dry
24 December, 2014
Fears for poor as hardship pot for housing benefit changes in city set to run out
The benefit cap is making central London a no-go zone for low income families
23 December, 2014
Families who have lived their whole lives in central London are being forced out by a perfect storm of falling wages, rocketing house prices and government cuts
Bedroom tax is punishing families
23 December, 2014
Last year in Amber Valley, over 800 families lost an average of over £750 each thanks to the bedroom tax
2015 Benefit uprating - Commons Library Standard Note
22 December, 2014
Since April 2013, there have been two main factors used to increase benefits
NI welfare system: What changes are proposed
22 December, 2014
The welfare system in Northern Ireland is legally and practically a devolved matter
Welfare Reform Committee to discuss food bank rise with minister
22 December, 2014
The Scotland Office Minister has agreed to meet with members of the Welfare Reform Committee in the New Year to discuss the rise in food bank usage
Northern Ireland given welfare reform ultimatum
22 December, 2014
The impasse on welfare reform must be resolved today, the Northern Ireland secretary Theresa Villiers said yesterday
Spare rooms, myth or reality? Let's have a 'common sense' bedroom standard
22 December, 2014
A lot has been written about the under-occupation penalty
Cuts to local welfare schemes 'a Christmas present to loan sharks'
19 December, 2014
Government refusal to guarantee funding for schemes will force families to turn to food banks and loan sharks
DWP rapped over benefit cap claims
19 December, 2014
The DWP has been rebuked by the statistics watchdog over a claim that more than 12,000 households have found work or stopped welfare claims because of the benefit cap
Social housing providers warned full impact of welfare reform yet to come
19 December, 2014
The social housing sector is yet to feel the full impact of the Tory-led coalition's welfare reforms
From benefit claimant to boss: over 60,000 new businesses set up with government backing
19 December, 2014
Over 450 new businesses every week have been set up over the last year thanks to a government scheme
Discretionary Housing Payments statistics
19 December, 2014
Statistics on local authorities' use of Discretionary Housing Payment funds
Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: The longitudinal survey of tenants
19 December, 2014
This report is one of a series of outputs from the evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
Local Welfare Assistance: How much are people worth?
19 December, 2014
Imagine for a minute that you're 74 years old, and you've fled your abusive partner after decades of cruelty
Minister claims waiting list reductions 'show bedroom tax is working'
18 December, 2014
A government minister has claimed reduced social housing waiting lists provide evidence that the bedroom tax is working
Graph showing how Universal Credit helps make work pay
18 December, 2014
A graph showing how Universal Credit helps make work pay
Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: final reports
18 December, 2014
Final evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Project relating to the direct payment of Housing Benefit to tenants in social housing
Universal Credit employers' insight
18 December, 2014
Qualitative research with employers to help inform the design and implementation of Universal Credit
Work Programme evaluation: participant experience
18 December, 2014
This research is part of a comprehensive evaluation of the Work Programme, to provide an independent assessment of delivery and performance
Housing costs for tenants in social housing
18 December, 2014
Research about communications with social housing tenants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Direct Payment Demonstration Projects: Key findings of the programme evaluation
18 December, 2014
Final report
Government shreds vital safety net for poorest people
18 December, 2014
A London local authority has slammed the government for axing a "vital safety net" for some the poorest residents in its borough
Budget has a 'serious omission' on welfare reform penalties
18 December, 2014
The draft budget for Northern Ireland 'does not really balance' and fails to account for welfare reform penalties
Cabinet split over crisis fund for vulnerable people
18 December, 2014
Osborne is said to be resisting calls by Pickles to save fund for people hit by floods or domestic violence or who run out of food
Coping with the cap?
17 December, 2014
In 2013 the government introduced a cap on the amount that some working-age families can receive in benefits
A Christmas Bedroom Tax Tale: Dark Tomorrows
17 December, 2014
After five more years of coalition government, Rob Gershon looks back from a future where we didn't get rid of the bedroom tax
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 11 Dec 2014
17 December, 2014
Official experimental Universal Credit statistics and how the department will manage the release of further statistics
Labour to push for vote to repeal bedroom tax
17 December, 2014
Labour is hoping to push through a vote on repealing the bedroom tax in an opposition day debate today
Forced to pay the cruel Bedroom Tax because of the death of her hero son in Afghanistan
17 December, 2014
Moe Bland was forced to downsize because she no longer needed the room that was once inhabited by her son who died in the army
In-depth interviews with people affected by the Benefit Cap
16 December, 2014
In 2013, the Government introduced a cap on the total amount of benefit that most working-age households could receive
IDS's 'fit for work' projections in tatters
16 December, 2014
Sickness benefits claimants were not 'faking it'
Iain Duncan Smith on Universal Credit introduction
16 December, 2014
One in three job centres will be using Universal Credit by the spring of 2015, and "pretty much everybody" on it by 2019
How the DWP's bedroom tax guidance has trumped the law
16 December, 2014
Some time ago, I wrote a blog piece about the possibility that Lord Freud was skirting around the legal decisions that had been made in a case that underpinned a lot of the early legal discussion about bedroom tax
Bedroom tax: size matters sometimes
16 December, 2014
A new Housing Benefit Upper Tribunal decision means that Housing Act 1985 overcrowding rules cannot be applied in bedroom tax cases
Benefits cap is getting more into work, research claims
15 December, 2014
Studies for the DWP found those affected by the cap were 41% more likely to get a job than people who were unaffected
Child benefit may be limited to two children, says Iain Duncan Smith
15 December, 2014
Minister hints that move 'to help behavioural change' is being considered despite fears it could alienate parents
The impact of the under-occupation deduction from Housing Benefit (social rented housing)
15 December, 2014
Commons Library Standard Note
Record number of homeless families in 'out of area' temporary accommodation
12 December, 2014
High rents and housing benefit cap making it harder for councils to find safe and decent places in local area
A united view on universal credit
12 December, 2014
The independence of families relies on the successful roll-out of universal credit, argues Lord David Freud
Universal credit: Treasury still to sign off business case
11 December, 2014
Treasury spokeswoman tells MPs money spent so far is 'value for money' despite tens of millions being written off in IT
Universal Credit and employers: frequently asked questions
11 December, 2014
This guidance explains what Universal Credit will mean for employers and their employees
Back-to-work schemes are 'making mental illness worse' says charity
11 December, 2014
The government's back-to-work schemes are ineffective and damaging for people with mental health problems
Council tenant evictions soar following bedroom tax introduction
11 December, 2014
The number of council tenants evicted for rent arrears soared by 19% in the first year of the bedroom tax
DWP overturns bedroom tax room size judgement
11 December, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has overturned a tribunal's decision to exempt two brothers from the bedroom tax due to room size
Benefit sanctions and the re-emergence of street begging
10 December, 2014
Have you noticed an increase in street begging in recent months? I know I have, and it has come as something of a surprise
Universal Credit data sharing between DWP and local support providers
10 December, 2014
The DWP are seeking views on data sharing between DWP and local support providers
Universal Credit: increasing the childcare offer
09 December, 2014
Report on increasing the Universal Credit childcare offer and how it will interact with Tax-Free Childcare
Welfare Reform Committee
09 December, 2014
MSPs took evidence from witnesses John Lindsay and James Nesbit about their experience of welfare reform and its impact on mental health
Local welfare assistance scheme policy guidance
09 December, 2014
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has published one hundred and fifty local welfare assistance scheme policy documents
Universal Credit national expansion
09 December, 2014
List of the local authorities and jobcentres that will begin to deliver Universal Credit between February and April 2015
Government pilots benefit sanctions scheme for homeless
09 December, 2014
The government is piloting a scheme aimed at preventing vulnerable homeless people being hit by benefit sanctions
Bedroom tax has saved taxpayer £830m
09 December, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has claimed the government has saved £830m as a result of the bedroom tax, and is on track to save £1bn over two years
The elephant in the bedroom
08 December, 2014
Finally, the long awaited Upper Tribunal decision on room size and the bedroom tax has been released
Women bear 85% of burden after Coalition's tax and benefit tweaks
08 December, 2014
£22bn of £26bn made from benefit reforms taken from women
Group to examine impact of welfare reforms on Scotland
08 December, 2014
A new group is being launched in Glasgow to examine the impact of welfare reforms on Scotland
Over 900,000 benefit sanctions imposed on JSA claimants during 12-month period
08 December, 2014
The government imposed over 900,000 benefit sanctions on Job Seeker's Allowance claimants during a 12-month period, a freedom of information request has revealed
JSA adverse sanction decisions by age group and length of claim in GB: Apr 2013 to Mar 2014
08 December, 2014
Adverse sanction decisions on Jobseeker's Allowance claims by age group and length of claim in Great Britain from April 2013 to March 2014
Social landlords 'downgrading welfare reform as a risk'
05 December, 2014
Social landlords are downgrading the threat posed by welfare reform in their business plans, following delays with the implementation of universal credit
Iain Duncan Smith's Universal Credit Set For Even More Delays
05 December, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith's much-delayed welfare project, Universal Credit, is set to take even longer to roll out across the country
Far-left agenda has 'hijacked' anti-bedroom tax cause
05 December, 2014
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners who staged a noisy protest during full council have been 'hijacked' by a far-left agenda
George Osborne accused of putting universal credit in 'very real danger'
04 December, 2014
George Osborne was today accused of putting universal credit in "very real danger" after freezing work allowances under the new benefits system for a further year to 2018
Statistics to support the Jobseeker's Allowance (Habitual Residence) Amendment Regulations 2013 impact assessment
04 December, 2014
FOI response about the numbers of adult overseas nationals entering the UK and claiming an out of work benefit from 2002 to 2013
Delays to welfare reform boost Treasury coffers
04 December, 2014
Delays in implementing universal credit will save the government more than £900 million in the next parliament through reduced payments and administrative savings
Evictions rocket as welfare reforms and rising property prices hit home
03 December, 2014
As thousands of tenants face court battles to keep the bailiffs at bay, housing charities call for greater protection for renters
Scotland could re-introduce direct payments to landlords
03 December, 2014
The Scottish government is considering changing universal credit rules to allow housing costs to be paid directly to landlords
Key vote removes cap on housing payments
03 December, 2014
A key vote in the Scottish Parliament has removed the last hurdle to lifting the cap on Discretionary Housing Payments and will allow for the full mitigation of the 'bedroom tax'
Findings from Wave 26 of the Local Authority Insight Survey: Removal of access to Housing Benefit for European Economic Area (EEA) jobseekers
02 December, 2014
The survey found that more than seven in ten (72%) of LAs have affected EEA jobseekers
Just about Surviving
02 December, 2014
This is the third report from a longitudinal project looking at the impacts of welfare reform on individuals and communities in the London Borough of Newham
The impact of welfare reform on communities and households in Sheffield
01 December, 2014
This report documents the impact of welfare reform on Sheffield
Iain Duncan Smith vetoed greater Scottish powers over universal credit
01 December, 2014
Holyrood allowed to vary key parts of housing elements of universal credit but not other elements after DWP intervention
David Cameron seeks EU support for new migration curbs
28 November, 2014
David Cameron has passionately urged other EU leaders to support his "reasonable" proposals for far-reaching curbs on welfare benefits for migrants
Universal Credit information for claimants in Sutton
28 November, 2014
Additional information for people claiming Universal Credit in the SM5 2 postcode area of Sutton
SFHA says Smith Report is step in the right direction and makes urgent call for Universal Credit roll-out to be suspended
28 November, 2014
The SFHA gives a guarded welcome to the report published today by the Smith Commission recommending furthers powers for the Scottish Parliament
Smith Commission 'dropped welfare proposals'
28 November, 2014
Plans to give Holyrood more extensive welfare powers appear to have been struck out of the Smith Commission's report in the final days of negotiations
Universal credit: Now UK's banks turn on coalition over free bank account plan
28 November, 2014
Some of the UK's largest banks have balked at the Tory-led coalition's proposal to force them to set-up free current accounts for UC claimants
Government to 'name and shame' local authorities for failing to help disabled people hit by bedroom tax
28 November, 2014
The government is to 'name and shame' local authorities that are failing to use discretionary housing payments to help disabled people affected by the bedroom tax
A challenging time - supporting customers with money management
28 November, 2014
Welfare reform has presented a number of challenges to housing associations and their customers, and minimising the risks presented, continues to be a focus
Scotland to control £14bn of income tax and welfare benefits in cross-party deal
28 November, 2014
Lord Smith describes agreement as 'biggest transfer of powers to the Scottish parliament since its establishment'
Scottish parliament to get control over income tax and welfare spending
27 November, 2014
Far-reaching reforms to go ahead after Labour drops opposition but Westminster to have overall control of personal allowance
Universal credit eligibility guide for families makes a mockery of IDS claims
27 November, 2014
The government this week hailed the next stage in its "welfare revolution" as universal credit is made available to families for the first time
Iain Duncan Smith accused of 'burying' further delays to universal credit
27 November, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has been accused of "burying" further delays to the roll out of universal credit
The Smith Commission
27 November, 2014
Report of the Smith Commission for further devolution of powers to the Scottish Parliament
Universal Credit: Watchdog warns of cost of further delays
26 November, 2014
Ministers risk racking up a multi-billion pound bill if IT systems to run their flagship benefits reforms are not introduced on time
Nick Clegg sets out plans to curb benefits to EU migrants
26 November, 2014
Deputy PM insists UK can tackle 'benefits tourism' without challenging the key principle of free movement
Concern about increase in welfare sanctions
26 November, 2014
A jump in the number of sanctions given to those who receive a key benefit in Wales is "a concern"
Universal Credit: progress update
26 November, 2014
The DWP has reset Universal Credit on a sounder basis but at significant cost, by extending the time for implementation and choosing a more expensive approach
Universal Credit personal budgeting support and alternative payment arrangements guidance
25 November, 2014
Universal Credit prepares claimants for the world of work in which 75 per cent of employees are paid monthly
Universal Credit frequently asked questions
25 November, 2014
Answers to some common questions about Universal Credit and how it will work
Making your Universal Credit claim
25 November, 2014
A guide that describes who can claim Universal Credit and what they will need to do in return, including attending appointments and looking for work
Universal Credit and your Claimant Commitment
25 November, 2014
How the Universal Credit Claimant Commitment works and what is expected of claimants in return for getting Universal Credit
Universal Credit and work
25 November, 2014
How Universal Credit supports claimants in looking for work and what happens when they start a part-time or full-time job
Universal Credit: your claim journey
25 November, 2014
An overview of the steps that people will take when claiming Universal Credit, from making a claim through to starting work
Welfare revolution rolls out to families: Universal Credit to be in a third of Jobcentres by spring
25 November, 2014
By spring 2015, 1 in 3 of the country's Jobcentres will be taking claims for Universal Credit
Duncan Smith rejects claims of Universal Credit's 'glacial pace'
25 November, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith told MPs Universal Credit would bring £35bn in economic benefits to the UK - as Labour attacked the "glacial pace" of its roll out
Can we afford to featherbed our pensioners?
25 November, 2014
First, state spending, after inflation, won't be much different in 2019 to what it was in 2025
Voices from the frontline
25 November, 2014
Our launch publication explores the experiences of people with complex needs and the frontline staff who are working with them
HAs fearful of sudden universal credit influx
25 November, 2014
Thirty North West housing associations have expressed fears of a sudden New Year-influx of new claimants of the government's troubled universal credit
There's more to reducing poverty than Universal Credit
25 November, 2014
Universal Credit must be made to work. But it can't lower poverty unless it is part of a comprehensive anti-poverty strategy
EU free movement: make it fair to keep it free
24 November, 2014
Proposals being considered by Number 10 to bar migrants from claiming tax credits and housing benefits could diminish key pull factor for EU immigration
Benefit changes mean a choice of 'eat or heat' for an increasing number of families
24 November, 2014
The cost-of-living crisis is damaging the health of children with disabilities
Lib Dems back welfare devolution
24 November, 2014
The Scottish Liberal Democrats have given their backing to the transfer of powers over welfare to the Scottish Parliament
Universal Credit and tax credits
24 November, 2014
An overview of how people who are claiming tax credits might be affected by Universal Credit
Universal Credit: support if you are dependent on drugs or alcohol
24 November, 2014
How Universal Credit can be tailored to support a claimant if they are dependent on drugs and/or alcohol
Help with budgeting your Universal Credit
24 November, 2014
This guide gives details on how Universal Credit is paid and the budgeting support available through DWP and other organisations
What Went Wrong With Welfare Reform?
21 November, 2014
Simon Duffy explores the reality of welfare reform in the UK
Scale of arrears clawback plan sparks fears
21 November, 2014
Government-enforced changes to how landlords recoup rent arrears under universal credit could force tenants into the arms of loan sharks, housing associations have warned
How can you charge the bedroom tax on a stalked woman's panic room?
21 November, 2014
Under the bedroom tax regime, a panic room built to keep a woman and her son safe from abuse has been deemed a "spare bedroom"
Newcastle landlord builds homes to meet the bedroom tax
21 November, 2014
A social landlord in Newcastle has completed work on a £2 million development of smaller homes built to meet the need created by the bedroom tax
Bad news for job seekers
21 November, 2014
Your warmly welcomed headline "People power saves our town's jobcentre" does not tell the whole story
Nine local authorities in first wave of accelerated Universal Credit roll-out
20 November, 2014
Nine Scottish local authorities are among the 77 councils identified for the first wave of the accelerated Universal Credit roll-out
Devolve parts of welfare system to Wales
20 November, 2014
A charity which runs food banks says parts of the welfare system should be devolved to Wales to reduce poverty
Court challenge to benefit changes for 'secure' housing
19 November, 2014
Housing benefit changes should not apply to people who have had their accommodation adapted to protect them from a violent ex-partner
EU migrants would wait two years for jobless benefits
19 November, 2014
EU migrants would have to wait two years before claiming out of work benefits, under new Labour Party plans
Food banks say welfare reform is fuelling demand
19 November, 2014
An organisation which runs food banks says nearly half of all its referrals in Wales last year were due to changes or delays to benefits payments
Welfare cuts will increase fire risk for poorer families
19 November, 2014
Firefighters have warned the government that cutting provisions that help low income families replace old and unsafe electrical goods could increase the risk of fire and fatalities
How the Welfare State wrecked marriage
19 November, 2014
For many years I have been studying the Welfare State and its effects on British life
Church leaders launch attack on 'unjust' bedroom tax
18 November, 2014
Senior clergy described policy as 'unjust' and 'deeply unfair'
Government's unemployment figures questioned as research reveals sanctioned JSA claimants 'disappeared'
18 November, 2014
The government's unemployment figures could be hugely understating the true extent of joblessness in the UK
'Hundreds of disabled people hit by 'bedroom tax' could be missing out on financial help'
18 November, 2014
Hundreds of disabled people affected by the bedroom tax in Wales are missing out on financial help, due to a lack of parity on policy across local authorities
What is happening to spending on social security?
18 November, 2014
Over the course of this parliament, the government have made changes to benefits and tax credits
Government slammed after nearly 3,000 Swansea tenants hit by 'cruel, unfair' bedroom tax
18 November, 2014
The coalition has been slammed by a member of the Welsh Assembly after figures revealed that 2,740 social housing tenants in Swansea have fallen foul of the bedroom tax
Scotland needs a more 'coherent approach' to welfare reform
18 November, 2014
Scotland needs a more 'coherent approach' to mitigate the effects of welfare reform
Only 4% of people in Liverpool fighting bedroom tax have had lost money paid back
17 November, 2014
Lengthy tribunal process misery for many facing 'under occupancy charge'
Were we really all in it together? The distributional effects of the UK Coalition government's tax-benefit policy changes
17 November, 2014
This paper examines the distributional impacts of the changes to benefits, tax credits, pensions and direct (but not indirect) taxes
The social security system: long-term trends and recent changes
17 November, 2014
The British welfare state has changed dramatically in size and shape over the 70 years since the Beveridge Report
Surge in evictions as poorest tenants are hit by new benefit cap
14 November, 2014
The number of tenants evicted by their landlords is at a record high
SFHA highlights 'bedroom tax' to illustrate challenges of existing devolution settlement
14 November, 2014
SFHA joined 28 civic organisations invited to make arguments to the Commission on further powers for Scotland
Grim warning amid fears of housing payment cut
14 November, 2014
Beneficiaries have been warned by a councillor there may "depressing times ahead" in Oxford if there are further cuts
Universal credit: The 20% deduction explained
14 November, 2014
The DWP has just published a compendium of the most recent reports, relating to the development and implementation of universal credit
Welfare reforms and people living with disability debate
13 November, 2014
The Scottish government led a debate on the impact of welfare benefits reform on people living with disabilities on Wednesday, 12 November
Figures reveal slow take up of universal credit
13 November, 2014
Only 20,540 claimants started on universal credit between April 2013 and October 2014
DWP could pay 20% of universal credit directly to landlords in arrears cases
13 November, 2014
Tenants in receipt of universal credit who fall into arrears will see up to 20% of their monthly payment diverted directly to their landlord
Universal Credit support boost for social landlords
13 November, 2014
A support pack has been designed to give social landlords practical advice on how to ensure their tenants are prepared for Universal Credit
Social landlord support pack
13 November, 2014
This guide explain what Universal Credit means for local authorities and tenants
How Universal Credit supports families
13 November, 2014
Illustrated guide showing the support Universal Credit provides to families and what is expected of them in return
Universal Credit: claimant journey for families
13 November, 2014
Illustrated guides to the steps that people will take when making a Universal Credit claim as a family
Universal Credit and families: questions and answers
13 November, 2014
This guide explains what Universal Credit will mean for families who make a Universal Credit claim
Iain Duncan Smith's Universal Credit system thrown into doubt by Government findings
12 November, 2014
The scheme would have to deal with 1.6million changes per month to people's claims, and has been dogged by delays and glitches so far
Universal Credit: 29 Apr 2013 to 6 Nov 2014
12 November, 2014
Universal Credit statistics including the number of claims made up to 6 Nov 2014, starts to 9 Oct 2014 and total caseload at 9 Oct 2014
Top EU court rules against 'welfare tourists'
12 November, 2014
European Union countries can block jobless immigrants from receiving welfare benefits, Europe's top court said on Tuesday
Modernising benefit delivery in the Social Security Agency's local office network
11 November, 2014
The SSA is responsible for the provision of a wide range of welfare benefits and services, working alongside the DEL which provides assistance to people looking for work
Nicola Sturgeon promises 'strong focus' on inequality
11 November, 2014
Nicola Sturgeon has promised to lead a government with a "sharp focus" on tackling inequality when she becomes first minister
Association creating home swap app
11 November, 2014
A social landlord is developing the housing sector's answer to dating app Tinder in order to help tenants swap homes
Bedroom tax sees Liverpool homes stand empty as they are too expensive to live in
10 November, 2014
Shortage of smaller flats combines with surplus of larger homes
Housing Law and the Welfare State - the role of 'law' in governing state-citizen relations
10 November, 2014
In 2012, Nicola Sturgeon heralded the scrapping of 'priority need' assessments for homeless households in Scotland
UK Government 'in denial' about human cost of welfare reforms
10 November, 2014
A Holyrood committee has called on Scotland Office minister David Mundell to keep a promise to meet food bank providers
Iain Duncan Smith accused of benefits cover-up over Universal Credit cash
10 November, 2014
The Work and Pensions Secretary told MPs "no money has been wasted" as he rolls most working age benefits into one - Labour branded this a lie
IDS hails benefit cap 'impact'
07 November, 2014
More than 12,000 households have taken up jobs or stopped claiming Housing Benefit after being subjected to the benefit cap
Tories plan to deny EU migrants out-of-work benefits under universal credit
07 November, 2014
Ministers believe unified system will be exempt from rule that labour-market benefits must be available to all EU workers
Housing bodies call for a Scottish welfare system
07 November, 2014
Social landlords say full control of welfare system must be given to Scots
Benefits changes warning over social housing rents
07 November, 2014
More benefit reforms by the UK government could make it difficult for housing associations in Wales to take on any more of the responsibilities that councils can no longer afford
Number of workless households in Wales falls
07 November, 2014
The number of households where no one has a job fell in all but four of the 22 local authorities in Wales between 2012 and 2013
Scotland's social landlords call on Smith Commission to devolve welfare system
06 November, 2014
Scotland's social landlords are calling on the Smith Commission to devolve all aspects of the welfare system, with the full fiscal and tax powers needed to fund the system
Benefit cap: number of households capped to August 2014
06 November, 2014
Number of households capped from 15 April 2013 to August 2014
Fraud and error in the benefit system
06 November, 2014
Estimates of fraud and error levels in the benefit system in Great Britain
Benefit cap: thousands move into work
06 November, 2014
More than 12,000 households have made the choice to move into work or stop claiming Housing Benefit because of the benefit cap
Universal Credit - an overview
06 November, 2014
This briefing provides an introduction to the potential issues surrounding Universal Credit
Universal Credit: Government proposal to take account of past earnings in repeat claims
06 November, 2014
Read our submission in response to the consultation on surpluses and self-employed losses under Universal Credit
Stop universal credit and devolve welfare system demand social landlords
05 November, 2014
Scotland's social landlords are calling for all aspects of the welfare system to be devolved and for the roll-out of universal credit to be immediately halted
Council acting unlawfully against disabled bedroom tax couple
05 November, 2014
A council has been accused of unlawfully discriminating against a disabled couple hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax
You say welfare, we say...
04 November, 2014
How the Government is misleading us with its definition of welfare, and why it matters
Iain Duncan Smith accuses universal credit and bedroom tax opponents of 'getting their facts wrong'
04 November, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith insisted universal credit was "doing really well" and the bedroom tax was "decent and fair" as he was once again forced to defend his welfare reforms
Empty Bedrooms Undermine New Building
31 October, 2014
The growing trend towards under-occupation is exacerbating Britain's housing crisis
DUP to 'bring welfare reform issue to a head'
31 October, 2014
The DUP says it intends to bring the controversial welfare reform issue "to a head" before Christmas if it is not resolved in the current talks process
UK's Universal Credit is too vital to ignore
31 October, 2014
There has been a bit of glee locally that Universal Credit is running into trouble
Salford families are waiting more than a month for housing claim decisions
31 October, 2014
Households are having to wait on average 36 days for a decision on whether they can get help to pay the rent
'Bedroom tax' stays to next parliament
31 October, 2014
The 'bedroom tax' will survive into the next parliament, after the Conservatives killed off a Bill that would effectively scrap it
Cuts to employment and support allowance 'considered'
30 October, 2014
Ministers are considering drastically cutting the main Employment and Support Allowance sickness benefit
London exodus surges as welfare and housing pressures take toll
30 October, 2014
The number of families given council help to leave London rose sharply last year
Welfare reform concessions 'not enough to protect vulnerable'
30 October, 2014
Modifications to Westminster's welfare reforms are not enough to protect the most vulnerable
Who gave what: DHP allocation analysis
30 October, 2014
Last year, councils were allocated special funds to help housing benefit claimants struggling with welfare changes
Bedroom tax victims are the real losers of the EU referendum bill's death
30 October, 2014
The strange death of the Tories' EU referendum bill has been a particularly ugly coalition one
Inside Welfare Reform
29 October, 2014
Economist Jonathan Portes assesses how well the government has implemented its controversial welfare reforms
Single mother-of-five made homeless by benefits cap turns to Supreme Court over Westminster Council's attempts at 'social cleansing'
29 October, 2014
Titina Nzolameso wanted to remain in London, but was instead offered accommodation near Milton Keynes
Welfare reform to be discussed at conference
29 October, 2014
A conference dealing with the impact of welfare reform is due to get underway in Belfast later
An MP's valiant effort to crush the bedroom tax has come undone
29 October, 2014
The Affordable Homes Bill has been indefinitely stalled
Removal of subsidy for spare room not unlawful
29 October, 2014
Whether you call it the 'spare room subsidy' or the 'bedroom tax', the removal of this type of housing benefit has been nothing short of controversial
Welfare Reform Committee 1
28 October, 2014
The Welfare Reform Committee took evidence from people who had accessed the Scottish Welfare Fund, on 28 October 2014
Welfare Reform Committee 2
28 October, 2014
The Welfare Reform Committee took evidence on the Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill on 28 October 2014
Leaked universal credit memo shows jobcentre staff struggling with rollout
28 October, 2014
Jobcentre whistleblower tells Dispatches that computerised benefits scheme is 'unworkable, poorly designed and out of date'
Can technology resolve our universal credit headaches?
28 October, 2014
As we continue to prepare for the onset of universal credit, many organisations are naturally looking at the technological solutions in the market place to help them
Credit agency issues warning over two year benefit freeze
28 October, 2014
A major credit agency has warned that a proposed benefits freeze could lead to 'downward pressure' on rents and make it 'increasingly difficult' for housing associations to manage arrears
Welfare trends report - October 2014
28 October, 2014
This is our first WTR, a new annual publication that will examine trends in spending on different elements of the welfare system
How mobile working is helping us adapt to welfare reform
28 October, 2014
Blending new technology with face-to-face support has led to dramatic improvements in income collection and sustaining tenancies
Benefits Britain
28 October, 2014
Dispatches investigates a £13 billion revolution taking place on Britain's benefit streets
Miliband barred Lamont from attacking bedroom tax for 12 months
27 October, 2014
Glasgow Pollok MSP, who quit as head of Scottish Labour, was told to stay mute on topic while party leader decided on policy
Tories in Commons 'time wasting' plot to save the hated Bedroom Tax
27 October, 2014
A private Bill that would scrap the cruel tax for many victims is now being considered by a committee of MPs
Jobseeker's Allowance and Universal Credit back to work schemes
27 October, 2014
Guidance about the different back to work schemes available to JSA and Universal Credit claimants
Housing association secures refunds for 788 bedroom tax tenants
27 October, 2014
A Kent housing association has used its unique 'unregistered' status to secure 788 tenants bedroom tax refunds worth in total more than £500,000
Universal credit is a tale of failure that's still unfolding
27 October, 2014
The wildly over-ambitious timetable, the soaring costs, the human suffering - Iain Duncan Smith's flagship policy has been flagship disaster
Wait a week for jobless benefits
27 October, 2014
Unemployed benefits' claimants will have to wait a week for their payments under new rules to be introduced tomorrow
Universal Credit: changing the culture of Jobcentre Plus
27 October, 2014
Policy in Practice recently went to see Universal Credit (UC) live in Hammersmith Jobcentre Plus
Filling the void
24 October, 2014
Helena Partnerships was faced with a glut of three bedroom homes it couldn't rent. So it turned to the private rental market for answers
16% of 'universal credit renters' in arrears after three months
24 October, 2014
Sixteen percent of universal credit claimants who rent a property found themselves in arrears after three months of claiming the new benefit
Tories revert to 'Nasty Party' type to derail bedroom tax bill
24 October, 2014
An MP has slammed Tory MPs he believes are using a timewasting plot to sabotage his bill to curtail the effects of the controversial bedroom tax
Separated families and bedroom tax
24 October, 2014
This was the Liberty backed judicial review of the bedroom tax regulations
Why universal credit won't be universal until 2018. At the earliest
23 October, 2014
It's the best of times and worst of times for welfare secretary Iain Duncan Smith
High Court rejects single parents' bedroom tax challenge
23 October, 2014
Three single parents, who claimed the bedroom tax breached their human rights by limiting access to their children, have had their case rejected
Unemployed foreigners will be barred from claiming benefits
23 October, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith says he wants to end the 'something for nothing' culture by tackling benefit tourism
Lower benefit cap would 'push affordable rents out of reach'
23 October, 2014
Affordable rents would be out of reach for families on benefit in London if welfare is capped at £23,000 a year
Reasons to be cheerful from Iain Duncan Smith?
23 October, 2014
Borrowing may be up, immigration rising and the number of foreign prisoners stubbornly high
Universal Credit at Work
23 October, 2014
It was four years ago that we published a Government White Paper entitled 'Universal Credit: welfare that works'
'Rancour' in welfare reform debate
22 October, 2014
The rancour needs to be removed from the debate over welfare reform in Northern Ireland to allow more informed examination of the problem
Universal credit will be rolled out by 2018
22 October, 2014
Most benefit claimants will have transferred onto the government's universal credit scheme by the end of 2018
Universal Credit: transforming the welfare state
22 October, 2014
People are doing more to find work as Universal Credit begins to help people move into work more quickly
Universal Credit Pathfinder Evaluation
22 October, 2014
This report provides the main findings from the evaluation of the Universal Credit Pathfinder
Comparison of Universal Credit and Jobseeker's Allowance outcomes
22 October, 2014
Analysis of Universal Credit claims to estimate the proportion that would be in receipt of Jobseeker's Allowance at 30 day intervals
Benefit fraud - the facts and figures
22 October, 2014
The government is launching a £1m advertising campaign to tackle benefit fraud. But is it money well spent? Here are some figures to help you decide
Benefit overpayments linked to increase of in-work claimants
21 October, 2014
An increase in the overpayments of housing benefit could be because of an increase in the number of claimants in work
Churches leaders voice concerns over welfare reform
21 October, 2014
The leaders of the four main churches have met the new Social Development Minister to voice their concerns over the impact of welfare reforms
Progress Housing Group gets involved with Get Online Week
21 October, 2014
Lancashire-based Progress Housing Group is encouraging its tenants to find out more about the benefits of getting online as part of a national campaign
PM slashes the welfare cap to £23,000 a year: £300m in benefit savings 'will help fund millions of apprenticeships'
20 October, 2014
Tens of thousands of families will have their benefits slashed by up to £60 a week under a new welfare cap
Peter Robinson outlines disability fund welfare change plan
20 October, 2014
First Minister Peter Robinson has set out ways that he believes would make the government's welfare changes more acceptable in Northern Ireland
Survey finds growing North-South divide over impact of welfare reforms
20 October, 2014
One year since the introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax', a new survey by three national council housing organisations has discovered a growing north-south divide
DWP hits out at city council for failing to spend £103k to stop bedroom tax victims being evicted
17 October, 2014
Government officials have hit out at the city council after the authority failed to spend tens of thousands of pounds to help bedroom tax victims
Benefit reform blamed for rise in youth homelessness in the North-East
17 October, 2014
Bedroom tax and benefit reform have been blamed for a rise in youth homelessness as parents struggle to accommodate their children
'Bedroom tax siege' man jailed
17 October, 2014
A man who threatened to blow up his social home after bailiffs arrived to evict him because of arrears accrued under the bedroom tax has been jailed
Data Sharing and Universal Credit
17 October, 2014
The DWP consulted on changes that will allow information to be shared with social landlords about Universal Credit claims
Consultation on Universal Credit 'waiting days'
17 October, 2014
The Social Security Advisory Committee is consulting on proposals that certain Universal Credit claimants must wait seven days before they are entitled to benefit
How a jump in Universal Credit statistics was overstated by 25%
16 October, 2014
Counts are now made on the 2nd Thursday each month, meaning that the latest month-on-month increase in caseload was 25% overstated
Sector backs government's universal credit alert plan
16 October, 2014
Housing organisations have broadly welcomed government proposals to alert social landlords when their tenants move on to universal credit
Bedroom tax arrears fears 'haven't materialised'
16 October, 2014
Councils evicted a tiny fraction of tenants hit by the bedroom tax in the first year of the reform
Bedroom tax exemption bill goes to next stage despite Tory opposition
16 October, 2014
Barbara Keeley MP presented a 10 minute rule bill to the House of Commons on Tuesday 14th October with the aim of exempting carers and those needing overnight care from the Bedroom Tax
Workers 'could be forced to pay £5 a week' to get benefits
15 October, 2014
Workers could be forced to pay at least £5 a week into a personal "welfare account" to get higher benefits if they lose their job
SF's welfare claims exposed in Nolan interview with Alex Maskey
15 October, 2014
The senior Sinn Fein MLA responsible for the party's welfare reform policy has been exposed for wildly exaggerating the cost of changes to the benefits system
Swap My Council House
15 October, 2014
Swap My Council House charts the growing phenomenon of the mutual exchange - where social housing tenants simply swap their homes in order to move house
Universal Credit: Apr 2013 to Sep 2014
15 October, 2014
Statistics for April 2013 to September 2014 with breakdowns by Jobcentre Plus office, local authority and parliamentary constituency
Bedroom tax carer bill passes first reading
15 October, 2014
MPs have voted to exempt social tenants with a carer from the bedroom tax in a bill's first reading
'We need answers on universal credit'
15 October, 2014
Latest government figures show that 14,170 people were claiming universal credit by September 11
Making Contributions: Reforms to create a social security system for the 21st Century Count
15 October, 2014
Policy Exchange Report - Reforms to create a social security system for the 21st Century
MPs back motion to end the "unfair" government's "bedroom tax"
14 October, 2014
MPs today backed a motion calling for an end to the "unfair" impact of the Government's so-called "bedroom tax" on unpaid carers
IDS confirms Universal Credit rollout plan
14 October, 2014
Universal Credit will be available in all jobcentres from February to new single claimants previously eligible for Jobseekers' Allowance
Iain Duncan Smith's benefits chaos may cost taxpayers £1.25 billion as Universal Credit bill soars
13 October, 2014
The cost of the bunging Tory's benefit reforms would be enough to build four new hospitals, 45 schools or fund 10,000 hospital beds for a year
Impact of the UK Welfare Reforms on families - Autumn 2014 update
13 October, 2014
This paper summarises some of the key changes to the UK benefits system which may impact on families in Scotland
Plans announced for accelerated rollout of Universal Credit
13 October, 2014
The government has announced that Universal Credit will now be rolled out nationally for new single applicants from February next year
Trial study of pre-payment benefit cards cancelled by North Tyneside Council
10 October, 2014
A council project to create pre-payment cards for people on benefits has been cancelled, after only two volunteers signed up
Oldham Universal Credit pilot reveals flaws in Universal Credit causing hardship to tenants
10 October, 2014
A social landlord in one of the Universal Credit pilot areas has highlighted the havoc it's wreaking on tenants' ability to manage their finances
Church leaders unite to urge politicians to sort out welfare impasse
09 October, 2014
Church leaders have intervened in the current welfare impasse, urging politicians to sort it out
How to ... create sustainable tenancies
09 October, 2014
Housing providers are now thinking radically about how they deliver front-line services to respond to the unprecedented changes they face as a result of welfare reform
Association suspends tenant moves due to welfare reform
09 October, 2014
A housing association has put a temporary suspension on tenants moving between tenancies to allow homes that have become empty, due to welfare reform, to be repaired
Welfare row: The changes, the cost, and the likely effects
09 October, 2014
The "enhancement of the GB welfare system" which Peter Robinson is urging Sinn Fein to accept was brought to ministers in June last year
The impact of the under-occupation deduction from Housing Benefit (social rented housing) - Commons Library Standard Note
08 October, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) initially estimated that the measure would save £490 million a year
HA prepares tenants for 'greatest change to benefits in a generation'
08 October, 2014
A Welsh housing association is taking action to prepare its tenants for the introduction of the government's controversial flagship reform of the benefits system UC
Tribunal ruling blow to bedroom tax tenants
08 October, 2014
The vast majority of appeals against the bedroom tax on discrimination grounds are now likely to fail following a landmark tribunal ruling
Tory freeze would mean 'claimants losing £558m in housing benefit'
08 October, 2014
The Conservatives' proposed benefits freeze would lead to claimants losing £558m of housing benefit over two years
Universal Credit rolled out to 50th North West job centre
08 October, 2014
Universal Credit has been one of the coalition government's most controversial reforms
Stoke-on-Trent City Council forced to evict 25 tenants unable to meet rent due to the 'bedroom tax'
07 October, 2014
Dozens of council tenants have been evicted from their homes - after being unable to pay their rent due to the controversial bedroom tax
Universal credit's flaws exposed by tenants as system forces some to pay day lenders
07 October, 2014
A North West housing association has said a survey of its tenants has exposed flaws in the government's universal credit (UC) system
Universal Support - delivered locally: information for local authorities
07 October, 2014
How local authorities and DWP will work together to trial support for Universal Credit claimants: Universal Support - delivered locally
Lib Dems vote against scrapping bedroom tax
07 October, 2014
Liberal Democrat members have voted overwhelmingly against pledging to scrap the bedroom tax outright
Councils urge Govt not to slash welfare assistance funding
07 October, 2014
Some of the most vulnerable people in the county face the prospect of losing emergency support provided by local authorities from April 2015
Iain Duncan Smith: 'My mission is to lift people out of poverty and I will not give up'
07 October, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith on his vocation to help the poor, why Britain must get a better deal from the EU and his love of Austen and Eminem
Lib Dems will 'resist' Tory under 21 benefit axe plan
06 October, 2014
The Liberal Democrats will resist Conservative plans to remove housing benefit from under 21s in any future coalition
Universal Credit - maximising the 'housing costs' element
06 October, 2014
One of the most common questions we get asked by social landlords is: "How much of the tenant's rent are we likely to receive and when will we receive it?"
Universal credit data sharing will help landlords support social tenants
06 October, 2014
Allpay has welcomed a consultation by the DWP seeking views on sharing UC claimant information with social landlords and local authorities
Lib Dems outline 'yellow card system' for benefits
06 October, 2014
The Liberal Democrats have announced they would introduce a 'yellow card' system for benefit sanctions if they come to power
Welfare cuts 'leave councils with huge bill to put families in hotels'
03 October, 2014
Thousands of London families are being shunted between hotels as councils struggle with a wave of homelessness sparked by Government cuts
Universal credit delay call rejected
02 October, 2014
The UK government has rejected a call by Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to halt the introduction of universal credit in Scotland
Nicola Sturgeon calls for delay to universal credit launch in Scotland
02 October, 2014
Tories and Labour want to devolve powers over housing benefit, which deputy first minister says is in effect being abolished
Sleepless nights and flawed rationale of Bedroom Tax
02 October, 2014
The recent Government defeat on the Lib Dem's amendment to the unpopular Bedroom Tax is an appropriate moment to review the law on this controversial issue
Trapped by the bedroom tax
02 October, 2014
From April 2013, I have been affected by the 'bedroom tax'
David Cameron defends plans to cut benefits for working poor
01 October, 2014
PM says plans for £3bn-a-year cuts set out by George Osborne are better than reducing benefits for wealthier pensioners
Is Conservative benefit freeze fair?
01 October, 2014
The prime minister often talks about benefits as if they are paid to people who don't work and paid for by people who do
The welfare rights adviser on a mission to shame Iain Duncan Smith
01 October, 2014
From the frontline of benefits changes, Nick Dilworth wants to expose the fallout from this government's 'misconceived' welfare reforms
DWP stakeholder bulletin for national organisations: September 2014
01 October, 2014
Our stakeholder bulletin has news and policy information for chief executives and others in national stakeholder organisations - September 2014
Landlords' bedroom tax prep
01 October, 2014
The members of our welfare reform focus group are preparing for the next round of welfare changes: universal credit
A bad business for everyone caught in the bedroom tax trap
01 October, 2014
Enough with the bedroom tax, already. Sadly, it's not so easy to wish it away; as those on the receiving end know only too well
Tories would freeze benefits for two years
30 September, 2014
Welfare benefits would be frozen for two years under a Conservative government
George Osborne's vision for Britain is stuck in the dark ages
30 September, 2014
Conference speech inspired by Industrial Revolution as freezes on tax credit, child benefit and more make future look bleak
Government to speed up universal credit roll out
30 September, 2014
The government has announced that the roll out of its troubled universal credit (UC) programme is to be accelerated
Number of people making a claim application to Universal Credit
30 September, 2014
The number of people making a claim application to Universal Credit from April 2013 to 11 September 2014
The Osborne Ultimatum: Chancellor's benefits freeze bombshell will affect ten million households
30 September, 2014
A two-year freeze in working-age benefits will save £3bn, but critics - including Lib Dems - question whether this is the fairest way to fix the deficit
Benefits freeze could "spell disaster for thousands" and drive up homelessness
30 September, 2014
The Chancellor has today announced proposals to freeze working age benefits for two years if the Conservative Party is elected in 2015
Universal Credit Rollout
30 September, 2014
Watch this short film and find out how Universal Credit is being introduced across the UK
Government accused of forcing unemployed into 'financial black hole' under new benefits rules
29 September, 2014
Newly unemployed will have to wait a full week before claiming JSA
Universal Credit Analysis
29 September, 2014
The current system of working age benefits is confusing and often unreliable
Welfare Freeze: Who Would Be Hit?
29 September, 2014
Cutting welfare goes down well with voters. But it is notoriously difficult to achieve meaningful savings without hurting the very people you are looking to support and encourage
Duncan Smith outlines plans for pre-paid benefit cards
29 September, 2014
The government is to introduce pre-paid benefit cards to stop claimants spending their money on alcohol, drugs or gambling habits
Tories would tighten benefit cap to fund apprenticeships
29 September, 2014
The Conservatives would cap benefits further to fund three million apprenticeships if they win the general election
Osborne to cut benefits for unemployed young people in new welfare crackdown
29 September, 2014
The benefit cap will be cut to £23,000 and out-of-work people aged 18 to 21 will be paid a maximum of six months' jobseekers allowance
Grave concerns that Tories' latest benefit cut plans will drive homelessness
29 September, 2014
A charity has expressed grave concerns that the Tories' plans to axe housing benefit for single 18-21 years olds could lead to a further rise in homelessness
Plans announced for accelerated rollout of Universal Credit after success in north west
29 September, 2014
DWP announce that Universal Credit will be rolled out to all Jobcentres and local authorities across the country from early next year
Jobcentres where you can claim Universal Credit
29 September, 2014
Universal Credit is being introduced in stages. You may be able to claim Universal Credit if you live in certain parts of the UK
Chancellor's welfare cuts won't solve housing crisis or ease poverty
29 September, 2014
Osborne's proposed crackdown on welfare benefits might have played well to the crowd at the Conservative conference today, but it hasn't gone down so well among housing professionals
Why the self-employed need to wake up to the threat posed by Universal Credit
26 September, 2014
In theory Universal Credit is a dream policy. The idea has been to streamline the welfare system, rolling six means-tested benefits into one so that work will always pay
Calico encourages customers to get online ahead of Universal Credit
26 September, 2014
Calico is giving customers who don't use the internet the opportunity to see for themselves how getting online can make a real difference to their lives
Disabled couple win Bedroom Tax exemption - but welfare chiefs appeal to overturn decision
25 September, 2014
Jacqueline Carmichael, 42, who has spina bifida, and Jayson, 52, won an exemption when a tribunal ruled the tax breached their human rights
Welfare reform is not simple, but it needs to be done quickly
25 September, 2014
Welfare reform has been portrayed as a direct attack on the most vulnerable people in this community
Bedroom tax campaign heats up as 600 tenants face appeal
25 September, 2014
A housing association has sent letters to over 600 of its tenants who have been identified as potentially having grounds to appeal against the bedroom tax
Coast & Country tenants' group supports bedroom tax challenge
25 September, 2014
Coast & Country Tenant's Working Together Group, supported by the Redcar-based housing association, is stepping up its Bedroom Tax information campaign
Housing associations rally internet providers to help more residents get online
24 September, 2014
26 housing associations, 12 IT companies and 18 influencers were brought together to discuss how to work together to help more social housing residents get online
Anxious wait for Glenrothes man in 'bedroom tax' case
24 September, 2014
Campaigners against the Government's bedroom tax have an anxious wait following a tribunal appeal hearing in Edinburgh
Help with Universal Credit
24 September, 2014
Residents are being urged to get in touch with RBH if they need help in adjusting to Universal Credit (UC) as it is rolled out across the borough
Problems caused by bedroom tax so predictable
24 September, 2014
The bedroom tax is continuing to cause problems in Dundee
Robinson warns on welfare reform
23 September, 2014
A political dispute which could lead to £1 billion being cut off the public spending budget is capable of bringing the devolved administration down
What does welfare reform mean for Belfast families on benefits?
23 September, 2014
It has divided the Stormont Executive and some have predicted it could bring down the Northern Ireland Assembly
Landlord plans own universal credit pilot
23 September, 2014
Coastline Housing is planning its own pilot of universal credit in an attempt to assess the 'real impact' of the flagship benefit reform
Labour to call on Lib Dems to back scrapping bedroom tax
23 September, 2014
Labour will challenge the Liberal Democrats in the autumn to join them in voting to scrap the bedroom tax entirely
Rachel Reeves MP challenges Lib Dems to team up with Labour to scrap hated Bedroom Tax
23 September, 2014
Shadow Work and Pensions Secretary has already written to Nick Clegg asking him to help overthrow the hated tax
Islwyn MP Chris Evans votes against 'Bedroom Tax'
23 September, 2014
Islwyn MP Chris Evans joined other Labour MPs recently to vote against the so-called 'Bedroom Tax' during a Parliamentary debate
Controversial benefits shake-up rolled out to more areas of Greater Manchester
23 September, 2014
Universal Credit, first trialled in Ashton-under-Lyne last year, is now available to jobseekers in Cheetham Hill, Newton Heath and Wythenshawe
Council finds larger home for disabled couple - then stings them for bedroom tax
22 September, 2014
A local authority arranged for a disabled couple to move from their one-bedroom flat into a two-bedroom bungalow but then forced them to pay the "bedroom tax"
Tories defeated as benefit bill clears first Commons hurdle
22 September, 2014
Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs have joined forces to defeat Conservatives in a Commons vote to partly overturn housing benefit changes
Boost for social landlords as DWP consults on missing piece of universal credit jigsaw
22 September, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions today launched a consultation on one of the key missing pieces of the universal credit jigsaw
Labour in power could abandon universal credit
19 September, 2014
Policy could be dumped within months if it wins election next year
Death of 'cruel and iniquitous' bedroom tax is guaranteed under Labour
19 September, 2014
After being asked if Labour would completely scrap the bedroom tax or merely alter it, Ms Reynolds' declared to stamp it out
Homeless and alone... woman evicted after 30 years over a £200 bedroom tax bill
18 September, 2014
A woman who was evicted from her home of almost 30 years after being unable to pay a £210 bedroom tax bill is now homeless in Lincoln
Coalition tax cuts benefit for too much living space
18 September, 2014
Mansfield MP Sir Alan Meale has welcomed a vote in the House of Commons that could lessen the impact of the bedroom tax
The impact of welfare reform on the Valleys
17 September, 2014
This project documents the impact of welfare reforms down to the local/neighbourhood level across the South Wales Valleys
Andrew George MP on the future of the bedroom tax
17 September, 2014
Andrew George, MP for St Ives, reflects on the success of his recent Affordable Homes Private Members' Bill
Universal Credit - experimental official statistics to August 2014
17 September, 2014
More than 11,000 households were claiming universal credit last month
Ticking the box for a welfare system that works
16 September, 2014
Spending on personal housing costs support in the form of housing benefit has grown relentlessly over the past two decades, both in absolute and real terms
'Bedroom tax' hastened death
16 September, 2014
The daughter of a Truro woman says her death from cancer was hastened by being forced to move house due to the so-called "bedroom tax"
Peter Robinson hopeful of £87m bonus for striking welfare deal
15 September, 2014
Northern Ireland could get an £87m sweetener from Westminster if agreement on welfare reform is reached
Welfare reform: enough of the stick, time for the carrot
15 September, 2014
This coalition has bravely attempted to tackle welfare reform
Warning over government IT systems should Scotland vote for independence
15 September, 2014
The IT infrastructure of the entire public sector will be shaken up should Scotland vote for independence
Bedroom tax bill would 'create more administration for social landlords'
12 September, 2014
A proposed bill to exempt hundreds of thousands of households from the bedroom tax would lead to legal challenges
Rebalancing universal credit: Making it work for disabled people
12 September, 2014
This report focuses on support for disabled people under universal credit
Homelessness rising due to conflict between welfare and housing policy
11 September, 2014
The conflict between welfare and housing policy is causing increasing homelessness and should be subject to a national review
No further concessions on welfare, warns Nick Clegg
11 September, 2014
Nick Clegg has personally warned the First and Deputy First Ministers that there will be no further concession from Westminster on welfare changes.
Fife man at centre of 'bedroom tax' turmoil
11 September, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions is launching a bid to overturn a landmark ruling that size does matter when it comes to defining a bedroom
Council considers sealing off rooms in bedroom tax battle
10 September, 2014
A council in Scotland is considering plans to seal off rooms in a bid to help residents affected by the bedroom tax
Mutual exchange: 10 ways to help tenants swap homes
10 September, 2014
From financial incentives to flexibility, a CIH adviser provides tips on how landlords can help social housing tenants move home
Fife man at centre of 'bedroom tax' turmoil
10 September, 2014
The UK Government's controversial "bedroom tax" policy could be thrown into chaos later this month
The long goodbye
09 September, 2014
Three images spring to mind in the aftermath of Friday's momentous vote to amend the bedroom tax
'Welfare reforms still a risk' rating agency warns
09 September, 2014
Welfare reforms still pose a credit risk for housing associations despite their resilience in coping with the changes so far
Universal Credit: A policy under review
09 September, 2014
Universal Credit represents the most significant transformation of our welfare system, merging six separate out-of and in-work benefits into one
MPs vote for bedroom tax changes
08 September, 2014
MPs have voted in favour of a bill that would exempt large numbers of people from the bedroom tax
Lib Dems expand criticisms of coalition welfare policies
08 September, 2014
After siding with Labour to defeat bedroom tax motion, party takes aim at benefit sanctions as conference season approaches
Lib Dem MP's bill to curtail bedroom tax wins in Commons
08 September, 2014
An MP's private members bill aimed at overturning key elements of the coalition's changes to the welfare system has passed the first hurdle in the House of Commons
The bedroom tax - policy making in a league of its own
08 September, 2014
Patrick Butler highlighted in his article that the DWP's own studies have shown that 60% of tenants have been unable to pay the shortfall in their rent
Universal Credit set to be rolled out across West Lancashire
08 September, 2014
Lord David Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform talks to The Advertiser about the impact of the change
Housing benefit: Coalition faces Commons split
05 September, 2014
The Lib Dems and Conservatives are set for a Commons showdown over a bid to ease housing benefit changes
Scottish independence: Campaigners focus on welfare
05 September, 2014
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon claims that independence is an "opportunity for all sectors of Scottish society"
Tories defeated as benefit bill clears first Commons hurdle
05 September, 2014
Liberal Democrat and Labour MPs have joined forces to defeat Conservatives in a Commons vote to partly overturn housing benefit changes
Former housing minister speaks up for Andrew George's bill to blunt the bedroom tax
05 September, 2014
Former Labour Housing Minister and MP for Greenwich and Woolwich Nick Raynsford today spoke in the House of Commons in support of Andrew George
DWP minister set to vote on bedroom tax bill
05 September, 2014
A minister in the department for work and pensions could be set to vote against government policy on a bill which aims to water down the bedroom tax
The Social Security (Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance) (Waiting Days) Amendment Regulations 2014
05 September, 2014
Jobseeker's Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance are income replacement benefits for jobseekers and people with a health condition or a disability
Mersey MPs could help end bedroom tax as we know it in Westminster debate today
05 September, 2014
Lib Dems' call for changes to law to spare disabled people from benefit sanction
Nick Clegg faces activist revolt over ending bedroom tax
05 September, 2014
Nick Clegg is facing a rebellion by grassroots Liberal Democrats who are demanding that he pledges to abolish the so-called bedroom tax
Universal credit help scheme trialled
04 September, 2014
Assessments and guidance aim to prevent tenants falling into arrears
Local authorities and advisers: removal of the spare room subsidy
04 September, 2014
Tookit for local authorities, housing providers and support organisations in the social rented sector, providing information on the removal of the spare room subsidy
Legal challenge to bedroom tax fails
03 September, 2014
An attempt to overturn a bedroom tax decision on human rights grounds has failed because of discretionary housing payments
Universal credit 'on life-support' as clock ticks down on Treasury funding guarantee
03 September, 2014
Universal credit is on 'life-support' with only 247 days of guaranteed funding left
Bedroom tax proposals should be scrapped in Northern Ireland
03 September, 2014
The bedroom tax is causing hardship and suffering across Great Britain, says CIH Northern Ireland policy and public affairs officer Justin Cartwright
Tory candidate slams crime commissioner's bedroom tax-crime link
02 September, 2014
A prospective Tory parliamentary candidate has slammed a police and crime commissioner's claim that a rise in shoplifting can be linked to the government's controversial bedroom tax
Sinn Fein's fury at Iain Duncan Smith's call to back welfare reforms
02 September, 2014
It is time for Sinn Fein to bite the bullet on welfare reforms, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has said
Why the bedroom tax is not political
02 September, 2014
Despite all the evidence about how badly the bedroom tax is failing tenants and failing to meet any of its own policy objectives, the government seems intent on proceeding with it
New 'bedroom tax homes' built
02 September, 2014
Work has begun on 18 new 'affordable' homes in Lancaster that are intended to boost the supply of properties for people hit by the bedroom tax
Universal Credit business case to be signed off 'very shortly'
02 September, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith, is insisting that the business case for the troubled Universal Credit programme is expected "very shortly"
Evictions by housing associations surge 18.6%
02 September, 2014
Evictions of housing association tenants in England increased 18.6% last year, suggesting landlords are toughening up their procedures in the midst of welfare reform
Beyond belief
02 September, 2014
So is it time to celebrate the rise in housing benefit claims by people in work as a reflection of the government's success in getting people off benefits?
Second homes curb dropped to get support for axing 'bedroom tax'
02 September, 2014
Proposals to legislation to cap the number of second homes in popular holiday areas such as Cornwall, Devon and Somerset have been dropped
Bedroom tax rent arrears double in a year
02 September, 2014
More than 300 Barnet households hit by the so-called bedroom tax have fallen into rent arrears - twice as many as this time last year
Nick Clegg must put his money where his mouth is and scrap Bedroom Tax say Labour
01 September, 2014
Senior Lib Dem Danny Alexander recently announced the party wants to persuade the Tories to axe the hated levy before next year's election
Crawley couple fear homelessness because landlords are reluctant to accept benefits claimants as tenants
29 August, 2014
A Working couple who receive housing benefit to top up their low income fear they may end up on the streets because landlords are reluctant to accept benefit claimants as tenants
Bedroom tax under threat: Lib Dem MP launches private members' bill to cut back policy
29 August, 2014
A Liberal Democrat MP is seeking the backing of fellow MPs for his private members' bill that aims to curtail the controversial bedroom tax
Now UN sparks fury after launching human rights investigation into Britain's disability benefit reforms
28 August, 2014
The United Nations sparked fury today after launching an unprecedented inquiry into Britain's treatment of the disabled
Nearly 1,000 affected by the bedroom tax in Breckland
28 August, 2014
Nearly 1,000 people in the Breckland area have been affected by the bedroom tax it has been revealed
Free childcare for more two-year-olds
28 August, 2014
Hundreds more working families in west Cheshire will be eligible for free childcare for their two-year-olds from September
DWP's new universal credit 'safeguards' include paying the rent itself
27 August, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions is stepping up its efforts to keep tenant arrears down under universal credit
Four councils spend 100% of their DHP funds
27 August, 2014
Four Scottish councils have already spent or committed their share of the country's emergency housing payments for this financial year
Lib Dem MP attempts to water down bedroom tax
27 August, 2014
A Liberal Democrat MP will attempt to water down the bedroom tax as part of an 'affordable homes' private members bill to be debated in parliament next week
Tribunal fees are a silent bedroom tax
27 August, 2014
Since David Cameron got into No.10, government's responsibility to protect the vulnerable has been largely ignored
'Vulnerable people' will be caught up in Universal Credit fiasco warns Oldham MP
27 August, 2014
Debbie Abrahams warns there remains an uncertainty about the Universal credit IT system and the way vulnerable people will be supported with the changed it brings
Benefit reform lands claimants in debt
26 August, 2014
Leaked figures reveal that benefit claimants on the UC system have become mired in debt, forcing the government to step in to pay their rent
Move to Midlands or be homeless: London mum brands council 'inhumane'
26 August, 2014
Cecilia Bruce-Annan has been told to move with her three children to Stoke-on-Trent because of the benefits cap
Public health expert: 'Extremely harsh' benefit sanctions are causing rising hunger
26 August, 2014
'Extremely harsh' welfare sanctions are causing rising hunger and wider use of food banks, a public health body has warned
Poor families wave goodbye to Bank Holiday beach trip
26 August, 2014
No-frills day trip to coast costs up to £172. One in five families can't afford trips from any towns surveyed
Welfare reforms spectacularly fail the Prime Minister's new family test
26 August, 2014
The majority of social security cuts announced by the government will fall on working families, who will suffer twice the level of benefit losses as out of work families
Family set to become Derby's first 'bedroom tax' evictions
26 August, 2014
A mum-of-two has told how she will be homeless after becoming the first person in Derby to be evicted because of the so-called bedroom tax
Mum of Derby disabled boy wins her bitter 'bedroom tax' battle
22 August, 2014
The mother of a severely disabled boy who was having her benefits slashed because of the so-called bedroom tax has won a rare legal victory
CIH warns landlords about 'unfairly pressurising' tenants to pay extra rent
21 August, 2014
The CIH has warned social landlords against putting 'unfair pressure' on tenants to pay extra rent under the rollout of universal credit
How families have survived the benefit cap is beyond me
21 August, 2014
Working in housing can some times feel as rewarding as head-butting a rather unforgiving wall
Free Budgeting Advice For Universal Credit In Bath
21 August, 2014
People claiming Universal Credit in Bath are being urged to take advantage of free budgeting advice to help them manage their money, now paid to them every month
Sinn Fein challenges ministers to spend week on benefits
20 August, 2014
Sinn Fein has challenged DUP, UUP and Alliance ministers who have backed the implementation of welfare reform to spend a week living on benefits
Bedroom tax victim claims ghost haunts spare room
20 August, 2014
A social housing tenant has claimed that she should be excused from paying the government's controversial bedroom tax
Iain Duncan Smith champions welfare reform
20 August, 2014
In this speech at the Centre for Social Justice in January this year, Iain Duncan Smith argues that the coalition welfare reforms will have far-reaching benefits for society
New universal credit rules for tenants begin this week
20 August, 2014
An alteration meaning social landlords can now tell who is claiming universal credit began yesterday
Spending watchdog accuses DWP of hiding universal credit's failings
19 August, 2014
Public accounts committee says that categorising the scheme as 'reset' may have been to prevent scrutiny and hide problems
Whither Universal Credit?
19 August, 2014
Arch has been tracking the impact of the underoccupation penalty on tenants and landlords through a joint survey with CWAG and the NFA
Welfare reform: will Iain Duncan Smith's benefits revolution happen?
18 August, 2014
The work and pensions secretary has restated his determination to transform Britain's welfare system
Change to Universal Credit housing costs process
18 August, 2014
Following a successful trial in Warrington, a new housing cost verification process will be extended to all live running sites
Pensioners hit hardest by £9BILLION welfare spending cuts as David Cameron breaks election promise
18 August, 2014
A shock report reveals that a quarter of welfare cuts fall on pensioner households with pension credit, attendance allowance and disability living allowance for OAPs
Proposals for further 10% benefit cap reduction questioned
18 August, 2014
A property expert has questioned a think tank's recommendation to cap benefits even further
Expert says HAs shouldn't need to collect rent upfront in wake of universal credit storm
18 August, 2014
A UC expert has said that housing associations shouldn't need to ask for rent up front
DWP announces roll-out of Housing Cost Verification Trial
18 August, 2014
The DWP formally announced today the roll-out of a Housing Cost Verification trial that it had been running with New Charter Housing Association in North West England
Voids fall despite welfare reform fears
15 August, 2014
Social landlords defy a previously predicted rise in empty homes
Repossessions are up - is the bedroom tax to blame?
15 August, 2014
Sadly, every year, there are families in England that lose their home
What's to be done about the bedroom tax?
15 August, 2014
The bedroom tax isn't everyone's cup of tea. Well, actually it isn't anyone's cup of tea, apart from huge fanboy Iain Duncan Smith and fellow swooner Lord Freud
Universal credit: Some hard facts
15 August, 2014
In the past I've highlighted concerns over the way the universal credit 'assessment period' operates when there is a change in the claimant's household make-up and/or financial circumstances
New tenant rules for universal credit
14 August, 2014
New system will keep landlords up to date with payment methods
IDS doubts 'bedroom tax' disability figures
14 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has cast doubt on figures showing two-thirds of those affected by the so-called bedroom tax are disabled
Council to appeal tribunal defeat over 'spare room subsidy'
14 August, 2014
Kirklees Council is to appeal a FTT ruling that upheld a couple's challenge to its decision to cut their housing benefit under the 'spare room subsidy' rules
Scottish Government: thousands face disability payment cuts
14 August, 2014
More than 100,000 Scots are expected to lose some, or all, of their UK disability benefits by 2018
Iain Duncan Smith hails largest drop in UK unemployment rate since 2009 but wages are squeezed
14 August, 2014
Figures show both unemployment and wages have fallen in the last quarter
Welfare reforms leaving pensioners isolated and lonely
14 August, 2014
Pensioners are being left lonely and isolated by welfare reform and the situation is set to worsen
Universal Credit rollout could take over 1,000 years
14 August, 2014
Latest figures show just 540 people started claiming the benefit in May, the lowest monthly take-up since July 2013
UK jobless rate nears six-year low
13 August, 2014
UK unemployment edged closer to a six-year low in the three months to the end of June
Thousands could lose disability benefits, Scottish government claims
13 August, 2014
More than 100,000 people in Scotland will lose disability benefits under UK-wide welfare changes
Floundering DWP move universal credit goalposts
13 August, 2014
The Department of Work and Pensions has moved the goalposts to make it appear that more people have signed up to its new universal credit system
Major study to recommend further benefit cuts and child support cap
13 August, 2014
A major study is due to recommend that the government slashes the benefit budget even further and caps child support at four children
Universal Credit statistics: Apr 2013 to 31 May 2014
13 August, 2014
Statistics for April 2013 to 31 May 2014 with breakdowns by Jobcentre Plus office, local authority and parliamentary constituency
'Bedroom tax' M-way death inquest
12 August, 2014
A coroner has recorded a verdict of suicide over the death of a woman hit by a lorry who left her family a note blaming the bedroom tax
Council denies putting pressure on bedroom tax suicide tenant
12 August, 2014
A council has denied pressurising a woman hit by the bedroom tax to move home before she committed suicide
Increase welfare caps to keep up with the rising cost of living
12 August, 2014
With the cost of bringing up a child now approaching £90 a week, the government needs to do more to help low-earning families
Iain Duncan Smith's delusional world of welfare reform
12 August, 2014
He's the misery man, turning to tricks and magical thinking when the flaws in his benefits plans are revealed
Families 'stuck in working poverty'
12 August, 2014
Families working full time at the national minimum wage are 18% short of the basic amount needed to provide a minimum standard of living
Cutting benefits is vital for economy
11 August, 2014
The Work and Pensions Secretary will use a speech to say the economy will never fully recover unless families on benefits return to work
Cutting benefits outside London could save millions
11 August, 2014
Policy Exchange suggests that benefit payments should be cut outside London and the South East
Demand for housing support payments has more than trebled in Wales since the bedroom tax was introduced
11 August, 2014
The bedroom tax and welfare changes have led to the 250% rise in demands for Discretionary Housing Payment help
Food poverty in Scotland 'not acceptable' says Sturgeon
11 August, 2014
The level of food poverty in Scotland is "simply not acceptable"
Welfare reform must continue, Iain Duncan Smith says
11 August, 2014
Welfare reforms driving the "jobs miracle" must continue, says Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith
Iain Duncan Smith to signal further welfare crackdown
11 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith is to signal a further crackdown on welfare in a speech suggesting that changes to the benefit system have lowered unemployment
IDS 'to intensify welfare reforms'
11 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith will signal his determination to intensify welfare reforms, arguing that the crackdown on benefits is cutting unemployment
Council forced to write off £1.1 million in rent arrears following IT fault
07 August, 2014
An east London council has been forced to write-off £1.1 million in rent arrears following a malfunction with an IT system
Dewsbury couple win spare bedroom housing benefit fight
07 August, 2014
A couple from West Yorkshire who went to court to challenge a cut to their housing benefit have won their case
Benefit cap: 10,000 people find jobs or stop claiming Housing Benefit
07 August, 2014
Almost 10,000 people who had their benefits capped have now moved into work or stopped claiming Housing Benefit entirely
Universal Credit: moving deductions from benefits for rent arrears
06 August, 2014
Deductions from benefits for rent arrears - migration to UC
Developing a Scottish benefits system
06 August, 2014
David Cameron, Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg have agreed that Scotland will be allowed to set its own levels of income tax and benefits if the country rejects independence
Bedroom tax stories: Sam
06 August, 2014
Sam found herself spiralling into debt and despair after the introduction of the bedroom tax
Bristol tenants in bedroom tax arrears will only be evicted as a last resort
06 August, 2014
Tenants in Bristol who fall into arrears because of the controversial "bedroom tax" will only be evicted as a last resort
Iain Duncan Smith: Ready to sail into sunset?
05 August, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith shuffles along the bench to take his seat opposite me in a Westminster restaurant buzzing with hobnobbing hacks and politicians
Landmark bedroom tax ruling issued
05 August, 2014
A tribunal has overturned a decision on the bedroom tax, setting a precedent that could force some councils to rethink how they decide who needs a room for an overnight carer
North west landlord scores record surplus despite welfare reform
05 August, 2014
Great Places Housing Group has posted a record surplus of £9.3m for 2013/14
Total hit by bedroom tax loophole revealed
05 August, 2014
Hundreds of Wigan households were affected by a glitch in bedroom tax regulations earlier this year
Benefit cuts have pushed more people into work
04 August, 2014
Ben Broadbent says welfare reforms have encouraged people on benefits to rejoin the labour force
'No one should die penniless and alone' : the victims of Britain's harsh welfare sanctions
04 August, 2014
David Clapson was found dead last year after his benefits were stopped on the grounds that he wasn't taking the search for work seriously
Former DWP staff go rogue to help benefit claimants
04 August, 2014
Website set up to offer advice inundated with messages from people claiming their benefits were unfairly cut
Bedroom tax could see council's rent arrears bill shoot up £19m
04 August, 2014
Sheffield City Council could see its rent arrears bill soar by £19 million as tenants struggle with the government's controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax impact on grant allocations
01 August, 2014
The government is 'storing up future problems' because more than three-quarters of its grant funding programme will be used for the development of one and two-bedroom homes
Universal credit staff costs 'unsustainable'
01 August, 2014
Housing association trial suggests it faces £1.2m hit
I was ill with hunger, went to prison for stealing food and became homeless
31 July, 2014
Welfare expert Matthew Oakley should have spoken to me. I could have told him all about benefits sanctions
Police warn that 'relentless' bedroom tax is turning people into criminals
31 July, 2014
Concerns have been expressed by police chiefs that victims of the "Bedroom Tax" are being forced to turn to crime and loan sharks
Universal credit safeguards are working
31 July, 2014
By Lord Freud, the government's minister for welfare reform and one of the chief architects of universal credit
Tenants pin hopes on bedroom tax speed dating
31 July, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith hopes 'speed dating' sessions for tenants affected by welfare reform will undo a housing log jam
Bedroom tax tenants in Bristol see rent arrears reach £725,000
31 July, 2014
Rent arrears for council tenants in Bristol who have been hit by the so-called bedroom tax have soared to more than £725,000
Social landlord reports record £75m surplus
30 July, 2014
Affinity Sutton has reported a record £75m surplus, despite deciding to limit its exposure to the sales market
Cameron warns illegal immigrants: we will find you and send you home
30 July, 2014
PM's threat comes as Labour and Ukip say crackdown on benefits for new arrivals from EU is not tough enough
Council, charity and disabled man team up to take government to court
30 July, 2014
Islington Council, a disabled man in Cheshire and charity Child Poverty Action Group have teamed up to take High Court action against the government
Calculating social wellbeing
30 July, 2014
By having a standard way of calculating social impact, Affinity Sutton has worked out the value of community investment programmes compare to other projects
Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions resulting from Universal Jobmatch conditions: Jun 2013 to Dec 2013
30 July, 2014
Statistics on Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions resulting from Universal Jobmatch conditions from June 2013 to December 2013
EU migrants will lose benefits after just three months under new Tory plans
29 July, 2014
Moves are designed to hammer home the message to new arrivals that they cannot expect to get 'something for nothing'
A new disability minister to take on the reforms
29 July, 2014
Britain has a new Minister of State for Disabled People - Mark Harper, MP for the Forest of Dean
Council tax bombshell: Cardiff rates could rise by 5% a year for three years
28 July, 2014
Councillor Graham Hinchey makes the revelation during a debate at a full council meeting
Killed by benefits cuts: Starving soldier died 'as result of Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reform'
28 July, 2014
Diabetic David Clapson, 59, died with just £3.44 left in his account after his Jobseeker's Allowance was axed because he missed an appointment
Universal Credit launches in local area
28 July, 2014
New jobseekers in the Wilmslow area will join the Government's new benefits system when they start to claim Universal Credit for the first time
Council tax rises hit Britain's poor hardest
25 July, 2014
Cuts to the benefit system have seen nearly 16,000 people in London alone referred to bailiffs for non-payment
Government response: SSAC report on the cumulative impact of welfare reform
25 July, 2014
A letter from the Minister for Welfare Reform to the chair of SSAC responding to the SSAC report on the cumulative impact of welfare reform
Councils failing to spend £millions in DHPs as families struggle
24 July, 2014
Local authorities are failing to spend millions of pounds that could potentially be used as emergency payments for families hit by welfare cuts
Disabled people's 'fit for work' assessments should be scrapped
24 July, 2014
Select committee finds that eligibility tests for benefits are inaccurate and system fails to help claimants back into work
LIN member report July 2014 - Money goes begging: how councils could spend more on discretionary housing payments
24 July, 2014
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Stormont welfare stand-off may be close to resolution
24 July, 2014
Outline agreement has finally been reached to resolve Stormont's spending stalemate
MPs say Employment and Support Allowance needs 'fundamental redesign'
24 July, 2014
The ESA system has serious flaws causing "considerable distress and anxiety" and requires "fundamental redesign", according to the Work and Pensions Committee
A bold plan to make welfare more personalised and responsive
23 July, 2014
Jobs must surely be one of the great success stories of this government: 1.8 million more people in work
Government to update dealings with claimants after report finds sanctions hitting most vulnerable
22 July, 2014
The government has announced that is to update the way it talks to benefit claimants
Osborne plays down benefit reports
22 July, 2014
Chancellor George Osborne has sought to play down reports that the Conservatives are backing plans to stop families claiming child benefit for more than four children
Bedroom tax sufferers not the only victims looking to swap their homes
22 July, 2014
With the controversial 'bedroom tax' under review for "pushing people into rent arrears", the attractiveness of downsizing in social housing appears never to have been higher
Government to update communications with benefit claimants
22 July, 2014
The government is updating the way it talks to benefit claimants following an independent review of Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions
Bedroom Tax Commons vote to be forced through to abolish hated charge after Lib Dem U-turn
21 July, 2014
Blameless residents are forced to pay an average £14 a week for one extra bedroom and £25 for two or more - Labour leader Mr Miliband has pledged to scrap the tax
Nick Clegg 'spineless' on bedroom tax
21 July, 2014
Voters may regard Nick Clegg as "spineless" after performing a u-turn on the bedroom tax and has repeated the error of tuition fees
Bedroom Tax is top of list of complaints in forgotten corner of Nick Clegg's constituency
21 July, 2014
There are 1,700 people in Sheffield Hallam hit by it - and because of its high concentration of council houses most are in Stannington
Labour calls for bedroom tax vote in the autumn
21 July, 2014
Labour plans to force a parliamentary vote on the bedroom tax in the autumn
Dramatic rise of families forced out of London
18 July, 2014
The number of homeless households forced to move outside London has risen by nearly 40 per cent in one year
What's the secret behind our jobs miracle? Welfare reform
18 July, 2014
Bizarrely, Nick Clegg is running away from a policy that has been a world-beating success
Migrants remain in hostels to avoid losing housing benefit
18 July, 2014
Welfare reforms are causing supported housing to be 'clogged up'
Bedroom tax is forcing poorest citizens into unmanageable debt
18 July, 2014
A DWP report has found that 523,000 tenants have been unable to meet rent arrears due to housing-benefit caps
Nick Clegg accused of hypocrisy after U-turn on bedroom tax
17 July, 2014
Lib Dem leader says party no longer supports policy in its present form in intensification of Tory 'differentiation strategy'
Housing benefit cuts have had 'little impact' on PRS rents
17 July, 2014
Government cuts to HB for around 900,000 tenants in the PRS have had little impact on average rents, new study reveals
Thinktank proposes cap on child benefit to cut welfare spending
17 July, 2014
Policy Exchange claim limiting child benefit to four children per household could save around £1bn per parliament
Lib Dems 'ignored chance to soften bedroom benefits cut impact'
17 July, 2014
The Lib Dems were given the chance in March to soften the impact of benefit cuts for people judged to have too many bedrooms
Downsizing with the bedroom tax
17 July, 2014
The price for underoccupying a home is high for many vulnerable people. Jess McCabe visits Stoke-on-Trent to find out how landlords are attempting to help
Council tax: a chaotic way to impoverish the already poor
17 July, 2014
Amid mounting debt, court summons and poverty, a new report asks if the localised system of council tax support costs more than it will save
12% of Welfare fund not spent
16 July, 2014
The Scottish Government has been accused of failing the most vulnerable after it was revealed more than 10% of the fund was not spent
Benefit payments rose during recession
15 July, 2014
Welfare claimants were protected from the recession and actually saw their income rise as people faced pay cuts and job losses, Institute for Fiscal studies finds
UK government's welfare reforms piling misery on the poorest households
11 July, 2014
The devastating impact of the government's welfare reforms on people living in social housing is laid bare in the Real Life Reform report
Islington selected for universal credit trial
11 July, 2014
The London Borough of Islington has been selected to trial a new support system for residents
Touchbase DWP e-zine
10 July, 2014
July 2014 - includes information on the continued expansion of Universal Credit and also PIP
Lord Freud announces welfare reform support projects
10 July, 2014
Lord David Freud has announced 11 new projects to trial ways of helping benefit claimants cope with welfare reform
Government in court over disability benefit changes
09 July, 2014
Court proceedings will begin in Birmingham to determine whether the Government's decision to change the eligibility criteria for PIP was unlawful
DWP staff lack empathy and communicate poorly, report claims
09 July, 2014
The DWP staff have been slammed by participants in a CAB Cymru report for the way they communicate and for offering a lack of support to claimants hit by welfare reform
Scottish independence: Better Together says welfare cuts would be needed
09 July, 2014
Better Together have launched a paper that claims that pensions and benefits are more secure in Scotland as part of the UK
Welfare reform 'takes toll on poor'
08 July, 2014
Vulnerable people are being forced into hardship due to welfare reform
Better Together says welfare cuts needed
08 July, 2014
The pro-Union campaign has said that cuts to public spending would be needed in an independent Scotland
IDS anger as former Marxist Raquel Rolnik attacks his benefit cuts
07 July, 2014
A group of United Nations poverty 'ambassadors' has launched a bizarre attack on the Coalition's welfare reforms
Minister announces boost to roll out digital inclusion for hard to reach groups
07 July, 2014
A major push to target people who are not yet online was announced by the Minister for Communities and Tackling Poverty
Prime Minister grilled over Tory MP Richard Benyon's 'social cleansing'
03 July, 2014
Prime Minister put on the spot as dozens of poor families face eviction after Britain's richest MP took a stake in their homes
The distributional effects of the UK government's tax and welfare reforms in Wales
03 July, 2014
Institute for Fiscal Studies' analysis of Welfare Reforms in Wales
Sanctioned: what benefit?
02 July, 2014
Thousands of sick, disabled and unemployed Scots are being left in poverty as their benefit payments are stopped
Bedroom tax victims helped out by new housing developments
02 July, 2014
Two new housing schemes in Merseyside are helping families hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax
Tenants hit with 'bedroom tax' get £1.5m from Hull and East Riding councils
02 July, 2014
More than £1.5m has been paid out to cash-strapped tenants in East Yorkshire struggling to cope with the financial fallout of the Government's "bedroom tax"
Five jobcentres start offering Universal Credit to couples
02 July, 2014
Five jobcentres have started offering Universal Credit to couples as well as single people
Government eases sanctions for homeless people
01 July, 2014
Homeless people have been granted new exemptions from benefit sanctions under regulations laid before parliament today
Fife Council urged to help those whose benefits have been 'stolen'
01 July, 2014
Campaigners against the controversial 'bedroom tax' have urged Fife Council to ensure all tenants entitled to help with their rent receive it
The Journey to Work: Welfare reform for the next Parliament
01 July, 2014
Unemployed social tenants who are willing to move for work should be prioritised for discretionary housing payments
Bedroom tax: Housing association rent arrears laid bare in the House of Commons
01 July, 2014
Housing associations are facing mounting problems with rent arrears as a direct result of the bedroom tax
Reeves versus Duncan Smith - universal credit debate highlights
01 July, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith was once again forced to defend universal credit in the House of Commons yesterday
New UK child poverty strategy 'ignores impact of government's welfare reforms'
30 June, 2014
The Child Poverty Action Group has accused the government of ignoring the impact of its welfare reforms in drawing up its new child poverty strategy
Mitigating the 'bedroom tax' in Scotland: SFHA welcomes 'letter of comfort'
30 June, 2014
The SFHA has welcomed the issue of a letter
Universal credit 'could be beginning of the end' for homeless charity
30 June, 2014
A homelessness charity has said the introduction of universal credit could be the beginning of the end of its service
EU migrants milking benefits will be KICKED OUT of Britain
30 June, 2014
Jobless EU migrants who have been claiming benefits for the past six months and show no signs of being able to find work could be forced to leave the UK from Tuesday
Universal Credit to take the first new claims for couples
30 June, 2014
Universal Credit will be extended again as the service opens up to new claims from couples
Peers round on Lord Freud over bedroom tax
26 June, 2014
Lord Freud withstood a barrage of questions about the bedroom tax in the House of Lords
'Pickle the bedroom tax' protest to coincide with minister's speech
26 June, 2014
Tenants and campaigners called for the bedroom tax to be 'pickled' outside the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Welfare reforms boost skills training by 40%
26 June, 2014
Welfare reforms have boosted the number of benefit claimants training to improve their skills by almost 40%
Tories 'should amend bedroom tax'
25 June, 2014
The Conservative party should not impose the bedroom tax on tenants unless they turn down a suitable alternative offer of accommodation
David Cameron message to Northern Ireland over welfare reform
25 June, 2014
PM has said Northern Ireland people must understand welfare reform is to return people to work, not to cut the budget for benefit payments
'Hardened' attitudes over disability
25 June, 2014
Disabled people are suffering from "hardened" attitudes as well as benefit cuts amid the debate about welfare reform
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment: first independent review
24 June, 2014
DWP has commissioned Paul Gray CB to undertake an independent review of how the Personal Independence Payment assessment is working
£20 million support for welfare reform claimants unspent
24 June, 2014
More than £20 million specifically earmarked to help people adapt to welfare reforms was not spent by local authorities last year
Housing benefit size criteria
24 June, 2014
Impacts for social sector tenants and options for reform
The Impact of Welfare Reform
24 June, 2014
The impact of welfare reform on social landlords and tenants
DWP denies risk of rising disability benefits breaching welfare spending cap
23 June, 2014
Leaked documents suggested cost of employment and support allowance left government vulnerable to breach of self-imposed cap
Rachel Reeves: Labour will 'pause' Universal Credit if we win power
23 June, 2014
The shadow work and pensions minister says that Labour would not 'throw good money after bad' on the troubled benefit
Report of a telephone survey with g15 tenants
23 June, 2014
Eight in 10 London housing association tenants surveyed have a bank account
Universal credit extended to four more areas
23 June, 2014
Universal credit was extended to four more areas of the north west of England
Tenants unprepared for Universal Credit
23 June, 2014
Riverside working with New Direction and Barclays, has been preparing its tenants for welfare reform, specifically Universal Credit, to help them cope with the changes
5th Report, 2014 (Session 4): Report on Local Impact of Welfare Reform
23 June, 2014
Statistical 'proof' that welfare reform hits the poorest individuals hardest has been obtained by MSPs
We will protect you
20 June, 2014
Universal credit is still a work in progress, but that means proper safeguards are being put in place
Firms won't need to hire foreign workers any more, claims IDS: Benefits reforms 'make part-time jobs attractive'
20 June, 2014
Unemployed Britons are being made to take jobs currently filled chiefly by immigrant workers thanks to sweeping reforms of the benefits system
Benefit cuts for the young - secret agreement
20 June, 2014
There is widespread agreement about the need to cut benefits for young people but it doesn't suit the political parties to admit this
Universal Credit policy to expand to 90 jobcentres
20 June, 2014
The government's flagship welfare policy, Universal Credit, is to be introduced in 90 jobcentres in north-west England
Q&A;: The benefits cap and you
20 June, 2014
The government says that households claiming benefits should be no better off than the average family in work
Personal Independence Payment
20 June, 2014
The DWP has rushed the introduction of PIP and the non-piloting of the new benefit has led to long and unacceptable delays to disabled people who have claimed it
Labour to cut youth benefits and focus on path to work
19 June, 2014
Labour leader sets out reforms based on training incentives as poll finds 78% of voters think welfare system unfair
Further Universal Credit roll out in the North West
19 June, 2014
Universal Credit will be introduced in additional jobcentres from 23 June
Thousands left in limbo in benefit appeals system grinding to a halt
19 June, 2014
An extra 'mandatory reconsideration' stage added to the disability benefits appeal process by government is creating huge suffering
DWP capped access to discretionary housing fund
19 June, 2014
Discretionary housing help held back to stop bedroom tax 'buy out'
Government considering new rules for universal credit
19 June, 2014
Some 'trusted' landlords may receive benefits direct at an earlier stage
Cuts may undermine work incentives in universal credit
18 June, 2014
Thinktank launches expert review of welfare scheme, saying policy changes have not received sufficient scrutiny
Welfare cuts one year on: Now Britain's poorest are on par with former Eastern bloc
18 June, 2014
Ros Wynne-Jones meets the people who are suffering a year after Bedroom Tax as rent arrears have rocketed
Quantifying the extent of space shortages: English dwellings
18 June, 2014
Lack of internal space is a problem in UK homes, and is often linked to a lack of space standards for housing in the UK
All aboard the universal credit bus
18 June, 2014
Salix Homes is using a community bus to help tenants get ready for universal credit which is being introduced in Salford this summer
Report to call for 'radical reform' of welfare state
18 June, 2014
Plans for a radical overhaul of the welfare state will be published in a report that will be launched by Ed Miliband on Thursday
Call for country-wide universal credit rollout
18 June, 2014
The government should roll out its universal credit system across the country rather than phasing it in through pilots
Fife Council accused of 'morally bankrupt' use of 'bedroom tax' refunds
17 June, 2014
Fife Council has been branded 'morally bankrupt' after clawing back 'bedroom tax' refunds from tenants
Welfare Reform: The Impact on Homelessness and Tenancy Sustainment for Scottish Housing Associations
17 June, 2014
The cumulative impact of the 'bedroom tax', benefit sanctions and problems accessing financial assistance at times of crisis is likely to result in an increase in homelessness in Scotland
Budding entrepreneurs helped off benefits
17 June, 2014
Around 2,000 businesses a month have been set up over the past year by people who have moved from claiming benefits to being their own boss
HB A12/2014
16 June, 2014
Contains information on universal credit: Change of circumstances affecting Housing Benefit
Labour policy report calls for radical reform of welfare state
16 June, 2014
Thinktank's report for policy review will propose benefits be linked more closely to contributions
More than £400,000 distributed to meet cost of 'Bedroom Tax'
16 June, 2014
More than £400,000 has been distributed to 1,537 households across Angus in financial assistance to help meet the cost of the 'Bedroom Tax'
Welfare Reforms Hit Londoners Hardest
16 June, 2014
36% of London's children live below the poverty line
'Time bomb' warning on migrant welfare cut
13 June, 2014
Loss of 'transitional protection' benefit may put migrants on streets
Welfare Funds (Scotland) Bill published
13 June, 2014
The first step towards setting out in law the permanent arrangements for the £33 million SWF has been made with the introduction of the Welfare Funds (Scotland)
Minister welcomes sharp fall in appeals against benefit decisions
13 June, 2014
The number of benefit decision appeals dropped by 79% to 32,546 between January and March 2014, compared to same time last year
Secretary of state's behaviour during bedroom tax meeting riles tenant
13 June, 2014
A social housing tenant from Cardiff has told Inside Housing that he was deeply upset by the way he was spoken to by David Jones
Why is only one social landlord signed up to the digital inclusion charter?
13 June, 2014
Despite being well placed to get people online, few organisations have signed up to be a part of the government's official strategy
Universal Credit statistics: Apr 2013 to 31 March 2014
12 June, 2014
Universal Credit statistics: April 2013 to 31 March 2014 with breakdowns by Jobcentre Plus office, local authority and parliamentary constituency
Will universal credit create discerning tenants? Perhaps - but that's not point
12 June, 2014
Hopes for a new generation of responsible renters will be undone by the risk of rising arrears
Increased benefits 'help poor more'
12 June, 2014
Increasing benefits for low income workers would be a cheaper and more effective way of helping struggling families than tax cuts floated by the major parties
How the other 40,000 live
12 June, 2014
Statistics show Wales has been hit harder by the removal of the spare room subsidy or 'bedroom tax' than any other part of the UK
The state of that bedroom
12 June, 2014
This is a rather unusual bedroom tax First Tier Tribunal decision from Islington
Families on the brink: welfare reform in London
11 June, 2014
London has the highest child poverty rates and highest housing costs in the UK
Welfare Reform is working in South Ribble
11 June, 2014
Labour opposed all welfare reforms proposed by the government as the Conservatives put into place their long-term economic plan to turn around the economy
4th Report, 2014 (Session 4): Interim Report on the New Benefit Sanctions Regime: Tough Love or Tough Luck?
11 June, 2014
A review of the benefits sanctions regime has been called for by a group of MSPs in another critical report of the welfare system
Top tribunals judge questions universal credit 'disappearance'
11 June, 2014
A senior tribunals judge has thrown doubt over the future of universal credit after it 'disappeared' from Department for Work and Pensions forecasts on the number of predicted appeals
Welfare reform puts single people at risk of homelessness
11 June, 2014
Study of risk factors in the north east finds rent arrears, food poverty and crime on the rise. Homelessness will come next
Families are slipping through the welfare net into hunger and poverty
11 June, 2014
10-year-old Cara described how it feels to be hungry in Britain in 2014
Ineligible welfare claimants keep benefits after going unchallenged in court
09 June, 2014
Welfare claimants who should have their benefits cut under government rules are keeping their higher payouts due to a lack of government representation at tribunals
Bedroom Tax - Gambling with our Futures
09 June, 2014
Tenants Working Together is a group of like minded social housing tenants who come together to campaign about social inequity, welfare reform and the draconian Bedroom Tax
DWP starts IT overhaul as it commits to 25% SMB spend
09 June, 2014
The DWP has committed to increasing its spend with SMBs to 25% of expenditure as it outlined its revised IT transformation programme
Housing benefit bill set to rise by £1 billion, warns Labour
09 June, 2014
The housing benefit bill will rise by £1 billion by 2018, the Labour Party has warned
The 3 S's of Universal Credit
09 June, 2014
Many would argue that we have not seen such change in the welfare system since the creation of the welfare state
Riverside helps tenants claim over £350,000
06 June, 2014
In the first year since Government changes to the benefits system, Riverside Carlisle's Money Advice Service has increased the amount their tenants have been eligible to claim
Poorer households council tax support extended in Wales
05 June, 2014
Benefits to help poorer households in Wales pay council tax will be paid beyond the next assembly election
'Stupid' bedroom tax sees tenant threaten to blow up house
05 June, 2014
A man facing eviction due to the bedroom tax has been arrested after threatening to blow up his social home
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners to gather in Manchester
05 June, 2014
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners from across Britain are to gather in Manchester this weekend to decide the next course of action in their fight against Government cuts to benefits
Bedroom tax judicial review fails
05 June, 2014
A recent Judicial Review of the bedroom tax, supported by the Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) has failed
NFA, ARCH and CWAG survey reveals over one third of council tenants are still in rent arrears nine months after 'bedroom tax' introduced
05 June, 2014
Nine months after the introduction of the 'bedroom tax', just over one third of council tenants are still in rent arrears
Stop interfering over benefits, Iain Duncan Smith tells EU as he demands new rights to curb handouts
04 June, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith opened up a new front in the Tory battle with Brussels last night, demanding new rights for Britain to restrict welfare handouts for EU migrants
Bedroom Tax victims tell David Cameron: Visit our home and you'll axe the charge
04 June, 2014
Warren Todd is one of only 100 known cases of Potocki-Shaffer syndrome in the world
Welfare Reform Survey - 2013/14 Quarter 2 and Quarter 3 Update
04 June, 2014
Summary of responses June 2014
Re-thinking Welfare: Fair, Personal and Simple
04 June, 2014
This is the 2nd report of the Expert Working Group on Welfare looking at the medium and long term options for welfare in an independent Scotland
Back to square one for universal credit
04 June, 2014
The controversial welfare benefit has been classified as an entirely new project by a Whitehall body, so it's not too late to make the necessary changes
Scottish independence: Call to increase minimum wage
04 June, 2014
An expert group on welfare set up by the Scottish government has recommended a substantial rise in the minimum wage
What would welfare look like in an independent Scotland?
04 June, 2014
The Scottish government's working group reports today on recommended changes to the benefits system after a yes vote
Wirral council accused of 'persecution' over bedroom tax
03 June, 2014
Birkenhead Green Party councillor Pat Clearly blasts council decision to appeal tribunal ruling
Find out what happened when an AM tried living on benefits for a week
03 June, 2014
Rebecca Evans AM writes about her week of living on the equivalent of Jobseeker's Allowance, to examine the impact of welfare reform
Lottery funding awarded to South West charities
03 June, 2014
A project in Cornwall supporting male victims of domestic abuse has been awarded more than £400,000 in lottery funding
European Commission questions UK government's welfare and housing policies
03 June, 2014
The European Commission has called on the UK government to ensure its welfare reforms contribute to the reduction of child poverty in low-income households
DWP refuses to disclose universal credit alternative payment figures
03 June, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has refused to disclose figures relating to the number of alternative payment arrangements made under universal credit
The EU's wise advice to the UK shouldn't be ignored
03 June, 2014
It's not up to the unelected commission to determine Britain's policies, but it has reason and evidence on its side
Welfare reforms 'impacting on children'
03 June, 2014
The UK Government has been criticised in a row about the impact of controversial welfare reforms on children
Department of Work and Pensions in denial on food banks
02 June, 2014
The Department of Work and Pensions within the UK Government is in denial about the cause of the increase in food bank use
Money expert Martin Lewis blasts Bedroom Tax and urges David Cameron to scrap hated levy
02 June, 2014
The hated charge means as many as 660,000 people of a working age in social housing who have a spare bedroom will have housing benefit cut by £40 a month
Family loses High Court challenge against bedroom tax
02 June, 2014
The High Court has dismissed a bedroom tax challenge brought by grandparents caring for a disabled child
Government scores bedroom tax own goal
02 June, 2014
As most people will know the bedroom tax came into operation in April 2013
Glasgow Council leads welfare reform 'fight back' with step-by-step guide to winning appeals
02 June, 2014
Glasgow Council's appeals pack
Family of disabled grandchild lose spare bedroom fight
30 May, 2014
The family of a severely disabled teenager from Pembrokeshire have lost their High Court challenge
Government scores bedroom tax own goal
30 May, 2014
As most people will know the bedroom tax came into operation in April 2013
Caring through the night
30 May, 2014
The latest challenge to the bedroom tax focuses on overnight carers for disabled children
Bedroom tax pushes households into debt and fear of eviction
29 May, 2014
A third have cut back on food and a quarter have cut back on heating
A fair start for everyone
29 May, 2014
Benefit cuts to trap five million UK children in poverty by 2020
The real cost-of-living-crisis: Five million British children 'sentenced to life of poverty thanks to welfare reforms'
28 May, 2014
Children in working families, rather than beggars and vagrants, are the face of modern poverty in Britain today
One year on: The impact of welfare reforms on housing association tenants
28 May, 2014
Ipsos MORI research report looking at the impacts of welfare reform specifically from the tenant perspective
Iain Duncan Smith has failed on Universal Credit. He must be replaced
28 May, 2014
He has proved himself to be inept at managing its implementation over the past three years
'Bedroom tax' hitting North hard
28 May, 2014
Households in the North of England hit by controversial cuts to housing benefits are going without basic essentials for fear of falling into arrears
Delays to universal credit lead watchdog to rate it as a new project
27 May, 2014
Due to the delays to universal credit, a government watchdog has assessed it as 'reset' meaning it is considered a new scheme
Welsh Ministers savage coalition's child poverty strategy - for including the 'bedroom tax' as part of it
27 May, 2014
Jeff Cuthbert and Vaughan Gething attacked UK Government's strategy for failing to recognise the impact of tax and benefit changes
Council tax arrears now biggest debt problem reported to Citizens Advice
27 May, 2014
One in five people reporting debt problems to Citizens Advice has a council tax arrears issue
Govt proposes no benefits for 7 days
27 May, 2014
The SSAC has launched a public consultation on the Government's intention to extend the number of days a claimant must wait before they are entitled to receive certain benefits from 3 to 7
'Vulnerable people' will be caught up in Universal Credit fiasco warns Oldham MP
27 May, 2014
Debbie Abrahams, warns there remains an uncertainty about the Universal credit IT system and the way vulnerable people will be supported with the changed it brings
Concerns as charity helps more homeless
27 May, 2014
A homelessness charity has revealed a large increase in the number of people needing help in Chorley - and fears that demand could still rise further
Universal credit 'reset' after catalogue of blunders
23 May, 2014
The government's spluttering flagship reform of the benefits system has been officially 'reset'
Bedroom tax a year on - can the evidence speak for itself?
23 May, 2014
Opinion of Alan Humphreys, chief executive, Grand Union Housing Group
Relief for 'bedroom tax' 'victims'
23 May, 2014
People in Inverclyde hit by financial misery through the 'bedroom tax' will now automatically get relief payments under a new council deal
Four ways to help tenants appeal against bedroom tax
22 May, 2014
By helping tenants in bedroom tax appeals, housing providers can bring more money into communities and minimise arrears
Affordable homes to beat 'bedroom tax' in Telford
22 May, 2014
A total of 44 low-cost homes will be built in Telford in a bid to help those trying to escape 'bedroom tax' by downsizing
Call for bedroom tax scrap for the abused
22 May, 2014
E-petition calling on the Government's Department for Work and Pensions to exempt victims of domestic violence from the bedroom tax
The Impact of the Bedroom Tax in Scotland: Devolving the DHP Cap
21 May, 2014
Scottish Affairs Committee - Fourteenth Report
Shapps council bungles bedroom tax leaflet
21 May, 2014
The council that controls the constituency of Tory chairman Grant Shapps has sent out leaflets referring to the government's 'spare room subsidy' as the 'bedroom tax'
Iain Duncan Smith continues to hide reports showing failure of universal credit
21 May, 2014
The DWP is continuing to block publication of reports set to reveal the failure of the Universal Credit scheme, despite a series of rulings insisting they should be released
MPs call for full mitigation of bedroom tax 'without delay'
21 May, 2014
Powers should be transferred to the Scottish Government to allow full mitigation of the bedroom tax 'without delay'
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments: first independent review
21 May, 2014
DWP - The first independent review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment process
Scottish Government under pressure to mitigate effects of bedroom tax
20 May, 2014
The Committee calls once more for a clear commitment from the Scottish Government that it will use its chosen method of mitigating the effects of the bedroom tax
Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland: 1 April 2013 to 31 March 2014
20 May, 2014
Councils in Scotland have made more than 87,000 discretionary housing payments
Court battles against the bedroom tax can be won
20 May, 2014
The legislation on taxing 'spare' bedrooms is open to interpretation, and I've seen it successfully challenged so don't suffer in silence
Head of Coast and Country blames government welfare reforms for rise in tenants losing homes
20 May, 2014
The number of possession claims by social landlords is on the rise in Redcar and Cleveland, Middlesbrough and in Stockton
Universal Credit - the critical issues
20 May, 2014
Universal Credit is the biggest change in the welfare benefits system in a generation - getting it wrong is just not an option
MPs call for Holyrood powers on bedroom tax
20 May, 2014
The UK and Scottish governments need to act quickly to transfer new powers to Holyrood that will allow ministers there to fully mitigate the impact of the bedroom tax
Benefit reforms: One year on, universal credit is not working
19 May, 2014
The people of Warrington have been feeling like Iain Duncan Smith's guinea pigs
Bedroom tax victims should be represented at appeals by their housing associations
19 May, 2014
The party's housing spokeswoman Jocelyn Davies said ministers should look to form a strategy to support tenants who face losing their homes
Bedroom Tax First Tier Tribunal decisions
19 May, 2014
As decisions by the First Tier Tribunal on bedroom tax appeals seem to be coming in thick and fast, here is a list of them
Council survey on impact of welfare reform
19 May, 2014
Aberdeenshire Council are looking for people and organisations who have been affected by changes to the benefits system
Poverty in Northampton: counting the cost of wide welfare reforms
19 May, 2014
Advice agencies say tougher sanctioning on welfare claimants could be unfairly impacting on the poorest in Northampton
'Bedroom tax victimising mentally ill patients'
16 May, 2014
The government's controversial bedroom tax is victimising patients with mental health problems
MPs fear housing fraud could thwart Universal Credit savings
16 May, 2014
MPs have raised fears welfare savings promised by the introduction of Universal Credit (UC) could be undermined
Ending bedroom tax injustice
16 May, 2014
It looks increasingly likely that the introduction of the bedroom tax will be filed as a regret
Universal Credit fraud fears raised by MPs
15 May, 2014
Government attempts to cut fraud by introducing the Universal Credit risk being "seriously undermined" by issues with housing benefits
Fraud and error in the benefits system
15 May, 2014
Here you can browse the report together with the Proceedings of the Committee
BPF calls for DWP to assist housing professionals maintain tenancies
15 May, 2014
Government should do its utmost to ensure that its flagship welfare policy, Universal Credit, does not further increase pressure on housing benefit claimants in the private rented sector
Measures to limit migrants' access to benefits
15 May, 2014
The Government has introduced a raft of measures 'to tighten up our EEA migration rules to ensure our welfare system is not taken advantage of'
Pembrokeshire grandparents in 'Bedroom tax' row have their challenge heard in High Court
15 May, 2014
The Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG) who represented Paul and Susan Rutherford says it could be weeks before a ruling is made
Nick Clegg under pressure from Lib Dem activists to water down Coalition's welfare reforms
14 May, 2014
Fear that vulnerable people are 'falling through the safety net'
Rise in food banks not due to welfare reforms says UK minister
14 May, 2014
The UK employment minister has said rising food bank use is not the fault of Westminster's welfare reforms
Bedroom Tax Mitigation - Devolved powers on Discretionary Housing Payments
14 May, 2014
After weeks of uncertainty, the UK Government has now responded to the Scottish Government's request to allow the cap on DHPs to be raised
Bedroom tax facing High Court legal challenge
14 May, 2014
The government's controversial bedroom tax is today facing a judicial review challenge at the High Court
Bedroom tax challenge today for children with care needs
14 May, 2014
A judicial review in the High Court today will argue that the bedroom tax unfairly discriminates against children with overnight care needs
New DWP proposal will trap people in their homes, and in debt
14 May, 2014
New DWP proposals to protect landlords' rental incomes are in danger of trapping people in their homes, creating a modern day version of a debtor's prison
How 10 families on benefits were paid more on average each week than someone with a salary of £85,000
13 May, 2014
Britain's top 10 benefits claimants were paid on average more in handouts than someone earning over £85,000, it can be revealed
Bedroom tax and welfare reforms leave tenant evictions at highest level in over ten years
13 May, 2014
Welfare reforms have helped increase the number of tenants facing eviction to the highest level in over a decade
Tories create new north-south divide in amount of support available for Bedroom Tax victims
12 May, 2014
Labour-controlled Liverpool could only hand out £143 per applicant while Tory-run Westminster could afford to pay £2,038 each
City in grip of housing benefits 'explosion'
12 May, 2014
New figures show that Bradford is in the grip of a low pay crisis - with an explosion in the number of working people surviving on housing benefit
Zero-hours abuses must be stopped
12 May, 2014
The rise of zero-hours contracts in the UK has increased concerns they are being used to exploit workers
Rent arrears wiped out for Derby mum with disabled son after MP's intervention
12 May, 2014
Rent arrears wiped out for Derby mum with disabled son after MP's intervention
Tenants facing eviction after refusing to pay a penny of bedroom tax
09 May, 2014
A West Midlands ALMO has revealed that 36 of its tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have not paid a penny of it
Eric Pickles accused of forcing vulnerable families towards loan sharks
09 May, 2014
Four Tory council leaders criticise communities secretary's decision to scrap £347m local welfare assistance fund
Councils reject 70,000 crisis fund requests
09 May, 2014
Research reveals north-south divide between DHP allocations and demand for help
So-called "bedroom tax" to be fully mitigated in Scotland
09 May, 2014
Deputy First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said, that thanks to Scottish government action, "there will be no need for anyone to fall into rent arrears, or face eviction, as a result of the bedroom tax"
Families with children make up 60% of households hit by benefit cap
09 May, 2014
More than 40,000 households have had their benefits capped by the government since it was introduced last year, according to new figures
Assembly Members call for abolition of the 'bedroom tax' in one-year anniversary vote
08 May, 2014
Plaid Cymru amendment labelled removal of spare room subsidy for social housing tenants as 'penal'
Scottish Parliament Bedroom Tax statement
08 May, 2014
Bedroom Tax and Discretionary Housing Payments
Benefit Cap information
08 May, 2014
New official statistics - which cover the first year of the policy - show that in almost 6,000 households previously subjected to the benefit cap someone has found employment
New help with 'bedroom tax' - but you need to apply
08 May, 2014
Fife Council can now offset the full impact of the 'bedroom tax' following confirmation on Friday that the cap on Discretionary Housing Payments will be lifted
Fears over digital move for universal credit
08 May, 2014
There are fresh concerns that people on low incomes will struggle to access the digital service for universal credit as it is rolled out across the North West
'Bedroom tax': Derby's disabled devastated as nine homes available for 170
07 May, 2014
More than 170 homes lived in by disabled people in Derby are being hit by the so-called bedroom tax, despite the property being specially adapted
Putting the 'bedroom tax' in a shallow grave?
07 May, 2014
It seemed no doubt, in the words of a not too successful spin doctor, a good day to bury bad news.
AMs to vote today on new call to scrap the 'bedroom tax'
07 May, 2014
The vote will mark one year since the controversial policy was introduced
Political party opposed to bedroom tax to launch election campaign
07 May, 2014
A political party that has vowed to refuse to implement the controversial bedroom tax is set to launch its local election campaign this Friday
Is zero-hours move fair?
07 May, 2014
The government has announced jobseekers risk losing their benefits if they turn down certain zero-hours contracts without good reason
One year on: The impact of welfare reforms on housing association tenants
06 May, 2014
New survey for the National Housing Federation assesses tenant preparedness for Universal Credit
Bedroom tax: the penalty for being disabled
02 May, 2014
Since the government introduced the bedroom tax, we have seen substantial and sustained media coverage
Welsh MPs turn guns on UK Government for 'wicked' welfare changes
02 May, 2014
Westminster Hall debate puts so-called bedroom tax and Work Programme under scrutiny
Eviction rate doubles under 'unjust' bedroom tax
02 May, 2014
A council's eviction rate has doubled since the government's controversial bedroom tax came into effect last April
Scottish government given powers to 'offset' bedroom tax
02 May, 2014
Scotland has been given new powers to add more money to a fund that is claimed will offset the cost of the bedroom tax
Liberty granted permission for bedroom tax court challenge
02 May, 2014
Liberty has been given permission to proceed with a judicial review, claiming the policy unfairly affects separated families
Benefit cuts and food banks usage not related
30 April, 2014
The rise of food banks is the result of 'poor people maximising their economic choices' and has not been caused by tougher rules over benefit payments
Universal Credit: First year of welfare transformation and north west next steps
30 April, 2014
The expansion of the full Universal Credit benefit to the rest of the north west of England will start in June
Full universal credit to be rolled out across whole of North West
30 April, 2014
The government's flagship reform of the benefit system, universal credit, is to be rolled out in full across the whole of the North West from June
Cardiff opens fifth food bank as DWP director blames rise on poor people 'maximising economic choices'
30 April, 2014
A work services director at the Department for Works and Pensions has claimed that the explosion in food banks is a consequence of poor people 'maximising their economic choices'
New bill seeks to exempt domestic violence victims from 'evil' bedroom tax
30 April, 2014
Victims of domestic violence living in social housing fitted with 'sanctuary rooms' should be exempt from paying the 'evil' bedroom tax
The cumulative impact of welfare reform: a commentary
30 April, 2014
A study by the Social Security Advisory Committee Occasional Paper No. 12
Housing professionals have their say on the impact of welfare reforms
30 April, 2014
The Chartered Institute of Housing asked staff how welfare changes will affect the sector
CAS Short Briefing for the Welfare Reform Committee - food parcels
30 April, 2014
CAS has submitted evidence on food parcels to the Welfare Reform Committee ahead of an oral evidence session on the 29th April 2014
London's working poor are being driven out of private rental sector by welfare reform and rising rents
30 April, 2014
Poorer families are being driven out of the private rented sector in parts of London
Welfare reform driving poor out of London, says CIH
29 April, 2014
Changes to welfare made under the coalition government are driving poor families in London out of the private rented sector
Bedroom tax victim turned to 'spare room' cannabis factory to cope with debts
29 April, 2014
A tenant caught out by the bedroom tax allowed one of her spare rooms to be used as a cannabis factory to cover her loss in benefits
Jobless must sign on every day: Government to dock money from long-term unemployed if they do not comply
28 April, 2014
Harsh rules to drive the long-term unemployed into work come into force today
Benefit expenditure and caseload tables 2014
28 April, 2014
Historic and forecast benefit expenditure and caseload data for people receiving benefits, consistent with Budget 2014
New contract demanding more from jobseekers in place across Britain
28 April, 2014
635,000 claimants have signed new agreements setting out what they will do to find work in return for their benefits
The #indyref debate on housing in Scotland needs to go beyond the so-called 'bedroom tax'
28 April, 2014
With less than six months until the independence vote, Scotland needs to decide how it will house its poorest families
Iain Duncan Smith spends £170,000 plugging hated Bedroom Tax
28 April, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has been forced to spend £170,000 promoting the Bedroom Tax - because it's so hated
DWP calls on digital services framework for new pension system
28 April, 2014
The DWP is planning to procure more services from the digital services framework, this time for a beta version of its new state pension system
Universal Credit: Rent arrears form
28 April, 2014
DWP form for applying for rent arrears deductions
'Thanks for paying your bedroom tax - here's a Creme Egg'
25 April, 2014
Housing association Valleys to Coast in Bridgend has written to tenants offering the gesture to thank those struggling with financial hardship for their "efforts to pay this shortfall"
Bedroom Tax appeal victory
25 April, 2014
Jayson Carmichael has been successful in appealing his local authority's decision to reduce his housing benefit award as a result of the under-occupancy rules
Thamesbank and Hounslow Council Help for struggling families
25 April, 2014
Residents struggling with the impact of welfare reform will be able to get help managing their finances thanks to a partnership between Hounslow Council and Thamesbank
Claimant Commitment: early results of national roll-out
25 April, 2014
Claimant Commitment: Numbers of Claimant Commitments signed and staff trained during the national roll-out
Benefit cuts creating new generation of entrepreneurs, Bank of England suggests
24 April, 2014
Bank of England suggests welfare reforms are encouraging people to become self-employed
Bedroom Tax human rights ruling could pave way for 420,000 to launch similar appeals
24 April, 2014
Spina bifida sufferer Jacqueline Carmichael and 24-hour carer Jayson were told the Coalition's hated charge contravened their human rights
Expert highlights opportunity to develop fairer welfare system and tackle poverty
24 April, 2014
The SNP has welcomed an intervention in the referendum debate highlighting Scotland's potential to tackle poverty
UK housing benefit bill will soar to £25bn by 2017
24 April, 2014
Welfare reforms may have pushed costs down - but housing benefit payments are set to reach record highs within three years
Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Manual
23 April, 2014
DWP guide which includes a Local Authority Good Practice Guide - April 2014
1.75m British families poorer due to welfare cuts
23 April, 2014
The bedroom tax and other welfare cuts have caused 1.75 million of Britain's lowest income families to become poorer, according to a report
Councils sit on £67m in emergency help for poor
22 April, 2014
Record numbers of families have pleas for help rejected even though councils in England are failing to spend allocated cash
Abolition of crisis funds creates postcode lottery for most vulnerable
22 April, 2014
Slashing emergency support for families in trouble is likely to force those who need urgent help into a vicious cycle of poverty
Hundreds diagnosed with malnutrition in Wales amid anger over dependence on foodbanks
22 April, 2014
Doctors have diagnosed hundreds of patients in Wales with malnutrition over recent years, amid anger about soaring dependence on foodbanks
Plea to aid downsizing amid empty rooms glut
22 April, 2014
Seven in 10 households in England and Wales have at least one spare bedroom despite a severe housing shortage, census figures show
Are you borrowing to pay your rent or mortgage?
17 April, 2014
Many feel they have no choice but to borrow in order to pay their rent or mortgage each month
Bedroom tax preparations pay off for social landlord as arrears drop
17 April, 2014
A social landlord has hailed its preparations for the government's welfare reforms as the driver for a "significant reduction" in rent arrears
The welfare state: Charity that wounds?
17 April, 2014
Could too much compassion in the welfare state hurt the very people it is supposed to help?
LIN member report April 2014 - One Year On: A Follow-Up Report on the 'Bedroom Tax'
17 April, 2014
This LIN member report is written by Viv Ashley
Even renters who work should be worried about housing benefit changes
16 April, 2014
If you lose your job, benefit changes mean your home is no longer safe. The social safety net is disappearing
Universal Credit: experimental official statistics to January 2014
16 April, 2014
Universal Credit is a new benefit that has started to replace six existing benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment
SFHA comments on latest Scottish Government welfare reform mitigation statistics
16 April, 2014
From April 2013 to February 2014, local authorities in Scotland made just over 70,000 awards under the Discretionary Housing Payments scheme
Tower Hamlets spends £3 million to protect vulnerable residents from bedroom tax and benefit cap
15 April, 2014
A London council today announced it had spent £3 million protecting the borough's most vulnerable from the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms
£7m a month bill in welfare row: Taxpayers 'will suffer' as parties continue to squabble over benefit reform
15 April, 2014
Failure to implement welfare reforms in Northern Ireland will cost Stormont more than £7m per month in this financial year
Post-implementation effects of the benefit cap: headline findings
15 April, 2014
Survey about the effects of the benefit cap following its implementation
Bedroom tax which has left Plymouth people out of pocket has 'failed to reduce waiting lists'
15 April, 2014
A peer once charged with solving the South West's housing crisis says the "bedroom tax" has "failed" to reduce housing waiting lists and save money, and "deprives" families of money they "need"
Is a new JSA sanctions storm brewing?
15 April, 2014
In recent months we've seen a huge leap in the numbers of people coming to Citizens Advice Bureaux seeking advice about sanctions on their JSA
Discretionary Housing Payments in Scotland: 1 April 2013 to 28 February 2014
15 April, 2014
Scottish local authorities have approved more than £25 million in discretionary housing payment awards
Does Freud care about bedroom tax evictions? Welfare minister faces Lords quiz over under-occupancy policy
14 April, 2014
Lord Freud has been asked if he knows or cares about how many social housing tenants have been evicted as a consequence of the controversial bedroom tax
Grandmother becomes first tenant in Caerphilly to win an appeal against paying bedroom tax
14 April, 2014
A tribunal in Newport ruled her room is not big enough to be deemed a bedroom
Bedroom tax savings to be used to build new homes
14 April, 2014
Grant Shapps has said that the money the government has saved through the bedroom tax will be used to build new homes for people on housing waiting lists
Tower Hamlets bails out 2,500 families hit by 'Bedroom Tax'
14 April, 2014
Thousands of families in London's deprived East End have lost an average of £1,000 since the government's controversial 'Bedroom Tax' was brought in a year ago
Removal of the spare room subsidy: information videos
14 April, 2014
Videos to support local authorities, housing providers and support organisations in communicating the removal of the spare room subsidy
87,000 households living in fear of the bailiffs after council tax support is axed
11 April, 2014
The disabled, war widows and the vulnerable are among those struggling to pay what has been described as 'the new Poll Tax'
Personal independence payments are a punishment of the poor and ill
11 April, 2014
PIP should be a national scandal: Iain Duncan Smith's new system already has a huge backlog and people are dying waiting
Ministers call for Exemptions for Disabled Tenants with Adapted Homes
11 April, 2014
Five Welsh Government Ministers joined together today to call on Lord Freud to exempt disabled tenants who have had adaptations undertaken to their homes
Challenging the bedroom tax
11 April, 2014
Peter Barker explains the current situation and reminds landlords that there are other ways to challenge the controversial policy
Impact of welfare reform on rent arrears
11 April, 2014
Rent arrears believed to be caused by the bedroom tax in Scotland rose by £570,000 to £5.43 million between September and December
Council launches scheme to rent spare rooms to tenants facing homelessness
11 April, 2014
Mansfield District Council has introduced a new initiative to encourage households to rent spare rooms to those at risk of becoming homeless
Food bank provision & welfare reform in the UK
10 April, 2014
This brief is focused on the impact of recent welfare reform in the UK on driving need for food bank provision
Life on the front line after the benefits cap
10 April, 2014
It is more than six months since the government's benefits cap was introduced
Tenants and landlords need clear advice on bedroom tax payment
10 April, 2014
Whilst the Scottish Government has gone a long way to cover the cost of the bedroom tax in 2014/15, it has not given tenants and landlords clear advice about whether or not the liability should be paid
Benefit claim assessments take 'double time'
10 April, 2014
The head of a company assessing people in Wales for a new disability payment has admitted they are taking "significantly longer" than predicted
Social landlord's new 'bedroom tax beating' development welcomed
10 April, 2014
A social landlord's new housing development which was designed to 'beat the bedroom tax' has been welcomed by Wirral Borough Council
Whatever you think of the bedroom tax, the policy is causing problems in practice
10 April, 2014
The government's 'bedroom tax' penalises social housing tenants if they are deemed to be under-occupying their homes - with some losing up to 25% of their housing benefit
Bedroom Tax 'forces Falklands war hero to sell his prized medals' after being crippled by benefits cuts
10 April, 2014
Merseysider Jim Pritchard's debts mounted after his state income was cut following the controversial Con-Dem welfare reforms
London's housing benefit claimants being turned away by landlords
10 April, 2014
London's private landlords are becoming increasingly more reluctant to let to housing benefit tenants, affecting a third of claimants across the capital
MPs less than impressed with DWP's costly IT fiasco and "snail's pace" roll out of Universal Credit
10 April, 2014
The Government's implementation of UC is proceeding at a "snail's pace" and local authorities will now have to administer new claims for housing benefit for at least two years longer than previously thought
Housing benefit size criteria: impacts for social sector tenants and options for reform
09 April, 2014
Are the government's housing welfare reforms working?
The impact of welfare reform on social landlords and tenants
09 April, 2014
How are social housing tenants and landlords being affected by welfare reforms?
Universal Credit inquiry 'hampered by ministers'
09 April, 2014
A Commons committee has accused the government of "hampering" its scrutiny of the Universal Credit welfare policy
Migrant welfare curbs extended to child benefits
09 April, 2014
Rules limiting out-of-work benefits for migrants from EU countries will be extended to child welfare payments
Mother on welfare cuts: 'There aren't many options here'
09 April, 2014
Changes to the UK's welfare state system have been described as the biggest since its inception in 1948
SNP pledge to reverse benefit reforms after independence
09 April, 2014
Nicola Sturgeon highlights £6 billion of savings the welfare reform programme will deliver in Scotland by 2015/16
Universal Credit implementation: monitoring DWP's performance in 2012-13
09 April, 2014
There remains worrying uncertainty about the new Universal Credit IT system
Universal Credit confusion risks driving large landlords away from housing benefit tenants
09 April, 2014
Confusion over how rent arrears will be tackled under the Universal Credit has prompted almost four in 10 larger landlords to reduce the number of properties they let to welfare recipients
'Black-hole' of universal credit should be stopped in Wales
08 April, 2014
The Welsh Government is calling for Westminster to rethink its controversial new welfare benefit
Welfare reforms: Conflicting estimates may be assessed
08 April, 2014
The executive is considering appointing someone to examine the conflicting estimates of the impact of welfare reforms on Northern Ireland
High Court to hear Pembrokeshire family's bedroom tax judicial review next month
08 April, 2014
Challenge has been prompted by Paul and Susan Rutherford, from Pembrokeshire, who care full-time for their grandson Warren
Universal Credit starts in Wales
08 April, 2014
New jobseekers in Shotton can claim Universal Credit from 7 April 2014 as the new benefit rolls out
Welfare reform will cost Wales almost £1bn a year
08 April, 2014
The Welsh Government said welfare reform will cost the country £930 million a year by 2016 and that cuts to welfare will cost the average working age-adult £500 per year
Universal Credit first for Deeside jobseekers
08 April, 2014
Jobseekers in Deeside will be the first in Wales to be able to make a claim for Universal Credit
Iain Duncan Smith defends welfare reforms
07 April, 2014
The work and pensions secretary has defended changes to the welfare system, including disability benefit reforms
Benefits cheats could lose their homes to pay fines as Iain Duncan Smith tells jobless the era of just 'signing on' is over
07 April, 2014
The unemployed will no longer be able simply to 'sign on' for benefits and welfare cheats are to face higher fines and losing their homes, ministers will say this week
New chapter in 'bedroom tax' saga - now councils run out of emergency funds to help worst cases
07 April, 2014
The 'bedroom tax' has resulted in thousands of people being 'driven into destitution' as councils run out of the emergency funds set aside to rescue those worst affected
Families are forced into arrears by bedroom tax
07 April, 2014
Families are struggling to keep up with the widescale changes in the benefit system, with the biggest culprit the bedroom tax, introduced a year ago this week
Bedroom tax: Scottish government's message to council.. we'll give you the cash to cover it for tenants
07 April, 2014
Margaret Burgess told the chief executives of all Scotland's local authorities that money will be available to 'fully mitigate' the Con Dem policy
The unexpected costs of the 'welfare revolution'
07 April, 2014
If the government's 'welfare revolution' is to work , then it has to work in places like Torfaen in south Wales
Tracking the impact of welfare reform changes on real people
07 April, 2014
Welfare reform changes are beginning to affect the lives of social housing customers
Tory councillor attacks NHF's 'false representation' of bedroom tax
07 April, 2014
A Tory councillor has accused the National Housing Federation and 'socialist politicians' of ignoring the 'successes' of the government's bedroom tax
Jobseekers required to do more to find work
07 April, 2014
Under new rules coming into force at the end of this month jobseekers will have to do more to find work
While there is evidence that workless spells are associated across generations, the 'culture of welfare dependency' argument does not hold
07 April, 2014
There is little hard evidence on the extent to which the 'curse' of intergenerational worklessness exists and what might be driving it
Labour mocks Lib Dems as its peers vote to keep bedroom tax
04 April, 2014
Labour questions why only two Lib Dem peers voted against tax during Lords debate, despite Tim Farron's call to oppose it
Time to rethink bedroom tax and offer exemptions to disabled people
04 April, 2014
MPs today urged the government to rethink the bedroom tax and offer exemptions to disabled people
Support for housing costs in the reformed welfare system
03 April, 2014
The aims of the reforms are to reduce benefit expenditure, incentivise people to enter work, or increase their hours, and to make the benefit system fairer
Overhauling the welfare system would hit Northern Ireland hardest
03 April, 2014
The UK is overhauling the welfare system to produce savings and ensure that working always pays better than being on benefit
'Beds in sheds' warning from private landlords over benefit changes
03 April, 2014
Private landlords have claimed that more people could be forced into poor quality 'beds in sheds' unless benefit restrictions on new shared housing for young people are eased
NI welfare changes: Peter Robinson warns of 'nuclear options'
03 April, 2014
Mr Robinson claims that if the changes are not implemented as much as £1bn would be lost from Stormont's block grant over the next five years
Number of social housing tenants swapping homes due to bedroom tax up by a quarter
03 April, 2014
The number of social housing tenants using home-swapping services as a result of welfare reform has risen by a quarter in the last 12 months
Welfare reform one year on
03 April, 2014
Given Home Group's geographical spread from Dundee to Devon, it's no surprise that the impact of welfare reform has been felt differently across the UK
Vulnerable suffering as result of housing welfare reforms
02 April, 2014
Reforms to the support provided for housing costs - including the Social Sector Size Criteria
Lib Dem president will withdraw party's support for bedroom tax
02 April, 2014
Tim Farron to oppose bedroom tax in speech and say it has caused 'huge social problems'
Progress South East: Getting to grips with welfare
02 April, 2014
Landlords must change to weather the storm of welfare reform
Bedroom tax 'saves Scottish taxpayers £42 million'
02 April, 2014
The bedroom tax has saved Scottish taxpayers £42 million, the government claimed today as it celebrated the first anniversary of the controversial policy
Cause for concerm?
02 April, 2014
Early impacts of benefit sanctions on housing associations and cooperatives in scotland
Housing benefit changes distress disabled people
02 April, 2014
Changes to housing benefit in England, Scotland and Wales are creating 'financial hardship and distress' for disabled people
On the front line of welfare reform
02 April, 2014
Stephen Howlett says his staff are doing their best to mitigate the impact of the government's welfare reforms
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects Landlord Learning Document
01 April, 2014
This publication pulls together key issues and learning that the organisations involved collectively agree on and also provides practical examples.
HB Direct
01 April, 2014
Issue 147 April 2014 - Preparing for Universal Credit and Direct Payment Demonstrations Project and Removal of Spare Room Subsidy Toolkit
Benefit sanctions will hit homeless hardest
01 April, 2014
Homeless people will be hit disproportionately hard by benefit cuts in Scotland
Rent arrears soar for bedroom tax-hit tenants
01 April, 2014
Rent arrears among social housing tenants in Merseyside have soared 35 per cent since the introduction of the bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax' - one year on, is it working?
01 April, 2014
It is 12 months since the government removed its spare room subsidy
Bedroom tax driving hungry tenants to food banks
01 April, 2014
Hundreds of social housing tenants on Merseyside are being driven to food banks by the impact of the controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax - children who require overnight care
01 April, 2014
CPAG is acting for Paul and Susan Rutherford and their grandson Warren in a judicial review challenge to the bedroom tax
Government welfare cap policy will cost more than it saves
01 April, 2014
The government's new welfare cap will cost more than it saves
HB A9/2014
31 March, 2014
Contains information on temporary accommodation in Housing Benefit and Universal Credit
One year after hated bedroom tax families can only watch as debt upon debt piles up
31 March, 2014
Leah Newton lost her job as a care home cook and has lived in her home in Hull for 12 years - but can only watch in horror as her life spirals out of control
More help to go to those hurt by bedroom tax
31 March, 2014
Government is to lift cap on the amount of money councils can spend in discretionary housing payments for tenants
Third of all Newcastle households hit by bedroom tax and welfare reforms
31 March, 2014
A least one third of Newcastle's households have been hit by the Tory-led coalition's raft of welfare reforms that came in last April
Scottish care provider wins tenants 139 bedroom tax exemptions
31 March, 2014
Care provider Blackwood set up a service to guide vulnerable tenants through the changes brought on by the bedroom tax
Why young people are losing faith in the welfare state
31 March, 2014
Recent proposals for benefit reform have centred upon the argument that at present many people feel they get nothing for something from the welfare state
George Osborne hails reforms as key to economic recovery
31 March, 2014
Chancellor lauds creation of more than 1.3m posts as tax and welfare changes 'encourage jobs growth' across Britain
Housing benefits: Changes 'see 6% of tenants move'
28 March, 2014
About 6% of social housing tenants in Britain affected by changes to benefits partly designed to cut under-occupancy have moved home
Bedroom tax has failed on every count
28 March, 2014
We now know the policy is barely helping overcrowding and the savings are far less than the government hoped
It's official: the bedroom tax causes misery
28 March, 2014
I don't think the increasingly strained Iain Duncan Smith intends to cause suffering, but that's exactly what his bedroom tax does
Welfare and Benefits Officer helping social housing tenants increase household incomes by half a million pounds
28 March, 2014
A Welfare and Benefits Officer based in Stockton-on-Tees has been helping social housing tenants to increase their household incomes by over half a million pounds
Report: Welfare Cap risks pushing 345,000 more children into poverty
27 March, 2014
The welfare cap risks pushing as many as 345,000 more children into poverty in the next four years
Residents more than £500,000 better off with help from Contour Homes
27 March, 2014
Residents struggling to cope with the benefits system are more than £500,000 better off because of help from one of the North West's biggest housing associations
MPs vote for government's cap on welfare bill
27 March, 2014
George Osborne's cap on welfare spending has been voted through in the House of Commons with a landslide majority
New homes being built to help 'victims of bedroom tax'
27 March, 2014
Twenty-one new homes are set to be built in Merthyr Tydfil next week to help those struggling with the 'Bedroom Tax'
Local authority led pilots: preparing for Universal Credit implementation
27 March, 2014
DWP Universal Credit Guidance
MPs set to vote on setting annual welfare cap
26 March, 2014
MPs are set to vote on plans to introduce an overall cap on the amount the UK spends on welfare each year
Renters cutting back on heating and eating due to cost of rent
26 March, 2014
Two in five private renters (39%) are cutting back on heating because of the cost of rent, while a third (33%) are skimping on food
Does the cap fit?
26 March, 2014
The debate about the welfare cap seems to be all about the politics
SFHA comment on Welfare Reform Resilience Fund
26 March, 2014
Commenting on the announcement today by Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess MSP of the £600,000 Welfare Reform Resilience Fund
Woman killed herself over benefits cut
26 March, 2014
Mental Welfare Commission for Scotland finds that woman took her own life after assessor docked benefits by 30%
Miliband faces rebellion on welfare
26 March, 2014
Ed Miliband has ordered Labour MPs to back Government moves to write into law a cap on overall welfare spending
Working and workless households, 4th Quarter 2004 to 2013
25 March, 2014
Homes in which no-one has a job has fallen
Energy bill and bedroom tax-besieged tenants get £500,000 boost from landlord
25 March, 2014
Tenants struggling to cope with the government's raft of changes to the benefits system and rising energy bills are more than £500,000 better off thanks to their social landlord
Universal credit and 'exempt accommodation' - changes explained
25 March, 2014
For many months the housing charity Homeless Link has been in close discussion with the Department for Work and Pensions to resolve the challenges of universal credit
Tory welfare reform impact to be measured by social landlords
25 March, 2014
Eleven housing associations across the South West have joined forces to tackle the employment issues faced by people in affordable housing
Welfare reforms forcing social housing tenants into poverty
25 March, 2014
Eleven housing associations in the South West of England have joined forces
More than 8000 Milton Keynes families will get help with childcare costs
25 March, 2014
A major childcare package is set to help 8820 families in Milton Keynes
450,000 fall in households where no one has a job
25 March, 2014
The number of homes where no-one has a job has fallen by nearly half a million in just two years
Labour MPs set to rebel against party over welfare cap
24 March, 2014
Diane Abbott and other backbenchers refuse to join leadership in backing Osborne's measure
Research to look at impact of welfare reforms in Essex
24 March, 2014
Nationally, the impact of reforms like the bedroom tax and universal credit has already been making the headlines
Benefits cap is evidence of Tories' vile political smearing of sick, disabled and jobless poor
24 March, 2014
Mirror associate editor Kevin Maguire is angry that the Right-whingers seem to be popular as a result of their divide and rule tactics
New twist in bedroom tax loophole saga as DWP reveals more tenants eligible for refunds
21 March, 2014
More people could be eligible for a refund on the bedroom tax following further clarification about the loophole debacle from the Department for Work and Pensions
Welfare cap could make housing association homes 'unaffordable'
21 March, 2014
The head of one of the UK's largest housing providers has said the welfare cap outlined in today's Budget could see housing association homes become unaffordable
The Impact of the bedroom tax in Scotland: Plan B - charges, arrears and refunds; incorporating the Government Response to the Committee's Fourth Report of Session 2013-14
21 March, 2014
Ninth Report of Session 2013-14
Welfare cap protects wealthier claimants, not those in greatest need
21 March, 2014
The government's newly-announced welfare cap will disproportionately target benefits claimed by the least well off
Spending cap won't tackle causes of welfare dependency
20 March, 2014
Tax credits and housing benefit limited to £119.5bn in central plank of plan to cut the deficit
Inclusion's response to the Budget 2014: the Welfare Cap
20 March, 2014
The Budget confirms that the government will be introducing an overall cap on social security and tax credits expenditure from 2015/16
7 ways Universal Credit will be a better deal
20 March, 2014
New figures show 4,280 people started claiming Universal Credit by the end of 2013 - as the national roll-out of the new benefit continues
Universal Credit statistics: Apr 2013 to 31 Dec 2013
20 March, 2014
Universal Credit statistics: April 2013 to 31 Dec 2013 with breakdowns by Jobcentre Plus office, local authority and parliamentary constituency
Welfare cap criticised by economic experts
20 March, 2014
The overall cap on welfare spending outlined in the Budget yesterday has been criticised by economic experts
Childcare subsidy for working parents to be increased
19 March, 2014
As many as 1.9 million working families will get the chance to benefit from a childcare subsidy worth up to £2,000 per child under government plans
Budget 2014: Welfare spending cap set at £119.5bn in 2015-16
19 March, 2014
UK spending on welfare is to be capped at £119.5bn for 2015-2016, Chancellor George Osborne has announced
Osborne Budget sets 'permanent' cap on welfare spending - apart from the state pension
19 March, 2014
George Osborne used today's budget to confirm a £119.5 billion cap on welfare spending for the period 2015-16
Discretionary Housing Payment spending
19 March, 2014
The SFHA has urged all housing associations to contact their local authority to see whether they can access DHPs for tenants affected by welfare reform
Disabled benefit delays unacceptable
18 March, 2014
MPs have said it is unacceptable that disabled and sick people have to wait six months or more to find out if they are eligible for benefits as a result of government changes
MPs criticise DWP for 'spin' on official statistics and benefit claimants
18 March, 2014
Commons work and pensions committee warns Iain Duncan Smith's department to exercise care in its press releases
Housing benefit review helps 283 customers
18 March, 2014
Fife Council's Benefits and Council Tax team have now completed the checking exercise to identify tenants affected by a Department for Work and Pensions error over reduced Housing Benefit
Housing Benefit Recoveries and Fraud National Statistics
17 March, 2014
This Statistical First Release contains statistics produced by the DWP on Housing Benefit Recoveries and Fraud
Bedroom tax-hit tenants urged to start business in spare room
17 March, 2014
Tenants could escape the bedroom tax by starting a business in their spare room
Every spare bedroom tells a story
17 March, 2014
Almost a year after its introduction, the bedroom tax has not lost its ability to spring surprises
The bedroom tax is an attack on the living conditions of the poor
17 March, 2014
Peter Brown, chief executive of Herefordshire Housing, looks at five ways to extend the government's 'spare room subsidy'
Bedroom tax victim jailed after setting fire to his own flat 'because of stress'
17 March, 2014
Thulani Dlodlo was jailed for more than a year after causing hundreds of pounds worth of damage to the property
How bedroom tax affects those on domestic violence protection scheme
14 March, 2014
One in 20 of those on the sanctuary scheme, which creates a safe room within a property to protect those at risk of domestic violence, have been forced to pay the bedroom tax
Benefit changes tackle 'dependency'
14 March, 2014
Big benefit changes, which start being introduced in Wales next month, will help transform a 'dependency' culture
The impact of the bedroom tax on stock management by social landlords
14 March, 2014
CIH Scotland, in conjunction with the Scottish Housing Best Value Network (SHBVN) sample survey of social landlords
Universal Credit Boss Steps Down After Only A Year In The Job
13 March, 2014
DWP Chief Information Officer has stepped down from his role overseeing the roll-out of Universal Credit after only a year in charge
Costs for low income PRS households increasingly unaffordable
13 March, 2014
Commenting on the Department for Social Development's report on the impact of changes to housing benefit and local housing allowances on the private rented sector
Bedroom tax - Landlords successful in tackling stock management challenges
13 March, 2014
Scottish social landlords have worked hard to minimise the impact of the bedroom tax on the speed with which property is re-let
'Huge' rise in help for council tax arrears
13 March, 2014
A major debt charity has reported a 'huge' increase in the number of people seeking help for council tax arrears
Scotland's social landlords urged to rethink above inflation rent increases
13 March, 2014
Social landlords have been urged to rethink plans for above inflation rent increases to relieve pressure on tenants hit by welfare reforms
The £155m hardship fund that local councils fail to spend
13 March, 2014
Welfare cuts have taken £2.6bn out of communities, yet councils routinely fail to spend a meagre £155m pot designed to cover the shortfall
Would independence make Scotland's welfare fairer?
12 March, 2014
Plans to scrap bedroom tax and other welfare reforms are all very well but a future Scottish government will be constrained by finances
Councils warned to spend millions in bedroom tax assistance money as deadline looms
12 March, 2014
Millions of pounds in funds set aside to help victims of the government's bedroom tax and other welfare reforms are yet to be allocated by local authorities across Scotland
Universal Credit: Iain Duncan Smith and welfare changes
11 March, 2014
The work and pensions secretary has started the biggest overhaul of the UK's welfare state since it was brought in
Freud and IDS stonewalling bedroom tax fund request
11 March, 2014
Lord Freud and Iain Duncan Smith have been stonewalling Scotland's request to add more money to a bedroom tax fund
Report finds 'work doesn't pay' due to welfare cuts
11 March, 2014
Some working people are losing 97p of every £1 earned after being hit by a combination of welfare cuts
Lord Freud: Benefit cap is helping people back into work
10 March, 2014
More than 4,000 households subjected to the government's benefit cap have now found jobs
Circle Housing chief urges housing leaders to tackle welfare reform together
10 March, 2014
Mark Rogers has urged the housing industry, government and third sector agencies to pull together and support customers affected by welfare reform
Gordon Brown calls for Scotland to have right to set tax and welfare policies
10 March, 2014
Ex-prime minister sets out radical plan to rewrite UK constitution giving Scots more powers
Iain Duncan Smith takes viewers' questions on welfare
10 March, 2014
Universal Credit and welfare reforms meant 'millions will be better off', promised the work and pensions secretary
Children 'pushed into poverty' by welfare changes
10 March, 2014
More children will be 'pushed into poverty' by UK government welfare reforms
DWP cuts put government's welfare reforms at risk
10 March, 2014
Department for Work and Pensions is struggling to meet demands for savings
Wellbeing Valuation Approach
10 March, 2014
Report by Affinity Sutton - measuring the social impact of community investment
Less than four weeks to go for local authorities to distribute millions in 'bedroom tax' help
07 March, 2014
Shelter Scotland
Housing association reveals 800 families face repossession due to government policies
07 March, 2014
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith faced protests as he visited Bath to check the progress of universal credit, which is being trialled in the city
Fife Council leader issues warning to John Swinney on 'bedroom tax' impact
06 March, 2014
Scottish and UK Governments may have underestimated the impact of the so-called bedroom tax on Fife
Benefit cap: Over 9,000 of the highest benefit claimers find jobs or cut claim
06 March, 2014
9,200 households that had their benefits capped have moved into work, or reduced their own benefit claim below the weekly limit of the cap
Barrister predicts bedroom definition 'will' go before Court of Appeal
06 March, 2014
The question of what constitutes a bedroom for the purposes of welfare reform 'will' go before the Court of Appeal this year
Hundreds of housing association tenants escape welfare reform
06 March, 2014
Hundreds of tenants have escaped the impact of welfare reform, but their housing association landlord warns the real problem may be how tenants are paying
Bedroom tax protesters take to city streets in Newcastle over benefit cuts
06 March, 2014
Bedroom tax protesters made their voice heard as Newcastle Council met to pass the latest cuts package
The families priced out of their London homes by benefit cap
05 March, 2014
Families are faced with moving to cities as far afield as Grimsby as the new benefit cap hits, along with the high cost of renting in the capital
Landmark housing benefit ruling provides boost for disabled people
05 March, 2014
Local authorities should now use a wider interpretation of the term 'adapt the dwelling' when deciding housing benefit allocations for disabled people
Landlord's arrears rise by £241,000 during universal credit pilot
05 March, 2014
A pilot of direct payments to 1,000 tenants saw arrears rise by £241,000, with an average debt of £130 per person
Growing demand for food banks is 'inextricably linked' to welfare reforms
05 March, 2014
As reported by the Daily Record, the growing demand for foodbanks is 'inextricably linked' to welfare reforms
Councils spending £3m on food poverty and food banks
04 March, 2014
Almost £3m of public money is being used to help tackle food poverty, BBC Panorama has discovered
Councils in England 'plan slight rise' in council tax
04 March, 2014
Councils in England 'plan slight rise' in council tax
Government's moral case for welfare reform 'a sham'
04 March, 2014
The coalition government's 'moral case' for welfare reform is harming the living standards of poor and vulnerable people in Scotland
Bedroom tax cutting people adrift from their lives
04 March, 2014
Bishop of Swansea and Brecon John Davies will join a protest rally against the tax in Cardiff
Sale of small council homes condemning thousands to bedroom tax
03 March, 2014
Council housing sell-offs forcing vulnerable children into unfit properties in private sector
Household benefit cap and Universal Credit housing costs
03 March, 2014
DWP proposals relating to the new definition of exempt accommodation
Bedroom tax refund delay woe for householders
03 March, 2014
Council chiefs in the North-East say they are struggling to find hundreds of people unlawfully charged the 'bedroom tax' after blunder
West Dunbartonshire Council secures additional funding for struggling tenants
03 March, 2014
West Dunbartonshire Council has secured an extra £500,000 of Discretionary Housing Payments to help residents affected by the bedroom tax
Crabb says Wales needs welfare reform 'more than UK'
03 March, 2014
Wales Office minister Stephen Crabb says Wales needs welfare reform as much as the rest of the UK, if not more
Government 'cannot ignore food bank rise' says bishop
03 March, 2014
A bishop has said the government cannot ignore the rise in the number of food banks across the UK
Bedroom tax loophole closes
03 March, 2014
A loophole which allowed thousands of tenants to escape the bedroom tax closes
Lib Dems likely to oppose the bedroom tax in 2015
28 February, 2014
President 'does not expect' support for unreformed policy
Bedroom tax 'helping to end child poverty'
28 February, 2014
Ministers claim bedroom tax is cutting child poverty
Recap Bedroom Tax vote: MPs decided against scrapping the controversial levy
27 February, 2014
Labour, with the support of Caroline Lucas, had forced a vote in the House of Commons to enable MPs to express their opposition to the hated Bedroom Tax
DWP: Housing benefit will be sanctioned
27 February, 2014
Part-time workers judged to be doing too little to find full-time work face having their benefit for housing costs sanctioned by the government for the first time under universal credit
Personal Independence Payment: early progress
27 February, 2014
The DWP has had to delay the Personal Independence Payment programme's roll-out and reduce expected savings during this Spending Review period
Watchdog slams DWP over benefit tests
27 February, 2014
Long delays to disabled people's benefit eligibility tests are causing distress and financial difficulties for claimants
Duncan Smith rules out regional benefit cap
26 February, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has dismissed the possibility of introducing a new regional cap on benefits that could have seen payments to families in many parts of Yorkshire slashed further
Benefit cuts explicitly linked to mental health problems
26 February, 2014
Oxfordshire Mind receives six-figure sum from the Big Lottery fund to deal with fallout from welfare reforms
MPs to vote on bedroom tax as government moves to close loophole
26 February, 2014
MPs are gathered in the House of Commons this afternoon to potentially give a 'vote of no confidence' on the government's bedroom tax
Government putting most vulnerable at risk by scrapping £347 million welfare fund
25 February, 2014
The scrapping of a fund used by councils will make it difficult to help vulnerable people facing short-term crises, LAs are warning
Duncan Smith mocks Labour bedroom tax figures
25 February, 2014
More than 21,500 people have now been identified as wrongly paying the bedroom tax according to figures obtained by the Labour Party
Campaigners fail to overturn bedroom tax court ruling
24 February, 2014
A group of people with disabilities has failed to overturn a court ruling which found the bedroom tax is lawful
Richest MP in Britain slams welfare state but makes £625k a year in housing benefit
24 February, 2014
Tory toff Richard Benyon is worth millions and makes his fortune from the very people he condemns
Why we won't build smaller homes just to clean up the mess of the bedroom tax
24 February, 2014
Ministers want more one-bed homes - but these will last for 100 years while the bedroom tax may already be on its last legs
LGA: £347m emergency welfare fund must be kept
24 February, 2014
The scrapping of a Government fund used by councils to provide emergency support will make it increasingly difficult to help vulnerable people facing short-term crises
Universal Credit expands to Bath and Harrogate
24 February, 2014
New jobseekers in Bath and Harrogate will be able to make a claim for Universal Credit today as the new benefit rolls out
Victory for government in benefits court challenge as the bedroom tax and cap on handouts are backed by judges as lawful
24 February, 2014
Accusations that the spare bedroom subsidy unlawfully discriminates against the disabled are rejected
People stripped of benefits could be charged for challenging decision
21 February, 2014
Critics argue that proposal in leaked document from Department for Work and Pensions would hit poorest people in the country
Government accused of suppressing the damning report that suggests its flagship welfare reforms are forcing ever more people to resort to food banks
21 February, 2014
Welfare reforms are forcing many more people to resort to emergency food handouts
Bolton ruling does not define a bedroom
21 February, 2014
The importance of a tribunal ruling that campaigners claim could help tenants overturn bedroom tax decisions has been downplayed by the Chartered Institute of Housing
Impacts of Welfare Reforms on the Social Rented Sector
21 February, 2014
Report of a Welsh Government Task and Finish Group
Five lose housing benefit cut appeal
21 February, 2014
Five disabled social housing tenants have lost their Court of Appeal bid to have benefit cuts for those with spare bedrooms ruled unlawful
Minimum earnings threshold for EEA migrants introduced
21 February, 2014
Migrants from the EEA who claim to have been in work or self-employed to get benefits, will face a more robust test from 1 March 2014
Bedroom tax human rights appeal fails
21 February, 2014
The Court of Appeal has upheld an earlier High Court decision that the bedroom tax rules are was not a breach of human rights for disabled adults
The first year of welfare reforms: how housing providers are coping
21 February, 2014
Welfare reforms have been handled well so far, but the worst may be yet to come for those housing society's most vulnerable
Council uses EDMO to help tenants affected by bedroom tax
21 February, 2014
Knowsley Council has taken control of a problem property, allowing a tenant affected by the bedroom tax to downsize
Court to rule on bedroom tax legality
20 February, 2014
The Court of Appeal is due to rule on whether the bedroom tax is legal when applied to disabled people
DWP reveals nearly 500,000 households affected by bedroom tax
20 February, 2014
The DWP has released statistics breaking down the number of households affected by bedroom tax and the average amount deducted from HB
Bedroom Tax Toolkit
20 February, 2014
Coast and Country Housing Association Bedroom Tax appeal toolkit
Universal Credit: Government's welfare reform 'may be scrapped after next election'
20 February, 2014
IT glitches and low numbers threaten £2bn project
Bedroom tax boosts activity on home swapping websites
20 February, 2014
One website, House Exchange, said registrations from would-be downsizers were up by 49% year-on-year
UK Government's welfare cuts will hurt Welsh economy
20 February, 2014
Welfare reform is 'siphoning off' millions of pounds a year from the Welsh economy because of cuts to benefits for working age adults
Church of England bishops demand action over hunger
20 February, 2014
Forty-three Christian leaders, including 27 Anglican bishops, have signed a letter urging David Cameron to ensure people get enough to eat
Universal Credit: The real flaw in IDS's benefits reform is the timetable
20 February, 2014
Implementation was always going to be slow and tricky
Welfare reform offers new hope, says David Cameron
19 February, 2014
The prime minister has rejected the claim by the Archbishop of Westminster Vincent Nichols
Welfare state presides over 'culture of fear', charities say
19 February, 2014
New figures presented to benefits inquiry expected to show record numbers of claimants have had cash withheld
MPs debate welfare reform WOW petition
19 February, 2014
MPs will take part in a debate on a motion relating to the effects of welfare reform on sick and disabled people as a result of the WOW petition
'Bedroom Tax' help
19 February, 2014
Nearly 7,000 extra households receive assistance in just one month
If welfare deal fails, all Executive departments will face cuts
19 February, 2014
The Finance Minister says he will have no option but to publish a list of cuts from every department to meet the potential £1bn cost
Independent Scotland is the only way to scrap bedroom tax for good says Margaret Burgess
19 February, 2014
The only way to scrap the bedroom tax for good is through the powers of an independent Scottish Parliament said Welfare Minister
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - Stage 3 analysis
19 February, 2014
Part 2: Impacts in local authority areas
Welfare reforms cost Wales £930m, claims Welsh government
18 February, 2014
About £930m is being lost to the Welsh economy every year because of welfare reform
UK Government welfare cuts to take hundreds of pounds out of Welsh adult's pockets
18 February, 2014
The Welsh Government is warning that working age adults in Wales will be hundreds of pounds a year worse off due to UK Government cuts to welfare
Housing benefit 'spare room' rebates for 3,000 in West Midlands
18 February, 2014
At least 3,000 tenants in the West Midlands are set to be eligible for rebates after having benefits wrongly cut because of extra bedrooms
Archbishop Nichols: UK welfare system 'seriously wrong'
18 February, 2014
The UK's welfare system is "seriously wrong" in allowing poorer members of society to remain "in a destitute situation"
People urged to take up social housing as bedroom tax leaves properties empty
18 February, 2014
A local authority is set to discuss encouraging more people into social housing as homes sit empty due to the ravages of the bedroom tax
Benefit reforms are hiding the true number of unemployed
17 February, 2014
Universal credit recipients don't appear in jobless figures, linked to jobseeker's allowance
Tories reject Archbishop Nichols' warning on welfare cuts
17 February, 2014
Government rejects Vincent Nichols' attack on the impact of welfare cuts on the poor
Local Authorities break the law, taking DLA/PIP into account for DHP allocations
17 February, 2014
Lord Freud and the Department for Work and Pensions have issued advice to Local Authorities suggesting that they break the law
Welfare reform hitting most vulnerable, says Jeff Cuthbert
17 February, 2014
Welfare reform is "hitting the most vulnerable" in Wales, according to the minister for communities and tackling poverty
Households 'worse off' in benefit reform says Bevan Foundation boss
17 February, 2014
Reaction to claims by a Welsh government report that the nation's economy is losing £930m every year because of welfare reform
Impact of welfare reform on housing associations
17 February, 2014
Early effects and responses by housing associations to the introduction of welfare reforms
Evictions in rental sector at highest level since records began
14 February, 2014
Over 12,000 people were evicted in the last three months of 2013
Support for housing costs in the reformed welfare system
14 February, 2014
During a Work and Pensions committee hearing on 12.2.14, Ministers were called to give answers about welfare reform in the provision of housing
CIH Scotland commentary on recent bedroom tax tribunal rulings
14 February, 2014
Second revised edition - February 2014
Government closes bedroom tax loophole
14 February, 2014
An oversight that exempted some of the victims of the bedroom tax from being hit by the policy has been closed by the government
Bedroom tax 'unfair' says housing firm boss
14 February, 2014
The boss of Plymouth's largest social housing provider has supported the National Housing Federation's opposition to the bedroom tax
Tory MP Kris Hopkins says disabled people hit by bedroom tax need to change their ways
13 February, 2014
The housing minister said some were having difficulty adjusting to the 'cultural change' of how they spend their money
Homes fit for energy needs
13 February, 2014
The bedroom tax has its critics, but many tenants rattle around in homes unsuitable for their energy needs
Couple win appeal against 'bedroom tax'
13 February, 2014
A disabled man and his wife are among the first in Wales to win an appeal against the controversial 'bedroom tax' after an Aberystwyth tribunal accepted that they needed separate bedrooms
Impact of welfare reform on housing associations
13 February, 2014
Early effects and responses by housing associations to the introduction of welfare reforms
Arrears drop in Passivhaus schemes
13 February, 2014
A landlord claims it has slashed rent arrears close to zero by housing tenants in super energy-efficient Passivhaus homes
Bid to scrap bedroom tax to get second Commons reading
13 February, 2014
A Labour MP's bill calling for the bedroom tax to be scrapped will get a second reading after successfully passing its first hurdle
Two thirds of households hit by bedroom tax are in debt as anniversary approaches
12 February, 2014
One in seven at risk of eviction despite support from housing associations
'Bedroom tax' wrongly levied on thousands of homes
12 February, 2014
Labour FOI request suggests as many as 50,000 households have been charged in error
Councils fail to prioritise disabled bedroom tax-hit tenants
12 February, 2014
Councils are ignoring government guidance and failing to prioritise disabled people for payments to help cope with the bedroom tax
Personal Independence Payment statistics
12 February, 2014
The first official statistics for claims of Personal Independence Payment - show 37% of standard claims have been successful
HB A1/2014
12 February, 2014
The Housing Benefit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
'Axe debts' for bedroom tax tenants
12 February, 2014
Tenants in arrears because of the so-called 'bedroom tax' should have their debt written off and 'charges' refunded
'Bedroom tax' rebate on Merseyside to be £560
12 February, 2014
Nearly 2,600 people across Merseyside will be eligible for rebates running into hundreds of pounds after wrongly paying the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Councils ignoring Government 'bedroom tax' advice penalising disabled people
11 February, 2014
Councils are ignoring government guidance and failing to prioritise disabled people for payments to help cope with the bedroom tax according to the Papworth Trust
Housing minister: social landlords should help tenants to move
11 February, 2014
Social landlords should do more to help tenants who want to move home, Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has claimed
Personal Independence Payment
11 February, 2014
Management information for Personal Independence Payment new claims registered and decisions made April 2013 to December 2013
Seen and heard
11 February, 2014
Jules Birch blog about the Dispatches documentary on the bedroom tax on Channel 4
Promoting mobility through mutual exchange: realising the potential
10 February, 2014
This guide draws on the experience of 12 mobility pilots which the DCLG funded to test innovative and cost-effective ways of supporting mobility through mutual exchange
Bedroom Tax loophole
10 February, 2014
The Government has closed the bedroom tax 'loophole' with effect from 3 March 2014
Universal Credit IT 'probably over ambitious'
07 February, 2014
Max Tse said that most of the problems at DWP were down to governance
Poorest pay the price for welfare reform
07 February, 2014
Councils are generally in favour of welfare reform. The problem is that the government thinks reforms and cuts are the same thing
Councils 'best placed' to help welfare claimants into work
07 February, 2014
The government should scrap national welfare-to-work programmes and fund councils to take charge of their own employment schemes
Benefits abuse
07 February, 2014
A test case will decide if the benefit cap unfairly discriminates against domestic violence victims
Scots 'bedroom tax' arrears amount to £5m
07 February, 2014
Rent arrears of at least £5m are owed to Scottish councils and housing associations as a result of the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Minister renews call for 'bedroom tax' exemptions and announces a further £1.3m to help those affected
07 February, 2014
Carl Sargeant has renewed his call for certain tenants to be exempted from the housing benefit changes
DWP dramatically underestimates 'pre-1996' bedroom tax exemptions
07 February, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has dramatically underestimated the number of people entitled to refunds due to 'pre-1996' bedroom tax exemptions
Who Pays? -The Impact of the Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy on Disabled Residents living in Adapted Properties in Wales.
07 February, 2014
'£40m public money set to be wasted in Wales' due to bedroom tax impact on disabled people according to this new report from Wales and West Housing
The minor prophet and the bedroom tax miracle
06 February, 2014
Iain Gray advised his fellow MSPs to act justly, to love mercy and to walk humbly with God after speech in regards to Bedroom Tax
'£40m public money set to be wasted in Wales' due to bedroom tax impact on disabled people
06 February, 2014
More than £40m of public money is set to be wasted in Wales due to the removal of the spare room subsidy from disabled people
Housing benefit reforms 'could waste millions' in disability costs
06 February, 2014
Changes in housing benefit payments affecting disabled people could cost the public purse millions of pounds in Wales
Benefit cap: number of households capped, data to December 2013
06 February, 2014
The Government has introduced a cap on the total amount of benefit that working age households can receive
Government MPs think disabled people are exempt from bedroom tax
06 February, 2014
The chair of the House of Commons Work and Pensions select committee says coalition MPs are oblivious to the bedroom tax's impact on disabled people
The Housing Benefit (Transitional Provisions) (Amendment) Regulations 2014
06 February, 2014
Amendment of the Housing Benefit Regulations
New benefit cap statistics released
06 February, 2014
Over 8,000 households who had their benefits capped have found jobs, reduced their benefit claim, or had another change of circumstance
The bedroom tax loophole: a guide for councils and housing associations
06 February, 2014
A step-by-step guide for identifying cases, challenging decisions and dealing with discretionary housing payments
Up to 600 homes in Wirral set to receive bedroom tax refunds
05 February, 2014
Up to 600 homes in Wirral could receive refunds of around £1,000 after discovering they should have been exempt from paying the bedroom tax
Housing officers trained to help tenants with welfare reform pressures
05 February, 2014
Housing officers in Greater Manchester and Nottingham are being trained so they are better equipped to help vulnerable tenants with the increasing financial and emotional pressures of welfare reform
Claimants lose all their income under disability benefits reform
05 February, 2014
Anyone wanting to appeal a decision that they are fit to work first has to have all their paperwork looked at again, while receiving no sickness benefits
Top tips for letting to benefits tenants
05 February, 2014
Following speculation that buy-to-let landlords could shun tenants on benefits after the introduction of the universal credit scheme George Spencer offers advice to landlords
Latest universal credit chief working part-time since Christmas
05 February, 2014
The man brought in to 'rescue' universal credit has been working part-time since Christmas due to being off sick with bronchitis
Bedroom tax fiasco: 124 Westminster families owed £700 each
05 February, 2014
A total of 124 families living in social housing in Westminster are owed £700 each after wrongly being hit with the government's bedroom tax
Is the 'bedroom tax' the new Poll Tax?
04 February, 2014
The withdrawal of the spare room subsidy has definitely gained an enhanced political salience, beyond its arithmetical and social impact
Scotland pledges to meet full cost of bedroom tax
04 February, 2014
Scotland has pledged to meet the full cost of the bedroom tax by finding an extra £15 million for housing benefit support
Ministers branded "utterly clueless" over Bedroom Tax's impact on disabled people
04 February, 2014
Campaigners claim up to 400,000 have to pay the £14-a-week surcharge - but when Tory Employment minister Esther McVey was asked she did not know
Duncan Smith: MPs 'cannot run' my department
04 February, 2014
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has told MPs they "cannot run" his department as he defended decisions taken over key welfare reforms
City sees drop in number of bedroom tax victims
04 February, 2014
Bristol City Council has reported a drop in the number of tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax will waste £234Million of taxpayers' money if disabled tenants forced to move house
03 February, 2014
The figure is nearly Half the £500million the Government hoped to save this year with the hated rules - ministers estimate around 35,000 claimants will be affected
Freud: Bedroom tax figures 'may indicate people are downsizing''
03 February, 2014
The lower than expected number of people hit by the bedroom tax may be due to people downsizing into smaller properties
Councils 'could save £125m from running welfare schemes'
03 February, 2014
Councils could cut the amount they spend administering welfare payments by as much as £125m, the Audit Commission has said
Strain for Shoreline over £179k owed in bedroom tax arrears from struggling tenants
03 February, 2014
More than half the Shoreline tenants affected by the so-called bedroom tax are in arrears
Minister Nicola Sturgeon in call over benefit aid cap
03 February, 2014
A further £15m has been found by the Scottish government to help those hit by the so-called "bedroom tax" in the year ahead
Food banks: an inconvenient truth for the government
31 January, 2014
Food banks show welfare cuts and inefficiency cause hundreds of thousands of people to depend on emergency food aid
U-turn looms over Freud pledge on bedroom tax
31 January, 2014
Peer's plans to exempt vulnerable tenants may derail entire policy
MSPs call for end of 'bedroom tax'
31 January, 2014
A Holyrood committee has called on the UK government to abolish the spare room subsidy or hand powers to the Scottish Parliament
Government pledges £50m more in aid for benefit claimants hit by bedroom tax
31 January, 2014
The Government today promised more than £50 million extra to help London benefit claimants affected by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Payback time
31 January, 2014
DWP acknowledges that social housing tenants who have been claiming housing benefit for same home since 1996 are exempt from the bedroom tax
The role of Jobcentre Plus in the reformed welfare system
30 January, 2014
Make better use of Jobcentre resources; promote longer-term outputs; and mitigate the risks of perverse, target-driven behaviour
Iain Duncan Smith Blasts Council Of Europe 'Lunacy' Over 'Inadequate' UK Benefits Warning
30 January, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith has lashed out at the Council of Europe's "lunacy" for calling on the UK to raise the amount of benefits paid out
Video: 'Bedroom tax' petition evidence session
30 January, 2014
The Welfare Reform Committee hosted a second evidence session on petition PE01496
Council pledges to help hundreds of tenants wrongly hit by bedroom tax
30 January, 2014
Sheffield City Council has pledged to support hundreds of social housing tenants wrongly charged with the controversial bedroom tax
Disabled childrens bedroom tax amendment defeated
30 January, 2014
An amendment to the bedroom tax exempting disabled children from the bedroom tax was defeated in the Lords by 185 votes to 154
Scots bedroom tax error answers demanded
29 January, 2014
Clarification over how many people in Scotland may have been wrongly hit by the bedroom tax has been demanded by the Scottish Government
Unspent millions in former Social Fund budget prompts call for 'bedroom tax' help
29 January, 2014
Communities and Tackling Poverty Minister Jeff Cuthbert confirmed Discretionary Assistance Fund hasn't spent more than half its budget
164 tenants wrongly charged bedroom tax
29 January, 2014
164 of 1,356 tenants affected by the bedroom tax are due a refund because of a major error by the DWP when they drafted the regulations
Court of Appeal to hear benefits cap case
28 January, 2014
An attempt by three vulnerable lone parents to overturn the benefits cap has been allowed to go to the Court of Appeal
Benefit cap 'hits most vulnerable'
28 January, 2014
The Government's so-called "benefit cap" is threatening to cause severe hardship to some of the most vulnerable people in society
Lawyers Granted Judicial Review Against Councils 'Unfair' 'Bedroom Tax' Housing Policy
28 January, 2014
Lawyers acting on behalf of a disabled couple, have been granted permission to bring a judicial review
Crooked grandmother evicted from council home
28 January, 2014
A woman who fraudulently claimed £42,000 in benefits has been evicted from her council home
Bedroom tax builds: HAs must develop smaller homes to win grant share
28 January, 2014
Housing associations are being advised to deliver one and two-bed homes if they want to win a share of the latest affordable housing grant
Explain benefit reform error, Scots minister Burgess demands
28 January, 2014
The Scottish government has demanded to know how many "vulnerable people" in Scotland have incorrectly lost out
Drive for more one and two bedroom homes in HCA prospectus
27 January, 2014
Affordable housing providers will be expected to deliver more small homes to help bedroom tax tenants downsize
Three ways to help communities cope with welfare reform
27 January, 2014
One organisation set up a shop that helped 2,000 people out of millions of pounds of debt
Million new ESA claimants found fit for work
27 January, 2014
Latest analysis shows almost a million people who applied for sickness benefit have instead been found fit for work
Timetable for PIP replacing DLA
24 January, 2014
This publication sets out the dates during which PIP will replace DLA and sets out the age groups and parts of the country affected at each stage
One in seven over 65s consider renting spare room as they struggle to live off pensions
24 January, 2014
One in seven over 65s say they are prepared to become landlords as they struggle to live off their pensions
DHP spend in Scotland increases by £11m in a year
24 January, 2014
More than £15.3 million in discretionary housing payments has been claimed in Scotland between April and November 2013, with 11 councils spending more than estimated
StepChange Debt Charity sees rise in people with arrears
24 January, 2014
A debt charity says it has seen a 44% rise in people in Wales with arrears on essential household costs like rent over the last year
UK Government defends so-called 'bedroom tax' after Welsh MPs raise concerns
24 January, 2014
More than £1bn is paid in housing benefit each year in Wales to support 250,000-plus people
Bedroom tax victory for Army mother
24 January, 2014
A mother of two British soldiers has overturned a decision by her council who said she would have to pay 'bedroom tax' while her sons lived in barracks
Bedroom tax appeal allowed based on space standard legislation
23 January, 2014
An unused room under 50 square feet should not lead to tenants being penalised by the bedroom tax
Universal Credit - experimental official statistics to October 2013
23 January, 2014
Universal Credit is a new benefit that has started to replace six existing benefits and tax credits with a single monthly payment
'Chilling' impact of the bedroom tax revealed in Newcastle
23 January, 2014
Newcastle council has published a report into the 'chilling' impact of the bedroom tax and other welfare changes on the city
Government celebrates high universal credit take-up by under-25s
23 January, 2014
The government is celebrating new figures that show nearly 3,000 people started claiming its new welfare system, universal credit
Social landlord optimises rent payments ahead of universal credit with pioneering agreement
23 January, 2014
A social landlord is optimising rent payments from tenants ahead of universal credit through a pioneering agreement with its local credit union
Iain Duncan Smith: welfare reform is like struggle against slavery
23 January, 2014
The Work and Pensions Secretary likens 'historic mission' of welfare reform to Wilberforce's campaign against the slave trade
DWP stands by low loophole estimate
23 January, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions has revealed how it calculated just 3,000 people might be affected by a bedroom tax loophole
'Bedroom tax' help given to 45,000 in Scotland
22 January, 2014
More than 45,000 households in Scotland have received special financial help from councils since changes to housing benefit were made in April
Charity slams coalition's 'ill-conceived' plan to cut benefits for under-25s
22 January, 2014
Birmingham YMCA has slammed the coalition's 'ill-conceived' proposals to reduce or completely remove housing benefit for 16 to 25-year-olds
Universal Credit improves work incentives for young people
22 January, 2014
New figures show that 2,960 people started claiming Universal Credit in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire areas from April 2013 to the end of October 2013
The Real Cost of The Bedroom Tax
22 January, 2014
For Scottish Housing Associations and Co-operatives
Bedroom tax home swap campaign signs up 50,000 properties
22 January, 2014
Circle's website to help social tenants swap houses is thriving after being shortlisted at Guardian Public Services Awards
Bedroom tax takes toll on grieving parents
22 January, 2014
The Mirror's Real Britain columnist Ros Wynne-Jones describes how some councils are finding ways around penalising people with the hated tax
Short-termism in the welfare debate is shortchanging our society
22 January, 2014
Making access to benefits tougher for young people could be counter-productive
More landlords turn away housing benefit claimants
21 January, 2014
A survey finds that of the landlords who currently let to people on benefits, more than half say they won't after the roll-out of universal credit
Northern Ireland welfare delays to cost £200m a year
21 January, 2014
Delays to welfare reform in Northern Ireland could cost the Stormont Executive £200m a year by 2017
SNP warn hundreds of Dundee children would pay price of housing benefit cuts
21 January, 2014
Westminster proposals to cut housing benefit for people under 25 will affect more than 1,500 young people and around 700 children in Dundee
Bedroom tax: Scotland's local authorities dish out £15m in emergency housing payments
21 January, 2014
Local authorities in Scotland have handed out more than £15 million in emergency housing payments during the first eight months of the bedroom tax
LifeKit to help customers with Welfare Reforms
21 January, 2014
Halton Housing Trust customers are set to benefit from a newly launched online tool
Housing benefit ban for jobless migrants
20 January, 2014
Jobless migrants from within the European Union will be denied access to housing benefit from April this year
Disabled campaigners take fight against hated bedroom tax to Court of Appeal
20 January, 2014
Judges will listen to evidence about the devastating impact of the charge up and down the country
Challenge to bedroom tax ruling today
20 January, 2014
Disabled men and women will today challenge in the Court of Appeal a ruling that the bedroom tax is lawful
No housing benefit for unemployed EU migrants from April
20 January, 2014
Unemployed European Union migrants will no longer be able to claim housing benefit from April
New rules to stop migrants claiming Housing Benefit
20 January, 2014
New migrant jobseekers from the European Economic Area (EEA) will no longer be able to get Housing Benefit from April 2014
'Unintended' housing benefit cuts hit tenants
17 January, 2014
Councils are cutting off housing benefit payments to tenants who are entitled to receive them, as an unintended consequence of sanctions applied to other benefits
Confusion on extent of bedroom tax loophole
17 January, 2014
Housing experts are split over how many tenants they think could temporarily escape the bedroom tax as a result of a technical error by the Department for Work and Pensions
Bill proposed to protect bedroom tax victims from eviction
17 January, 2014
A consultation on a member's bill launched by a member of the Scottish parliament to protect bedroom tax victims from the threat of eviction has closed
Benefit claimants losing record amounts of money due to mistakes
17 January, 2014
Fraud and error in the benefit system has risen considerably since 2005
Proposed Protection from Eviction (Bedroom Tax) (Scotland) Bill
17 January, 2014
Proposal for a Bill to protect Scottish secure tenants from eviction as a result of rent arrears attributable to under-occupancy deductions of housing benefit
George Osborne says UK has huge amount to do on welfare cuts
16 January, 2014
Chancellor says Britain should 'praise' European nations for their welfare reforms, and singles out Germany for having 'led the way'
Thousands in court for council tax arrears as benefit cuts hit home
16 January, 2014
Many people who were formerly exempt from paying now face court, as the bedroom tax adds to spiralling debt burden
Council warns vulnerable residents as coalition axe falls on £172m welfare grant
16 January, 2014
Islington council is warning its vulnerable residents that things are about to get tougher for them as the government axes the Local Welfare Provision Grant
Councils have until February to apply for additional DHP
16 January, 2014
Councils hoping to bid for a share of £20 million in additional emergency hardship funding have until February to apply
Resident speaks of outrage at 'bedroom tax' confusion
16 January, 2014
There are warnings tonight that the so-called 'bedroom tax' is causing chaos and confusion, as thousands of people who thought they were liable to pay it are discovering they're not
Lord Freud takes a pasting in bedroom tax 'cock-up' debate
15 January, 2014
Lord Freud has confirmed that a policy oversight that means thousands of social housing tenants are exempt from paying the bedroom tax will be closed in March
Pioneering pair launch a new service for landlords
15 January, 2014
Two entrepreneurs with years of experience of dealing with housing benefits and recovering rent arrears have launched an innovative letting agency for landlords with tenants on benefits
The bedroom tax error explained
15 January, 2014
A newly discovered bedroom tax loophole could see tens of thousands of households paid back millions in housing benefit payments. But who will be affected by it and what happens next?
Has bedroom tax caused housing trust's lettings struggle?
15 January, 2014
Perplexed housing chiefs say there has been an enormous and unaccountable drop in the number of people in need asking for trust homes
Call for more welfare reform support
15 January, 2014
Housing experts have called for the Government to increase the amount of cash it has pledged to support people affected by welfare reform
£12 billion in welfare cuts will make many homeless
14 January, 2014
The Chancellor's plan to cut housing benefit for the under 25s could have devastating consequences, warned the CAH Director today
Duncan Smith hints at cut in the benefit cap
14 January, 2014
Work and Pensions Secretary says 'we will keep the policy under review' when asked whether the cap could be reduced from £26,000
MPs vote for inquiry into impact of Government benefit cuts
14 January, 2014
One Labour MP accused the cuts of bringing 'absolute poverty' back to Britain for the first time since the Victorian age
Plan to cut housing benefit for under-25s to hit 20,000 Scottish children
14 January, 2014
Over 20,000 Scottish children will be affected if the Chancellor follows up on plans to stop housing benefit for under-25s
Universal Credit on the Red Button
14 January, 2014
Information about Universal Credit and finding work is now available by hitting the red button on the TV remote control
Is welfare reform making us less willing to accept help when we need it?
14 January, 2014
Current welfare reforms may be exacerbating underlying feelings that prevent us from getting the help we need
MP questions bedroom tax debacle as council slams 'administrative nightmare'
14 January, 2014
An MP has asked questions in Parliament concerning the recent revelation that some social housing tenants are legally exempt from the bedroom tax
Why landlords are shunning profitable benefit tenants
13 January, 2014
Benefit claimants are more profitable than many types of tenants, but landlords are turning them away
First council announces bedroom tax refunds since revelation of legal loophole
13 January, 2014
Exeter CC has revealed that "a small of number" of tenants are due bedroom tax refunds after a recent revelation
Tory MP Anne McIntosh joins revolt against bedroom tax
13 January, 2014
One of the North's Conservative MPs yesterday joined the revolt against the 'bedroom tax' - calling for an exemption for rural areas
Bedroom Tax suicide victim Stephanie Bottrill was exempt from losing her housing benefit
13 January, 2014
Her son, says Iain Duncan Smith has "blood on his hands" - people are calling for the Work and Pensions Secretary to apologise
"I'm no slouch on welfare reform" - Nick Clegg
13 January, 2014
Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg has attacked the welfare reform plans of Conservative coalition partners
Liverpool mayor pledges support for tenants hit by bedroom tax error
13 January, 2014
The Mayor of Liverpool has pledged to support residents who have been wrongly hit by the bedroom tax
Landlords 'may turn away people on benefits when universal credit comes in'
13 January, 2014
Private landlords warn that many are considering rejecting tenants on benefits amid fears of increasing rent defaults
DWP: 'Less than 5,000 are exempt from paying bedroom tax'
10 January, 2014
The Department for Work and Pensions said the number of housing benefit recipients who are exempt from paying the bedroom tax due to a legal loophole is estimated to be "less than 5,000"
Opinion: The bedroom tax - chaos and misery
10 January, 2014
Phil Morgan, housing consultant and former TPAS chief executive
Staff deal with suicide threats
10 January, 2014
Nearly half of front line housing workers dealt with tenants threatening to commit suicide during the six months to November last year
Maude denies Universal Credit rift with Duncan Smith
09 January, 2014
Claims of a rift between two government departments over Universal Credit were 'simply incorrect'
The bedroom tax on bereavement: Grieving families to face spare-room benefit cut within three months
09 January, 2014
Families will be hit by the bedroom tax if a room remains unoccupied for just three months after the death of a family member
DWP confirms temporary bedroom tax loophole
09 January, 2014
Thousands of social housing tenants will be temporarily exempted from the bedroom tax as a result of a 'technical error' in legislation
Benefits capped for 33,000 households
09 January, 2014
New figures show almost 33,000 households had their benefits capped by November 2013
Touchbase DWP e-zine
09 January, 2014
Updates on the rollouts of both Universal Credit and the Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
Government's flagship benefits scheme faces more delays after rift
08 January, 2014
Documents reveal friction between Department for Work and Pensions and Cabinet Office as IT problems mount
Tory MP attacks OAP exemption from Bedroom Tax - saying they could downsize to free up family homes
08 January, 2014
Julian Brazier wrote that it was akin to the government 'subsidising people to live in accommodation that is too big for their needs'
Money owed to Gwent landlords soars in 2013
08 January, 2014
Money owed to housing associations across Gwent increased by 14 per cent in 2013 from last year
Francis Maude denies IT row with Iain Duncan Smith
08 January, 2014
Cabinet Office minister Francis Maude has denied falling out with Iain Duncan Smith over the government's flagship universal credit scheme
Five reasons why HB should not be stopped for our young tenants
08 January, 2014
George Osborne announced that for the first time the Government will set a cap on the overall welfare budget so that it can be properly controlled
First tenant to be threatened with eviction over 'bedroom tax' in court
08 January, 2014
Unemployed Michael Lindsey, 37, has racked up more than £650 in unpaid rent since the government introduced the charge
Cabinet split over George Osborne's plan for £12bn more welfare cuts
07 January, 2014
Iain Duncan Smith alarmed at chancellor's approach to social security reform
Welfare cuts 'hurt those in work'
07 January, 2014
Most of the welfare cuts announced by the Government are affecting people in work, including those on low pay
Nigel Farage calls for five-year ban on migrant benefits
07 January, 2014
UKIP leader Nigel Farage has called for immigrants to be barred from receiving any benefits until they have been resident in the UK for five years
Government beefs up rules to hamper EU migrants' entitlement to benefits
07 January, 2014
The government has introduced new rules it says will ensure that migrants to the UK cannot take advantage of the benefits system
Refurbished bedsits in Hull relieve some of those hit by bedroom tax
07 January, 2014
Previously boarded-up homes on estate provide one-bed social housing - but nowhere near enough to meet demand
Early impacts of Welfare Reform on rent arrears
07 January, 2014
Survey on rent arrears and the impact of Welfare Reform on the social housing sector in Scotland
Renting - Britain's social scandal that is being ignored
06 January, 2014
Private landlords threaten eviction as they pocket half of their tenants' wages
George Osborne targets welfare as he warns of £25bn more cuts
06 January, 2014
A further £25bn spending cuts - much of it from the welfare budget - will be needed after the next election, Chancellor George Osborne has warned
Bedroom tax slammed by minister after costing more than saving
06 January, 2014
The controversial bedroom tax is costing more than it is saving, according to the Scottish government
Five years to rehouse all of Westminster's bedroom tax victims
06 January, 2014
It will take over five years for Westminster Council to re-house all of its social housing tenants hit by the government's bedroom tax in smaller flats
Multiple sclerosis charity says benefits reform is creating anxiety amongst sufferers
03 January, 2014
Changes to the benefits system are forcing those in greatest need of aid to suffer, a charity has warned
Good samaritan to pay bedroom tax bill for Merseyside mum and disabled daughter
03 January, 2014
Anonymous donor steps in after reading Dawn Lennon's story on Echo website
Bedroom Tax - the protected pre 1996 regulations - sources and comment
02 January, 2014
If you have been in receipt of HB since before 1 January 1996 then you are exempt from the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax hits 60,000 families with carers
02 January, 2014
About 60,000 families living in council homes where there is someone caring for an elderly or disabled relative have been caught out by the 'bedroom tax'
Housing Management via Housing Benefit? Really?
02 January, 2014
Challenge to the legality of the housing benefit social sector size criteria
Benefits changes causing anxiety in MS sufferers
02 January, 2014
Poll finds majority feel more anxious about how they will manage their condition because of benefit changes
Bedroom tax loophole offers hope for some tenants
02 January, 2014
Over the last few days an interesting loophole in the bedroom tax rules has been identified
Bedroom tax may be on the brink of collapse
02 January, 2014
Experts expose legal loophole that could spark wave of appeals against cruel policy
Tough new migrant benefit rules come into force
31 December, 2013
From 1 January 2014, tough new rules come into force to ensure that migrants don't take advantage of the British benefits system
Big society? Cutting welfare to 'aid recovery' is just a big lie
30 December, 2013
Heartless policies are merely adding to the plight of the needy. It is imperative that Labour does not follow the coalition's example
Benefit cuts blind man committed suicide after Atos ruled him fit to work
30 December, 2013
Desperate agoraphobe Tim Salter was left penniless when his benefits were slashed despite his failing eyesight and he faced eviction
Bedroom tax 'costing more than saving'
27 December, 2013
The bedroom tax and benefit sanctions are disproportionately affecting Scotland's most vulnerable citizens, Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess has said
No hiding place for those who opt for a life on benefits, says Duncan Smith
27 December, 2013
Unemployed people who make a 'lifestyle choice' to live on benefits without bothering to seek work will face a crackdown from next year, Iain Duncan Smith has announced
70% of English councils spend less than half DHP pot
24 December, 2013
Official government figures show 70% of councils committed to pay out less than half their emergency hardship fund pots by the midpoint of the financial year
The impact of welfare reform can only be understood through a local lens
24 December, 2013
The government's top-down approach ignores vast differences in the way local authorities are experiencing benefit cuts
Bedroom tax problem 'will last a generation'
24 December, 2013
Preston's bedroom tax problem will take at least 18 years to sort out, councillors have been told
Memo to King Herod: the Bethlehem bedroom tax
23 December, 2013
A tax on spare rooms and benefit cuts - Peter Beresford takes a satirical look at social work and the nativity
Homelessness rises as recession and welfare reforms bite
23 December, 2013
A Cardiff charity reports a 160% increase in the number of people using its night centres while senior council official says the city has experienced a 34% rise
Must do better: reflections on a disappointing year for housing
23 December, 2013
Instead of making the case against welfare reform, the sector has splintered and its campaigns have fallen on deaf ears
Citizens Advice reports sharp rise in social housing rent arrears cases
23 December, 2013
The number of social housing rent arrears cases reported to Citizens Advice has increased by 13% since the same time last year due to the introduction of the bedroom tax and other welfare cuts
Jubilant Fife mum urges more to fight 'bedroom tax'
23 December, 2013
A jubilant Fife mother and her disabled son have become the latest family to win their appeal against the so-called 'bedroom tax’
Rent arrears and threat of homelessness on the rise as economic growth fails to reach social tenants
20 December, 2013
Despite growing confidence in the UK's economic recovery, social housing rent arrears cases reported to Citizens Advice from July to September this year increased
Millions of pounds still available in housing fund
20 December, 2013
Tens of millions of pounds specifically ring-fenced to help people adapt to welfare reforms this year is still available through local authorities
Delays to Lord Freud's pledge
20 December, 2013
Civil servants are encountering serious complications fulfilling Lord David Freud's pledge to protect vulnerable and disabled people from the 'unintended consequences' of welfare reform
Use of Discretionary Housing Payments
20 December, 2013
Analysis of mid-year returns from local authorities
Vulnerable cut off from bedroom tax relief as demand for emergency help triples
19 December, 2013
Just one in ten disabled people hit by tax in parts of Kent get discretionary housing payments
Councils could be banned from using 'bedroom tax' phrase in move to veto contentious language
19 December, 2013
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles could be given power to put a blue pencil through any language with which he disagrees
Disabled tenants come off worse in bedroom tax DHP lottery
19 December, 2013
Social housing tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have wildly varying chances of receiving financial help
A third of disabled people refused DHP
19 December, 2013
Nearly a third of disabled people hit by the bedroom tax have been refused discretionary housing payments
Bedroom tax: one-third of disabled applicants refused emergency grants
19 December, 2013
In some councils as few as 14% are given help from fund intended to smooth introduction of bedroom tax
Support for Housing Benefit claimants to meet any rent shortfall
19 December, 2013
Documents to assist local authorities with their support for HB claimants affected by the size criteria for social sector tenants
Letter to claimants affected by removal of the spare room subsidy
19 December, 2013
A suggested letter for local authorities to send to claimants affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Homelessness services feel mounting pressure as welfare reform bites
19 December, 2013
UK councils have seen a rise in demand for homelessness services, but there is only so much they can do
Curbs on EU benefits to come into force on 1 January
18 December, 2013
New rules on how long EU jobseekers will have to wait to claim benefits are to be brought in early
Life on the Edge? - Report
18 December, 2013
Wakefield and District Housing's story of the first 200 days of the under-occupation penalty
Two-thirds of single parents skipping meals to feed children
18 December, 2013
Gingerbread says fifth of lone parents are at least £100 a month worse off since benefit reforms were introduced in April 2013
DWP chops 35,000 Scots' benefits in last eight months
18 December, 2013
The DWP's Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions have led to over 35,000 Scots having their benefits stopped or reduced in the last eight months
Call For 'Bedroom Tax' To Be Scrapped
18 December, 2013
In a pointed report, the Scottish Affairs Committee has called on the government in London to scrap the reforms
What the welfare cuts mean for us: 'The feeling of dread never goes away'
17 December, 2013
The government is three years into a savage programme of welfare cuts. What does this mean for people who need support?
Welfare reforms costing housing association £10 million a year
17 December, 2013
The government's welfare reforms are costing one housing association an estimated £10 million a year
Government committee calls for bedroom tax to be abolished
17 December, 2013
The Commons Scottish Affairs Committee has called on the government to abolish the bedroom tax
Freud: 'Why should we hurry with universal credit?'
16 December, 2013
The rollout of universal credit for the most vulnerable people will take 'as much time as it takes'
The impact of the Bedroom Tax in Scotland: Interim Report
16 December, 2013
The Scottish Affairs Committee wishes to see the bedroom tax repealed
Citizens Advice Bureau issues warning over introduction of Universal Credit
16 December, 2013
York CAB has warned it will need more resources to cope with soaring demand for help when Universal Credit is introduced
George Osborne announces fresh attack on welfare budget
13 December, 2013
In challenge to Labour, chancellor tells MPs billions will need to be shaved from welfare to avoid deeper departmental cuts
Universal Credit: working together for improved outcomes
13 December, 2013
How DWP and local authorities are working together to implement Universal Credit
Duncan Smith's welfare reforms give flavour of election
13 December, 2013
It's difficult to think of a more divisive subject than welfare reform
Improved benefit test for migrants launched
13 December, 2013
A new test for migrants who want to claim income-related benefits is being rolled out to Jobcentres across England, Scotland and Wales
Osborne: Billions more in welfare savings needed
13 December, 2013
Billions of pounds need to be cut from the UK's welfare budget, Chancellor George Osborne has said
Speak English or lose benefits
13 December, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith announces that migrants whose grasp of English is so poor that they will struggle to find work could be denied benefits
Stealth cuts are making universal credit toxic to the working poor
13 December, 2013
Concerns about IT bungling and delays obscure a series of cuts that are changing the policy's character before it's even in place
Welfare spending cap: a political game?
12 December, 2013
If you ever doubted that the next election campaign is already under way, think again
Debt advice charity reports massive surge in people seeking help with rent arrears
12 December, 2013
Rent arrears are the fastest growing debt problem in the UK
Make no mistake: Iain Duncan Smith wants the end of social security
11 December, 2013
Don't let the bluster, incompetence and misinformation obscure the Quiet Man's true, Tory purpose: destroying the welfare safety net
Commons clash over Universal Credit
11 December, 2013
The government is prioritising the 'safe and secure' delivery of Universal Credit
NAO report highlights UC concerns
11 December, 2013
This National Audit Office report reiterates the earlier NAO report 'Universal Credit: early progress' published in September 2013
Disabled people are worst affected by bedroom tax and welfare reforms
11 December, 2013
Benefit cuts leave disabled people facing decreasing incomes, postcode lotteries and threats to their independence
First social supermarket in the UK opens
10 December, 2013
The first 'social supermarket', where products can be bought for as much as 70 per cent off, has opened in South Yorkshire - but only for 500 families
MPs to examine delays in Universal Credit introduction
10 December, 2013
MPs are to examine problems hampering the implementation of the central pillar of government changes to the welfare system
MP sorry for money 'wasted' on Universal Credit system
10 December, 2013
A Conservative MP on the Work and Pensions Select Committee has apologised for money wasted on rolling out the Universal Credit System
Landlords 'Avoid Tenants On Universal Credit'
10 December, 2013
Sky News has obtained figures which suggest a rising number of landlords are steering clear of benefit claimants over fears of non-payment
Universal credit failed IT system write-off increased by £6m
10 December, 2013
But Iain Duncan Smith's department says cost of more software over next five years will be revised downward
Iain Duncan Smith confronts claims DWP staff given targets to stop benefits
10 December, 2013
Whistleblower says staff warned they would be disciplined unless they increased number of claimants coming off register
Families Facing 'Heat or Eat' Dilemma This Christmas
10 December, 2013
Ten housing providers have united to investigate how changes to the benefits system and Welfare to Work initiatives are affecting their customers
Duncan Smith defends Universal Credit from growing criticism
09 December, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has rejected claims his flagship welfare policy will miss key targets and insisted the IT system underpinning it 'seems to be fine'
Touchbase DWP e-zine
09 December, 2013
December 2013 - Contains information on the change to the Spare Room Subsidy size criteria to allow for children with severe disabilities to have a room of their own
Benefits capped in almost 1,000 Scottish households
09 December, 2013
Almost 1,000 households have already had their benefits capped in Scotland since the introduction of benefit changes
Welfare Reform and Temporary Accommodation - New CIH Scotland Briefing
09 December, 2013
In response to the severe impact of the welfare reforms on temporary accommodation for homeless household
Thousands of Sheffield council tenants urged to open jam jar accounts ahead of universal credit
09 December, 2013
Sign up to jam jar accounts being offered by the city's credit union ahead of direct payments being introduced under universal credit
Proposed benefit and pension rates 2014 to 2015
09 December, 2013
A list of the proposed benefit and pension rates for 2014 to 2015
The Human Impact of Welfare Reform Exposed
09 December, 2013
Ministers hope the Government's flagship welfare reform will teach people to be more responsible but can they shoulder the burden?
Delays to Universal Credit Cause Concern
06 December, 2013
Commenting on reports today that Universal Credit may not be fully implemented across the country by the 2017 deadline
Around 50% of households affected by benefit cap in London
06 December, 2013
A government report has revealed today that 47 per cent of households affected by the benefit cap to October were in London
Conference hears how digital revolution can beat the welfare reform blues
06 December, 2013
Technology can help ease the burden of welfare reform, delegates at a conference for social landlords in the North West were told recently
Benefit Cap - number of households capped, data to October 2013, GB
06 December, 2013
Households on out-of-work benefits will no longer receive more in welfare payments than the average weekly wage for working households
Suppressed report: welfare reform link to homelessness and food bank use
05 December, 2013
A Tory council has withdrawn its own official report linking welfare cuts to a range of social problems from food poverty to violent crime
Bedroom tax could be a 'perverse disincentive to work,'
05 December, 2013
The government's controversial bedroom tax could discourage people from working
Benefit changes 'penalising tenants'
05 December, 2013
Housing benefit changes are penalising tenants and putting substantial pressure on landlords' resources
Universal credit - an IT fiasco?
05 December, 2013
It's an ambitious plan to transform the benefits system - but it looks as though the technology meant to power universal credit is turning into an IT disaster
Universal Credit may not hit 2017 deadline
05 December, 2013
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has told the BBC that the Universal Credit programme may not be complete by 2017 as planned
Universal Credit progress
05 December, 2013
Universal Credit will account for £70 billion of benefit spending each year, and bring a £38 billion economic benefit to society over 10 years
AS2013: New spending cap on welfare from next year
05 December, 2013
George Osborne has announced from next year there will be a new spending cap on welfare in the autumn statement
Autumn Statement: At-a-glance summary of key points
05 December, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne has updated MPs on the state of the economy and the government's future plans in his Autumn Statement. Here are the key points.
Homelessness, violent crime and debt on the rise after government welfare reforms
04 December, 2013
Welfare reforms are being linked to a rise in homelessness, violent crime, people in debt and the number of children relying on food banks to get by in Kent
Welfare reform having serious financial impact in Scotland
04 December, 2013
Welfare reforms are having a serious financial impact on social landlords in Scotland, the SFHA will tell a UK parliamentary committee today
Benefit cuts and disabled tenants
03 December, 2013
Report on the impact of welfare reform on disabled tenants
Universal Credit claimants in Pathfinder areas
03 December, 2013
Key findings between April 2013 and 30th September
'Immoral' bedroom tax penalises my disabled son
03 December, 2013
Looking at the spare room in Hayley Sims' Mickleover home, you could easily mistake it for a hospital storage cupboard
Withdrawal of council tax support leads to 30% increase in court proceedings
02 December, 2013
Councils that passed on government's cut to means-tested council tax relief report doubling in rate of liability orders sent to non-payers
Residents without bank accounts at risk of arrears under new benefits system
02 December, 2013
Universal credit will be paid directly into bank accounts, but a worrying number of social housing residents do not yet have one
Charities Turn 'Bedroom Tax' Attack On PM
02 December, 2013
David Cameron says disabled people who need the extra room are exempt from the subsidy - but organisations claim this is not true
Limited Universal Credit pilot sees 90% of people claim benefits online
02 December, 2013
An interim report into the use of the new Universal Credit welfare system has found that 90 percent of people in the pilot claimed their benefits online
Autumn Statement 2013: Britain can no longer afford welfare state, warns Osborne
02 December, 2013
George Osborne will set out more details on his planned cap on welfare spending in the Autumn Statement on Thursday
Benefit cuts undermining independent living for disabled people
29 November, 2013
Disabled people are being hit hardest by the cumulative impact of the government's welfare reform policies
Benefits sanctions a 'ticking timebomb' for the homeless
29 November, 2013
Warnings are growing that the effects of another aspect of welfare reform could be far worse
Hastings 'under pressure' from London benefit families
29 November, 2013
An East Sussex council says it is concerned about the number of benefit dependent families being moved out of London into Hastings
Bedroom tax: stress and struggle as benefits clawback hits home
28 November, 2013
Claimants explain how the policy has forced changes, from heating cutbacks to fruitless hunts for smaller homes
Midlands councils to act on social fund payments
28 November, 2013
Just imagine you face a sudden, unexpected emergency which could plunge you into acute hardship and possibly even put you at risk of losing your home
Wakefield and District Housing reveals plans for digital hub
28 November, 2013
WDH has revealed plans for a new state-of-the-art digital suite offering free computer access to the public in Wakefield city centre
The Tipping Point
28 November, 2013
This report considers the impact of the changes in welfare support on social landlords' income, arrears, collection costs and empty properties
Majority of employed London tenants still require housing benefit
28 November, 2013
The majority of London's housing association tenants are in work but still require housing benefit to pay their rent
Council's 'Feeling the Pain' report shows majority of bedroom tax victims now in arrears
27 November, 2013
Sixty-five percent of Salford's social housing tenants hit by the government's controversial bedroom tax have fallen into arrears
Downing Street defiant over tougher EU benefit plans
27 November, 2013
The Government has said powers to deport homeless migrants and cut rights to unemployment and housing benefits would come in "as quickly as possible"
Disabled people 'forced to cut back on food and heating' to pay bedroom tax - charities
27 November, 2013
Nine in 10 disabled people and three quarters of carers affected by the bedroom tax are having to cut back on food and heating in order to pay their rent
Help us stop the sanctions...
27 November, 2013
St Vincent's Housing Association campaign highlights 'unfair' benefit sanctions
DBC demands bedroom tax exemptions for disabled people
27 November, 2013
The Disability Benefits Consortium is calling on the Government to take immediate action to exempt disabled people, their families and carers from the 'bedroom tax' changes to HB
Bristol woman 'killed herself after benefits were stopped'
26 November, 2013
Partially-sighted and only able to walk with the aid of a stick, Jacqueline Harris suffered crippling pain due to slipped discs in her back and neck
CIH Scotland commentary on recent bedroom tax tribunal rulings
26 November, 2013
A short account of recent UK tribunal rulings on the bedroom tax has been produced by CIH Scotland
White Paper: Health, wellbeing and social protection
26 November, 2013
Eleanor Bradford analyses the part of the White Paper that looks at health, wellbeing and social protection
DWP issue guidance on Bedroom Tax in Universal Credit
26 November, 2013
This memo gives guidance on changes introduced by the Housing Benefit and Universal Credit Regulations 2013
Scotland pledges to end bedroom tax and PIP
26 November, 2013
An independent Scottish Government pledges to abolish the bedroom tax, stop PIP and Universal Credit roll out
Payday lenders see benefit reforms as an 'opportunity'
26 November, 2013
Controversial payday lenders could profit from major changes to the benefit system by giving money to those struggling to make ends meet after reforms are rolled out
Iain Duncan Smith 'targeting seriously ill claimants' in benefits overhaul
25 November, 2013
Nearly 550,000 people currently considered too sick to work face losing financial support if radical changes go ahead
Bedroom tax is plunging tenants into debt spiral
25 November, 2013
Families in Central Bedfordshire are among some of the hardest hit by the government's 'bedroom tax' in the whole of the country with many unable to move or pay to stay
Victory in shared care bedroom tax tribunal
25 November, 2013
A disabled man who spends two or three nights a week at his mother's house occupies the property for bedroom tax purposes
Inverness first in Scotland to operate Universal Credit
25 November, 2013
Inverness has become the first place in Scotland to operate the UK government's Universal Credit benefit
Bedroom tax is 'costing more than it will save'
25 November, 2013
Local government body Cosla claims the policy will cost about £58-60 million this year, which outweighs the estimated savings of £50m on the benefits bill
Universal Credit expands to Rugby and Inverness
25 November, 2013
New jobseekers in Inverness and Rugby will be able to make a claim for Universal Credit today as the new benefit rolls out
Welfare reform setbacks
25 November, 2013
The UK Government has issued new regulations which outline the conditions when a disabled child can be exempted from sharing with a sibling
Victory in shared care bedroom tax tribunal
22 November, 2013
A disabled man who spends two or three nights a week at his mother's house occupies the property for bedroom tax purposes
Hopkins: it's easy to fill voids
22 November, 2013
Housing minister dismisses claims welfare reform has made it harder to let larger social homes
Half of bedroom tax victims failing to apply for help
22 November, 2013
Nearly half of Edinburgh's council tenants hit by the bedroom tax have not applied for extra help to pay their rent
Bedroom tax may be axed if review questions effectiveness
22 November, 2013
The controversial 'bedroom tax' could be scrapped if a Coalition-ordered review finds it is not saving any money, a Cabinet Minister has suggested
Council urges bedroom tax hit tenants to apply for DHP
21 November, 2013
Only half of Edinburgh's council tenants affected by the bedroom tax have applied for discretionary housing payments
MSPs reject plea for national bedroom tax no eviction policy
21 November, 2013
SNP and Conservative MSPs rejected a plea for a national 'bedroom tax' no evictions policy
Only 3% of Welsh bedroom tax tenants able to downsize
21 November, 2013
Just 3 per cent of the 22,000 housing association tenants hit by the bedroom tax in Wales have been able to downsize leaving landlords with £1 million of arrears
The landlord-tenant relationship must adapt to welfare reform
21 November, 2013
Attempts to change tenants' behaviour are only half of the solution. Landlords must change how they work as well
Labour: We'll scrap benefits for under 25s
20 November, 2013
Only those in 'purposeful' training or carrying out an 'intensive' job search would be eligible for the allowance
Wolverhampton MP speaks out against impact of bedroom tax
20 November, 2013
New figures reveal more than 3,000 households in Wolverhampton are being "clobbered" by the measure
Archbishop attacks UK food poverty
20 November, 2013
John Sentamu calls for 'more equitable, more caring world' and questions effects of government's welfare reforms
Housing benefit reform: Housing associations struggle to let 700 homes
20 November, 2013
Changes to benefits payments have led to difficulties letting affordable homes and may stop hundreds more being built every year
Bedroom tax traps Welsh tenants into arrears and misery
20 November, 2013
Wales is hit harder by the bedroom tax than any other part of the UK - with a lack of smaller homes for families
Bedroom tax-driven small property development begins
20 November, 2013
A £6.3 million development of 75 smaller properties designed to tackle the impact of the bedroom tax has begun in Liverpool
Bedroom tax must be kept under review, says RICS president
20 November, 2013
The government must review its welfare reforms to prevent them unfairly penalising people who are unable to move to cheaper accommodation
The kidney patient subject to bedroom tax - even if room is used for dialysis machine
19 November, 2013
Plight of MP's brother raises questions about fairness of controversial welfare reform
New data shows how many North West families are really being hit by the bedroom tax
19 November, 2013
Manchester, Liverpool and Salford among top ten most affected
MPs' bedroom tax hypocrisy - a sensible solution, at last
19 November, 2013
Why not stick those politicians claiming housing expenses while voting for the bedroom tax in a block of studio flats in central London?
Welfare reforms are needed urgently, but the bedroom tax is still unfair
18 November, 2013
Social housing has contributed to the dangerous rise of welfare dependency and it must stop. But not with the bedroom tax
Universal Credit rollout
18 November, 2013
Further details of the rollout schedule are now available with Rugby and Inverness the next areas to take Universal Credit claims from 25 November
Labour Bedroom Tax absence an 'insult' to victims says MP
18 November, 2013
The Scottish National Party has called on Scottish Labour to explain the absence of ten MPs at a vote in the House of Commons
Fury at Glasgow woman's Bedroom Tax eviction
18 November, 2013
A woman from Glasgow has become the first in Scotland to be evicted due to the Bedroom Tax after falling behind with her rent
Calls to social landlord surge 35% since welfare reform
18 November, 2013
A housing association has recorded an upsurge in the number of calls to its customer call centre since welfare changes came into effect this year
DWP response to SSAC over bedroom tax
18 November, 2013
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions explains why the DWP rejected the SSAC recommendations on size criteria exemptions for disabled children
DWP claims welfare savings are on track
15 November, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted it is on track to achieve its planned bedroom tax savings
Landlords with high voids monitored by HCA
15 November, 2013
The regulator is monitoring landlords which are losing rental income as a result of bedroom-taxed properties becoming hard to let
Sheltered housing tenant sent massive bedroom tax bill in error
15 November, 2013
A tenant living in a one-bed sheltered housing block was sent a bedroom tax bill for over £1,200 in error by Westminster Council
Halton mulls online-only move for 90% of customers
15 November, 2013
A landlord is considering giving tenants tablets and smartphones as part of a drive to get 90 per cent of its customers online only by 2018 in a bid to cut costs in the face of welfare reform
Council says feared benefit cap 'exodus' has failed to materialise
15 November, 2013
An 'exodus' that was predicted in a London borough as a consequence of the benefit cap has failed to materialise, Hammersmith and Fulham council has claimed
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
14 November, 2013
Parliamentary briefing - Updated November 2013
Bedroom tax affected more than 522,000 people
14 November, 2013
The government has released the first statistics showing the impact of the controversial subsidy withdrawal in August
Saying the unsayable?
14 November, 2013
Mick Kent, CEO at Bromford, has written an open letter sharing his opinion on the implementation of Welfare Reforms and the battle to repair deep rooted cultural damage caused by years of dependence on the state
'No evictions' petition is sending out wrong message on rent arrears
14 November, 2013
A 'well-intended' move to cripple the implementation of the bedroom tax by outlawing evictions for the arrears it causes has backfired
Labour loses housing benefit U-turn vote
13 November, 2013
The government has seen off a Labour challenge to its housing benefit changes in the House of Commons
Council's welfare fraud crackdown yields nearly £300,000
13 November, 2013
A council's crackdown on welfare crooks has identified nearly £300,000 in overpayments to corrupt benefit claimants
Bedroom tax tenants should act like biblical disciples
13 November, 2013
Benefits claimants should act like 'disciples' and move to the 'promised land' to protect themselves against the welfare reforms
Welfare reform: Mike Penning warns 'clock is ticking' on NI financial penalties
13 November, 2013
Northern Ireland is facing financial penalties because of welfare reform delay and the clock is ticking
The 'bedroom tax'; what the public think
13 November, 2013
During the party conference season it was reported that Lord Ashcroft said that Labour was on the wrong side of public opinion
Two Lib Dems rebel over the bedroom tax
13 November, 2013
Two Liberal Democrat MPs have rebelled against their Conservative coalition partners and voted to scrap the bedroom tax
Glasgow hardest hit by the bedroom tax
13 November, 2013
Glasgow has the most people hit by the bedroom tax, according to government figures released today
Housing Benefit: data published on reforms to restore fairness
13 November, 2013
New figures released today show the number of households claiming Housing Benefit that have been affected by the removal of the spare room subsidy
Social housing boss: I'm a big supporter of welfare reform... but the bedroom tax is simply unfair
13 November, 2013
Ministers must radically reform welfare, says a top housing association chief
DWP Quarterly Statistical Summary - Focus on Removal of the Spare Room Subsidy
13 November, 2013
This Statistical Summary aims to give users a structured overview of the benefit National and Official Statistics, published by the DWP
Labour criticises Iain Duncan Smith for missing bedroom tax debate
12 November, 2013
Labour says coalition is out of touch on bedroom tax, which it says is unfair and will result in 'perverse consequences'
Government's 'bedroom tax' could cost more money than it saves
12 November, 2013
The bedroom tax could eventually cost more than it saves
Abolition of the Bedroom Tax
12 November, 2013
In April 2013, the UK Government implemented under-occupation restrictions for tenants of social landlords who are in receipt of Housing Benefit
Calls for bedroom tax to be scrapped ahead of debate today
12 November, 2013
Charities and sector figures have called on MPs to scrap the 'unworkable and unfair' bedroom tax
Universal credit and a very public mess
12 November, 2013
The fortress mentality in the Department for Work and Pensions is exacerbated by the standoff between Iain Duncan Smith and his civil servants over welfare reform
Affordable homes facing demolition because of bedroom tax
11 November, 2013
Housing associations say change to benefit rules means tenants cannot afford to rent three-bed maisonettes
Nick Clegg's promise of bedroom tax review is a 'sham,' says Harriet Harman
11 November, 2013
Criticism comes as it emerges evaluation will take two years and will not include public consultation
Bedroom tax leaves properties standing empty, North East MPs claim
11 November, 2013
Tenants are scared to move in to larger properties because of the under-occupation penalty, according to North East MPs
Council plans not to evict bedroom tax tenants unless they turn down offers to move
11 November, 2013
Tenants in arrears as a result of the bedroom tax will not be evicted unless they decline two offers of alternative accommodation
Poll shows support for removal of spare room subsidy
11 November, 2013
New independent research shows there is strong public support for reducing under-occupation and overcrowding in social housing
Welfare reforms 'must be reviewed'
11 November, 2013
Action has to be taken to get a welfare scheme which has been criticised by MPs "back on track"
Benefit cap: dozens were receiving equivalent of £70,000 salary year
08 November, 2013
Some households were receiving benefits equivalent to the take-home pay from a job with a salary of almost £70,000 a year
Landlord fears rent arrears rise under Universal Credit
08 November, 2013
A private sector landlord with more than 700 homes says benefit changes could put his business at risk
CHC respond to 'Universal Credit Early Progress' report
08 November, 2013
Today the Public Accounts Committee have launched a report looking at 'Universal Credit Early Progress'
RCT Homes in bedroom tax evictions row
08 November, 2013
A Welsh housing association is at loggerheads with a council over the association's refusal to adopt a 'no-evictions' policy for tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Into the red
08 November, 2013
Inside Housing launched its welfare reform focus group to chart the impact of the government's welfare reforms on social landlords and their tenants in April
DWP criticised for tribunal 'panic'
08 November, 2013
An urgent Department for Work and Pensions bulletin issued to councils shows it is 'panicking' in the wake of nine successful bedroom tax tribunal challenges by tenants
Protests planned to coincide with bedroom tax debate
08 November, 2013
Tenants and disabled people's groups will be protesting at the parliament next Tuesday as MPs debate abolishing the bedroom tax
Councils fail to spend hardship funds
08 November, 2013
English authorities could be forced to return £26 million to government if they don't start spending
Bedroom tax law fails disabled children
08 November, 2013
Disability Rights UK is disappointed that the Government has failed to extend protection from the 'bedroom tax' to all disabled children
Government no comprehensive plan for Universal Credit
08 November, 2013
The Public Accounts Committee has published its 30th Report on Universal Credit: early progress
New sanctions see more benefits cut, DWP figures show
07 November, 2013
More than 400,000 people have lost Jobseeker's Allowance under new government sanctions aimed at ensuring they actively seek work
Housing minister grilled over bedroom tax
07 November, 2013
A group of cross party MPs, including the shadow housing minister Emma Reynolds, grilled Kris Hopkins on the bedroom tax yesterday
Yet more bedroom tax-linked rent arrears discovered
07 November, 2013
The number of English council households in rent arrears has risen by 21% since the April introduction of the bedroom tax
Public Accounts Committee report: 'Universal Credit: early progress'
07 November, 2013
DWP Response to the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report: 'Universal Credit: early progress'
Labour plans to challenge Lib Dem MPs with bedroom tax vote
06 November, 2013
The party's announcement that it will hold a Commons vote next Tuesday on scrapping the measure is a test of those in Clegg's party
Bedroom tax begins to bite on council house tenants
06 November, 2013
Seven months after welfare reform, two thirds of council tenants affected are behind with rent
Coalition's 'bedroom tax' pushes poorest into debt, research finds
06 November, 2013
The UK Government's 'bedroom tax' puts basic rights at risk and pushes vulnerable people into debt
Welfare reform and social housing
06 November, 2013
Given the far reaching impact and implications of the Government's welfare reforms, how have providers responded to the challenges
Parents under pressure as rising rents add to cost of living crisis
06 November, 2013
The lack of affordable housing is adding to the country's cost of living crisis with private rents in England set to rise another 44% by 2020
Single mothers lose legal challenge to benefit cap
05 November, 2013
Three single mothers and their children have lost a legal challenge to the government's benefit cap
Lords debates affordable housing
04 November, 2013
Members of the Lords discussed the availability of affordable housing in the United Kingdom and the impact of the under-occupancy charge
Single parents bear brunt of benefits changes
04 November, 2013
Universal credit and a new childcare voucher forecast to hit struggling lower-income households hardest
Disabled children now exempt from the 'Bedroom Tax' - DWP Amends its policy
04 November, 2013
The Government has amended its controversial 'under-occupation penalty' scheme, commonly known as the 'bedroom tax.'
Bedroom Tax pensioner killed himself over fears he could not afford his home
04 November, 2013
A pensioner hanged himself after telling pals he was worried about how he would afford the Bedroom Tax
Universal credit: £120m could be written off to rescue welfare reform
01 November, 2013
Labour says ministers in disarray as leaked documents reveal two options for saving project to merge benefits and tax credits
Reforms spark surge in staff costs
01 November, 2013
Study shows providers expect 27% rise in staff costs and 82% rise in arrears
Council bid to avoid reforms
01 November, 2013
Scottish authority wants to exempt supported housing from benefit changes
Bedroom tax sparks council rent arrears surge
01 November, 2013
Around three-quarters of all city tenants dragged into the bedroom tax saga are now debt-ridden and behind in their rent
Welfare dependency isn't Britain's gravest economic problem
01 November, 2013
If the government really wanted to cut its benefit bill, it would ensure that employers give their workers a living wage
DWP issues 'urgent bulletin' about bedroom tax tribunal decisions
01 November, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has issued an 'urgent bulletin' calling on councils to notify it about any tribunal decisions relating to the bedroom tax
Bedroom Tax: Just 38 one bedroom properties for let in five Gwent housing associations
31 October, 2013
Five Gwent housing associations have as few as 38 one bedroom properties to rent but have 331 households requesting a move because of the so-called bedroom tax
Tenants in rent arrears offered six-month bedroom tax 'holiday'
31 October, 2013
A Welsh housing association is offering tenants a six-month 'holiday' from the bedroom tax, as arrears soar across the country
Impact of welfare reform on people with disabilities
31 October, 2013
The Welfare Reform Act introduces Universal Credit, replacing most means tested benefits
Housing bodies call for repeal of 'bedroom tax'
30 October, 2013
Two of Scotland's major housing bodies have launched a joint call for the repeal of the 'bedroom tax'
What will happen when the High Court sees the human face of the benefit cap
30 October, 2013
The benefit cap is another Coalition policy that, advertised as creating fairness, targets the most vulnerable
Deaf and blind man fears losing home over 'bedroom tax' as disabled legal challenges mount
29 October, 2013
Martin Styles, whose wife and son are also deaf, needs his 'spare' room to keep equipment that he needs to communicate
Understanding the opportunities and challenges presented by welfare reform
29 October, 2013
Report - October 2013
DWP delays universal credit pilot roll out
29 October, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has again changed the timetable for the roll out of universal credit
More Universal Credit delays
29 October, 2013
Instead of the expected six Jobcentre areas, selected for the much vaunted roll out of Universal Credit, Hammersmith will be the sole 'flagship' for the new benefit
Personal Independence Payment rolls out to existing claimants
29 October, 2013
Personal Independence Payment is being rolled out to existing claimants of Disability Living Allowance
Universal credit: 'a genuine and bold reform to how we do welfare'
29 October, 2013
National Housing Federation chief David Orr has described Universal Credit as 'a genuine and bold reform to how we do welfare'
Universal Credit scheme rolls out
28 October, 2013
The government's flagship welfare reform - Universal Credit - is starting the next phase of its national launch but far more slowly than intended
Disability welfare changes delayed by assessment process
28 October, 2013
Disability welfare changes for England, Scotland and Wales have been delayed because the government has been unable to assess claimants in time
Lord Freud says Bedroom Tax term is misleading... then refers to it as Bedroom Tax himself
28 October, 2013
David Cameron will hit the roof because he insists the hated measure is called the spare room subsidy to make it sound less cruel
Barrister warns bedroom reclassification could lead to refinancing
28 October, 2013
A top housing barrister warned landlords could trigger a repricing of their stock by reclassifying the number of bedrooms in their property
Universal Credit scheme is 'massive transformation'
28 October, 2013
Changes to the welfare system are still on track according to the minister in charge
Universal Credit expands to London
28 October, 2013
New jobseekers in Hammersmith will be able to make a claim for Universal Credit
Bedroom tax tenants hit by rising rent arrears
25 October, 2013
Rent arrears for council tenants hit by the bedroom tax have shot up at an 'alarming rate'
Girl aged just eight writes moving letter to MP on how family is 'on verge of destitution' due to cuts
25 October, 2013
In the handwritten note, given to Labour's Stephen Timms by the parents, the girl says the family now all have to sleep in one room
Welfare reform: where is Stormont's legislation?
25 October, 2013
It is the biggest change in the benefits system for decades
North Lanarkshire Council claims sharp rise in rent arrears
25 October, 2013
More than 2,000 people in one part of Scotland have got into rent arrears for the first time since changes to housing benefit were made in the spring
The Wales Report
25 October, 2013
Tenants in Wales say they can't cope with changes to the benefits system
Crunch time
25 October, 2013
Without government support, universal credit will come as a nasty shock to many households
Rent arrears soar under bedroom tax
25 October, 2013
The amount of households in rent arrears soared by 21% between March and June
Action stations
25 October, 2013
In his first interview since becoming housing minister two weeks ago, Kris Hopkins tells Martin Hilditch how he'll be a vocal advocate for England's regions
Rent arrears up since spare room subsidy abolished
24 October, 2013
Rent arrears owed to housing associations and local authorities rose in the three months after the spare room subsidy was abolished
Rent debts mount in Torfaen universal credit pilot
24 October, 2013
A leading economist says changes to housing benefits will result in a need for increased government spending on advice and support for tenants
51% of Welsh housing association tenants pushed into arrears due to bedroom tax
24 October, 2013
The majority of tenants in Wales affected by the bedroom tax in 22 housing associations have been pushed into arrears
How to support households affected by the overall benefit cap
24 October, 2013
In June 2025 government announced that it would cap the total amount of welfare benefits any working age household with children can receive at £500 per week
Bedroom tax drives massive rise in rent arrears
24 October, 2013
The government's widely condemned bedroom tax has driven an explosion in rent arrears across Wales
Benefit cap 'not encouraging work or saving money'
23 October, 2013
The government's benefit cap will struggle to meet its aims of encouraging people into work and saving taxpayers' money
Experiences and effects of the benefit cap in Haringey
23 October, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) is the independent voice for housing and the home of professional standards
Benefit cap has 'failed in its main objectives'
23 October, 2013
The government will struggle to make the benefit cap encourage people into work
10% more housing associations see rises in rent arrears after bedroom tax
23 October, 2013
The number of Scottish housing associations experiencing a rise in rent arrears in the first three months of the bedroom tax has risen by ten percentage
The benefit cap just shunts welfare costs on to councils
23 October, 2013
My fears are confirmed: the benefit cap fails to address the real problems of a lack of jobs, training and affordable housing and childcare
Benefit cap will struggle to save taxpayers' money
23 October, 2013
The government's benefit cap will struggle to save taxpayers' money and encourage people into work
Single man granted tenancy of three bedroom house due to impact of 'bedroom tax'
23 October, 2013
In a recent case, a local housing association brought trespass proceedings against a single man occupying a three bed roomed property
Government admits it does not know how well benefit cap is working
23 October, 2013
Work and pensions minister condemns report that found cap not working but is unable to offer official figures
Can't stay, can't go
23 October, 2013
Tenants who are affected by the Bedroom Tax are still facing an impossible choice, according to a new report released by Grand Union Housing
Scottish tenants are 'resisting' downsizing for the 'bedroom tax'
22 October, 2013
Research published by the Scottish Parliament's Welfare Reform Committee said that despite the financial pressure of the 'bedroom tax'
Report highlights people opting to stay and pay bedroom tax
22 October, 2013
An examination of the bedroom tax in Scotland has found that the 'pull factors' keeping people in their current homes and communities outweighed the 'push driver' of the charge
Viridian publishes new bedroom tax research
22 October, 2013
New research published by Viridian Housing Association
Labour backs Theresa May's Immigration Bill
22 October, 2013
Labour has said it will back government plans to toughen the immigration system by cutting back on benefit payments and grounds for appeal against deportation
£20m to help bedroom tax victims next year
21 October, 2013
Nicola Sturgeon has announced an additional £20 million will be made available for Scottish tenants hit by the bedroom tax next year
EU report 'misleading' and 'one-sided'
21 October, 2013
A Scottish homelessness charity has condemned a European Union report into the UK's housing as 'misleading and one-sided'
Salmond pledges to axe bedroom tax
21 October, 2013
The leader of the Scottish National Party Alex Salmond has pledged to axe the bedroom tax in Scotland should the country gain independence
Benefit changes rent arrears amnesty 'would need caution'
21 October, 2013
Any rent arrears amnesty as part of efforts to mitigate changes to the welfare system should be approached with caution
Bedroom tax hits tenants in Wales harder than anywhere in Britain
18 October, 2013
The bedroom tax hits tenants in Wales harder than anywhere else in Great Britain, a select committee has found
Landlords slam welfare pilots
18 October, 2013
Landlords in the universal credit pathfinder areas are complaining of poor communication from the Department for Work and Pensions
SNP conference: John Swinney says independence 'will protect needy'
18 October, 2013
Finance Secretary John Swinney has told the SNP conference Scotland has to have independence to protect the needy
Incentives would encourage bedroom tax tenants to pay up
18 October, 2013
Incentives such as vouchers for essential items and rent holidays are most likely to be effective in getting bedroom tax-hit tenants to pay rent on time
Flagship Tory council: welfare reforms are causing the homelessness surge
18 October, 2013
Fined £100,000 for illegally keeping families in B&B; accommodation, Westminster council blames the government's housing benefit cuts
The bedroom tax: only fair to private tenants?
18 October, 2013
Of all the arguments made for the bedroom tax, the most slippery is the one about it being 'only fair to private tenants'
Salmond says no agreement on benefit reforms after Cameron talks
17 October, 2013
The impact of changes to housing benefit has been raised by First Minister Alex Salmond in talks with Prime Minister David Cameron
'Bedroom tax costs could heat family home for a week'
17 October, 2013
The average financial loss faced by social housing tenants as a result of the government's controversial bedroom tax could heat a family home for almost a week
Housing benefit changes: Report warns of 'problems' for Wales
17 October, 2013
Changes to housing benefit - described by critics as the 'bedroom tax' - will cause potential problems in Wales
Alan Milburn says child poverty 'no longer problem of the workless and work-shy'
17 October, 2013
Working parents in Britain 'simply do not earn enough to escape poverty'
Nick Clegg orders independent study into Bedroom tax
16 October, 2013
Research is underway to examine impact of controversial Government policy
Volunteer pleas to help Coventry families facing eviction due to 'bedroom tax'
16 October, 2013
Coventry Against the Bedroom Tax create 'anti-eviction network' to support those threatened with eviction or a possession order
Clegg admits bedroom tax creates 'real dilemmas''
16 October, 2013
Nick Clegg has admitted the bedroom tax creates 'real dilemmas' and could vary 'enormously' between different parts of the country
Housing benefit changes defended
16 October, 2013
A Wales Office minister has defended changes to housing benefit described by critics as the 'bedroom tax'
Young mothers evicted from London hostel may be rehoused 200 miles away
15 October, 2013
Newham council says cuts and welfare reform mean it might have to look outside borough to rehouse 29 single mothers
Salmond challenges cameron on bedroom tax
15 October, 2013
ALEX Salmond is to raise the impact of the Coalition's bedroom tax at a meeting with Prime Minister David Cameron this week
Bedroom tax: savings likely to be '£160m less than official projections'
15 October, 2013
Analysis suggesting savings could be £160m less than official projections of £480m dismissed as 'vested interests' by employment minister
Testing DWP's assessment of the impact of the social rented sector size criterion on Housing Benefit costs and other factors
15 October, 2013
Research questions bedroom tax's ability to make savings - The government may have significantly over-estimated the savings likely to be generated by the bedroom tax
Bedroom Tax minister Lord Freud admits 'not enough one-bedroom homes' bungle
14 October, 2013
But he brazenly tried to shift responsibility for the logjam to local authorities as he defended the tax in the House of Lords
Jobseekers to start signing new Claimant Commitment
14 October, 2013
New jobseekers will have to account more clearly for their efforts to find work to get their benefit
Council offers grants for tenants to downsize
14 October, 2013
Harrow Council is offering its tenants grants to downsize their homes in an effort to reduce its 4,000-strong housing waiting list
Housing benefit reform savings 'lower than planned'
14 October, 2013
The amount of money saved by a controversial housing benefit change may be considerably less than expected
Bedroom tax deal to be announced 'within weeks'
11 October, 2013
A deal to pave the way for the introduction of the bedroom tax in Northern Ireland is due to be announced 'within weeks'
Not granting second bedroom to couple with disabilities is discrimination
11 October, 2013
A tribunal found a couple, who had been assessed as having one bedroom and a spare room, should qualify for local housing allowance under the two bedroom rate to avoid discrimination
Red Cross launches food aid campaign for Britain
11 October, 2013
The Red Cross is to start collecting food for families in the UK who are struggling to feed themselves
Credit where credit's due
11 October, 2013
Universal credit pilot projects show direct payment of benefits to tenants does work
Welsh Labour MPs launch attack on Government's 'bedroom tax' policy
10 October, 2013
But Montgomeryshire Conservative MP Glyn Davies argued the Welsh Government could not escape blame for the situation
Public think benefit cap claimants should work or move
10 October, 2013
Independent research published on public view about the benefit cap
Middle-class people are the benefit fraudsters it's OK to like
10 October, 2013
So 165,000 high-earning parents claiming child benefit have not yet signed up for self-assessment. Yet they don't get demonised
Families rehoused to avoid bedroom tax penalty
09 October, 2013
A London council said it has helped nearly 190 local families avoid the impact of the bedroom tax by getting them rehoused in more suitably sized accommodation
There's no cure for brain damage so why is ATOS retesting Francesca Martinez?
09 October, 2013
Disabled people are disproportionately affected by the Bedroom Tax and other cuts like those to council tax and housing benefit
David Cameron's benefits crackdown 'will hit single parents hardest'
08 October, 2013
Critics warn that Tory 'earn or learn' policy could leave 160,000 with nowhere to live
David Davies tells 'bedroom tax' teenager to 'go home'
08 October, 2013
Monmouth MP David Davies became involved in an argument with a 17-year-old girl when he told her that she should move back to her mother's home
David Davies: Housing benefit reform working better outside Wales
08 October, 2013
Changes to housing benefits - mainly so-called bedroom tax - are not working as well in Wales as other parts of the UK
A Monmouth MP sees effects of 'bedroom tax'
08 October, 2013
A Welsh Conservative politician says that the under occupancy charge - which Labour calls the "bedroom tax" - does not work as well in Wales
DWP slammed for 'shocking lack of financial control' on universal credit
08 October, 2013
A 'good news only' culture masked a 'shocking lack of financial control' of the government's universal credit programme
Lord Freud: Benefit cap 'helping people into work'
08 October, 2013
The benefit cap is helping people into employment, according to welfare reform minister Lord Freud
Bedroom tax means more tenants face eviction
07 October, 2013
Shortage of available smaller homes means tenants cannot move to avoid the charge
High court to rule on benefits cap 'within a month'
07 October, 2013
The High Court will decide whether the government's benefit cap regime breaches the human rights of the vulnerable 'within a month'
Jobseekers embrace digital revolution
07 October, 2013
The way people claim benefits is being revolutionised with the proportion of claims made online more than doubling in a year
More benefit sanctions means more suffering for those who live on the edge
07 October, 2013
Homeless people and people with mental health problems will be victims of further cuts. There's no safety net for the vulnerable
Bedroom tax: rehoused victims of domestic violence face eviction
07 October, 2013
Local authorities must exempt victims of domestic abuse from the under-occupancy charge
Benefits cuts for under 25s could increase homelessness
07 October, 2013
This week Framework is hosting a special seminar in Mansfield on its work with vulnerable young people
Bedroom tax: Queen helps desperate victim by sending his letter to David Cameron
07 October, 2013
Bedroom tax: Queen helps desperate victim by sending his letter to David Cameron
Removing benefits for the under-25s is the opposite of caring conservatism
04 October, 2013
If Cameron really thinks young people choose a life on benefits, he's wrong
Disabled woman wins bedroom tax appeal
04 October, 2013
Couples who cannot share a bedroom because of one partner's disability have been given fresh hope of being able to escape the bedroom tax
Benefits cap to leave families 'destitute'
04 October, 2013
Lone mothers and their children face 'destitution' as a result of the £500-a-week household benefits cap
Bedroom tax deal wins Northern Ireland a four-year reprieve
04 October, 2013
The effect of the notorious 'bedroom tax' is likely to be mitigated in Northern Ireland under a deal reached with the Treasury over benefit changes
Disabled teenager's family seek 'Bedroom Tax' judicial review
04 October, 2013
Warren, 13, has a rare chromosome disorder, Potocki-Schaffer Syndrome, and his grandparents are his full-time carers
Conservative minister promises a welfare system that 'lifts you when you can rise'
03 October, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith does not have to look far to find critics of his reforms
Welfare reforms 'will cost Northern Ireland economy £750m'
03 October, 2013
Reforms to the welfare system are expected to have a greater financial impact in Northern Ireland than in any other part of the UK
Benefit cap hits more than 8,000 householders
03 October, 2013
The government's cap on the total amount of benefits a non-working household can receive has affected 8,400 households between April and August
£20m fund to help bedroom tax victims allocated
03 October, 2013
The Scottish government has announced where it will allocate the £20 million pot to help households affected by the bedroom tax
SNP 'unlikely'to back bedroom tax legislation
03 October, 2013
The Scottish National Party is 'unlikely' to back a piece of Labour legislation designed to protect Scottish tenants from the bedroom tax
Removing benefits from under-25s could increase homelessness
03 October, 2013
Homeless charities have spoken out against David Cameron's proposals to remove benefits from under-25s if they are re-elected
No bedroom tax eviction policy would save taxpayers money
02 October, 2013
Plaid Cymru's shadow housing minister said yesterday that a 'no evictions' policy could protect vulnerable families as well as saving Welsh taxpayers money
Outlawing bedroom tax evictions will send the wrong messages, says CIH Scotland
02 October, 2013
The proposed Bill to outlaw bedroom tax evictions is well intended but will send all the wrong messages to tenants, according to CIH Scotland
Millions 'will struggle' with Universal Credit payments
02 October, 2013
Millions of benefits claimants will struggle to manage their money under Universal Credit
Welfare reform PR a 'worry' for minister responsible
02 October, 2013
The government 'really needs to worry on the PR around welfare reform', according to the minister responsible for the process
Judicial review of benefit caps reaches High Court
02 October, 2013
Three children and their mothers will challenge the government's 'irrational and discriminatory' benefit caps in the High Court today
Fund launched for people in debt after benefit reforms
02 October, 2013
A new fund to help people who are in debt or affected by welfare reforms launched yesterday in Scotland
Under-25s next on Cameron's benefits clamp-down list
02 October, 2013
David Cameron today called for further 'bold action' on further reducing benefit dependency in Britain in the next Conservative Party manifesto
More than 2.7m people will struggle with universal credit
02 October, 2013
A survey released today has found more than 2.7 million benefit recipients think they will struggle to make sense of their payments
David Cameron: Labour's the point
02 October, 2013
Elections are won by the party that defines the question
What impact will the PM's 'earn or learn' strategy have?
02 October, 2013
The Prime Minister wants the under 25s to 'earn or learn', rather than opting for a life on benefits
Billions more to be cut from welfare cash before 2020 in Tory pledge for budget surplus
01 October, 2013
George Osborne said surplus would be 'insurance against difficult times ahead'
Payday loans being used to feed desperate families, charity says
01 October, 2013
Christians Against Poverty says some lenders are not even checking whether people are in work and able to pay loans back
Bedroom tax drives £2m arrears increase in Merseyside
01 October, 2013
Rent arrears have increased by £2.2 million in Merseyside in the six months since the introduction of the government's controversial bedroom tax
Glasgow judge finds bedroom tax breaches human rights
01 October, 2013
Applying the bedroom tax to a couple who cannot share a room because of one partner's disability is a breach of their human rights
Future of work programme should include 'more involvement' for social landlords
01 October, 2013
Welfare minister Lord David Freud has hinted the government will answer pleas by social landlords for its flagship employment scheme to be overhauled
Bedroom tax tribunal victory 'likely to be followed', law firm say
30 September, 2013
Tenants who claim spare rooms have never been used as bedrooms could escape the bedroom tax following a tribunal decision
How six months of benefits changes hit hard in Blackpool
30 September, 2013
At this time of year, Blackpool's illuminated mile sparkles with neon self-confidence
Salmond under pressure to outlaw bedroom tax evictions
30 September, 2013
Alex Salmond has been challenged to support moves to outlaw bedroom tax evictions amid angry claims he has been exploiting the benefits cut
Benefit cuts hitting social tenants' mental health
30 September, 2013
The government's raft of benefit cuts is has having a negative effect on people's mental health, a major study has revealed
Vulnerable people are 'terrified' by welfare reforms
30 September, 2013
vulnerable people are 'absolutely terrified' by some proposed measures
Long term unemployed will have to work or train for benefits
30 September, 2013
Long-term unemployed will have to carry out work or training placements in return for their benefits from April, Osborne expected to say
Housing benefit cap will be 'kept under review'
30 September, 2013
The minister in charge of UK welfare reform has reiterated a pledge that a cap on housing benefit payments to the rate of inflation will be monitored
Council to take £1m out of housing budget to help bedroom tax victims
27 September, 2013
Southwark Council is to take £1 million out of its housing revenue account to support tenants hit by the government's wide-ranging welfare reforms
Bedroom tax guidance panned
27 September, 2013
'Bizarre' government guidelines place onus on landlords not local authorities to define a bedroom
DWP to appeal groundbreaking Fife 'bedroom tax' judgments
27 September, 2013
The UK Government is seeking leave to appeal against landmark rulings exempting tenants from the controversial "bedroom tax"
SFHA Statement: Scottish Labour 'Bedroom Tax' Bill
27 September, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA), which has been actively campaigning for months for the repeal of the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Digital revolution
27 September, 2013
Welfare reform has placed a heavy burden on social landlords' resources
Benefit cap successfully in place nationwide
27 September, 2013
The £500 a week benefit cap is in place across the country and a major welfare reform has been successfully delivered
Work Programme
26 September, 2013
Latest published figures show over 168,000 jobseekers have escaped long-term unemployment and found lasting work through the Work Programme
Welfare reform: 'A Tsunami of fear'
25 September, 2013
Debt, hunger, and stress emerge as key themes from the first phase of an ongoing study of the social impact of welfare reform
Vulnerable people facing eviction after council cuts support for hostel residents
25 September, 2013
Up to 150 people affected after Bristol authority decides to cut funding to save £750,000 a year
Bedroom Tax: 3,200 people fighting for just 45 homes in one city 24 Sep 2013 19:22
25 September, 2013
Housing bosses admit to a chronic shortage of single bedroom properties as 7,000 are hit with benefit cuts
The bedroom tax: echoes of the poll tax
24 September, 2013
The bedroom tax represents everything about the governing party that voters say they most dislike. Ed Miliband's pledge to ban it gives Labour delegates a boost on the doorstep
Full details of first bedroom tax tribunal rulings
23 September, 2013
The first tribunal rulings on bedroom tax appeals have emerged - and Inside Housing is now able to reveal the full details
Miliband pledges to reverse social housing changes
23 September, 2013
Labour has said it will reverse controversial changes to housing benefit if it wins the next election
Homeless jobseekers hit hard by benefit cuts
23 September, 2013
Tough new sanctions regime 'is pushing people into petty crime'
Research published on impact of welfare reform
23 September, 2013
New research published on the impact of the proposed housing benefit reforms on the social rented sector
Labour cannot be defenders of status quo on welfare, says Liam Byrne
20 September, 2013
Shadow work and pensions secretary claims party could save £5bn from benefits bill by raising employment levels
Independent reviewer of benefit sanctions announced
20 September, 2013
Matthew Oakley, a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee, has been appointed to carry out an independent review of benefit sanctions for the government
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Wales 2013
20 September, 2013
Joseph Rowntree Foundation survey finds thousands in arrears due to so called 'bedroom tax'
The woman from Brazil
20 September, 2013
UN special rapporteur Raquel Rolnik ruffled plenty of feathers last week after rubbishing UK housing policy
David Orr: government should consider capping private rents
20 September, 2013
National Housing Federation chief executive says bold measures needed to solve UK housing crisis
One in three 'behind on rent' since housing benefit changes
19 September, 2013
One in three council tenants affected by a recent cut to housing benefit has fallen behind on rent since the policy took effect
More than half of families hit by bedroom tax pushed into debt
19 September, 2013
Half of families hit by the bedroom tax have been pushed into rent arrears in the first three months of the controversial policy
Give social landlords funding for advising tenants about universal credit
19 September, 2013
Social landlords must be funded to provide advice to tenants if universal credit is going to succeed
Should the bedroom tax be scrapped?
19 September, 2013
More than half of families hit by bedroom tax are in debt after three months of the policy
CIH advises councils to collect data on the size of bedrooms
19 September, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing is advising councils to ensure they gather data about room sizes from social landlords
How to beat the 'bedroom tax'
19 September, 2013
Social housing tenants in Fife are using housing law from the 1980s to successfully challenge demands for extra rent under the so-called bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax' marchers takes to the streets
18 September, 2013
Campaigners chanted "axe the bedroom tax" at a protest against the controversial charge held in Bolton town centre
Free school lunch for every child in infant school
18 September, 2013
Nick Clegg announces free school lunch for every child in state-funded infant school and disadvantaged students in further education
Bedroom Tax: Lib Dem members demand review of levy for 'discriminating against vulnerable'
17 September, 2013
Nick Clegg has personally defended the £14 a week raid on some of the poorest families
Miliband urged to take a stance on bedroom tax policy
17 September, 2013
The Labour leader is being urged to take a stance on whether the party would scrap the bedroom tax if they came into power
What's wrong with the bedroom tax?
17 September, 2013
Whether you call it the 'bedroom tax' or the 'spare room subsidy', it's the wrong prescription, based on a faulty diagnosis
'Vigorous' examination of bedroom tax after landslide vote
17 September, 2013
The Liberal Democrats will 'vigorously evaluate' the impact of the bedroom tax, after a motion slamming it passed by a landslide at conference yesterday
Lib Dem conference: Members back review of housing benefit changes
17 September, 2013
Lib Dems have backed a review of the government's controversial housing benefit shake-up
Touchbase DWP e-zine
16 September, 2013
September 2013 - report on the roll out of the benefit cap to the final 40 local authority areas which began on 12 August and will be completed at the end of September
Labour disputes 'bedroom tax' claim by Jackie Baillie
16 September, 2013
Labour has said it has not pledged to reverse housing benefit changes
Social housing unites in Nottingham to oppose bedroom tax-linked evictions
16 September, 2013
Nottingham's largest social housing providers have agreed to take an anti-eviction policy against people who fall into rent arrears due to the bedroom tax
Leaked email outlines bedroom tax defence for Lib Dems
16 September, 2013
An email outlining how Liberal Democrat members should defend the bedroom tax in interviews was accidentally leaked to the media this morning
'Party politics' stopping tenants from getting bedroom tax discretionary payments
16 September, 2013
Local councils are 'playing politics' by not granting discretionary payments to tenants affected by the bedroom tax
Charity threatens legal action over tenants benefit cuts
16 September, 2013
A Bristol charity is threatening legal action saying its residents have unfairly had their benefits cut
Benefit fraud could lead to 10-year jail terms,
16 September, 2013
Benefit cheats in England and Wales could face longer jail terms of up to 10 years, following new guidance from the director of public prosecutions
Longer sentences for benefit fraud: will it work?
16 September, 2013
The latest effort to 'get tough' on benefit fraud will see maximum sentences increased to ten years
DWP mulls fresh bedroom tax advice
13 September, 2013
The DWP is considering issuing fresh guidance to councils and tribunals following four successful appeals against the bedroom tax
UN expert says UK government 'most aggressive' in 11 missions
13 September, 2013
An under-fire UN inspector said she had never faced such an 'aggressive' reaction from a government, after a report she wrote was branded an 'absolute disgrace' by a senior Tory politician
'Bedroom tax for the better off' possible in Wales if stamp duty is devolved
13 September, 2013
Devolving stamp duty powers to Wales could be used to create a 'bedroom tax for the better off'
£20m to help bedroom tax victims in Scotland this year
13 September, 2013
The Scottish Government has announced in its draft budget that £20 million will be made available this year to help those struggling from the effect of the bedroom tax
Less than 5% of landlord's households affected by bedroom tax willing to downsize
13 September, 2013
Peabody has said less than five per cent of its households hit by the bedroom tax are willing to downsize
UN official will urge government to fund social housing
13 September, 2013
A United Nations investigator will recommend the government starts funding social housing again, to avoid breaching international treaties on housing
DWP mulls fresh bedroom tax advice
13 September, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions is considering issuing fresh guidance to councils and tribunals following four successful appeals against the bedroom tax
Nottingham landlords draw up bedroom tax eviction protocol
13 September, 2013
Nottingham's largest social landlords are introducing a city-wide eviction prevention protocol for dealing with tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Grant Shapps should reconsider his ill-informed UN 'bedroom tax' outrage
13 September, 2013
Raquel Rolnik acted within her remit and did meet the government despite the Tory chairman's claims to the contrary
Swinney: Cash to ease benefit reforms
13 September, 2013
The Scottish Government's draft budget for 2013-14 has been outlined
It's an extra room, but does it count as a bedroom?
13 September, 2013
Four council tenants have had a cut in their housing benefit reversed, after a tribunal in Fife ruled that an extra room in their home was not a bedroom
Benefit cuts put frontline housing staff in danger
12 September, 2013
Housing providers have become de facto enforcers of many benefit cuts and are finding themselves at greater at risk of harm
Housing association backs UN official's slamming of 'abhorrent' bedroom tax
12 September, 2013
Coast & Country Housing has welcomed the findings of a United Nations' special rapporteur, which branded the bedroom tax a 'shocking' policy that should be abolished
7,000 Scottish tenants to get grants to curb bedroom tax effects
12 September, 2013
An extra 7,000 households hit by the bedroom tax in Scotland can receive hardship grants as result of the Scottish Government more than doubling funding in its budget
The bedroom tax is a bad idea - but welfare reform is necessary
12 September, 2013
If you want to give people the chance of a future that's better than a life on benefits you have to change this mess of a system
£200m of Universal Credit IT could be scrapped, MPs told
12 September, 2013
A further £200m of IT work on the troubled Universal Credit programme could still be written off
Cuts Watch Cymru: Mitigating the Impact of Changes to Housing Benefit in Wales
12 September, 2013
The UK Government has embarked on radical changes to Housing Benefit
Shapps requests investigation into UN housing expert's actions
12 September, 2013
The Conservative chair has requested an investigation into the actions of the UN special rapporteur for housing Raquel Rolnik today in a letter to Ban Ki-Moon
'Shocking' bedroom tax should be axed, says UN investigator
11 September, 2013
Housing expert Raquel Rolnik says policy could constitute a violation of the human right to adequate housing
Tribunal may pave way for 'bedroom tax' appeals
11 September, 2013
Legal challenges against the "bedroom tax" could be opened up across the UK after a key ruling declared that small spare rooms should not be considered for the controversial penalty
Conservatives protest to UN over 'bedroom tax' report
11 September, 2013
Conservative chairman Grant Shapps has condemned as an "absolute disgrace" a UN official's critical comments on the government's housing benefit changes
Michael Gove: poor have only themselves to blame for food banks
11 September, 2013
Michael Gove has blamed the rise in food banks on the behaviour of poorer people
Protestors gather at parliament to banish bedroom tax 'monster'
11 September, 2013
Protestors against the coalition's bedroom tax are congregating today at the Scottish parliament, as housing charity Shelter Scotland steps up its campaign against the widely-hated policy
UN tells government to abolish 'shocking' bedroom tax
11 September, 2013
The United Nations' special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing has told the Tory-led coalition that it should abolish its controversial bedroom tax
Bedroom tax is a human rights issue
11 September, 2013
The UN special investigator's shock over bedroom tax exposes the low status social rights are afforded in Britain
Bedroom tax effect questioning continues
10 September, 2013
The committee probing the effect of the bedroom tax in Scotland will continue their examination today
Size matters - Fife rulings could have national implications for future of 'bedroom tax'
10 September, 2013
The UK Government's controversial "bedroom tax" policy could be thrown into disarray following a decision by a top QC
Bristol council tenants in arrears 'may be evicted'
10 September, 2013
Council tenants in Bristol who have fallen into arrears due to housing benefit changes may have to be evicted, the city's mayor has admitted
Liverpool housing association will pay Bedroom Tax
09 September, 2013
South Liverpool housing trust says it will cover people's bedroom tax shortfall if they make an effort to get a job
Landlord to pay tenants' bedroom tax while they train
09 September, 2013
SLH has started a scheme to try to help its tenants hit by the government's bedroom tax - paying for their housing benefit losses while they train for work
UK's lowest-paid employees to be classed as 'not working enough'
09 September, 2013
One million people could be pushed to earn more - or have their benefits cut, says Department for Work and Pensions
Tenant wins appeal against the bedroom tax
09 September, 2013
A tenant has won one of the first tribunal appeals against the bedroom tax
MP broken by party backing welfare cap will stand down
09 September, 2013
An MP has announced she will step down at the next election after 'something broke' in her when her party responded to concern about welfare by backing a cap on benefits
Michael Gove school comments appear at odds with bedroom tax
06 September, 2013
Education minister says children from less affluent backgrounds suffer because they do not have their own bedroom
Tax paid for tenants in training
06 September, 2013
A Liverpool landlord is covering bedroom tax shortfalls for tenants to incentivise take-up of a training and employability programme
'Escalating human cost' of welfare reform highlighted in Manchester
06 September, 2013
Manchester housing providers have highlighted the 'escalating human cost' of welfare reform, five months after the bedroom tax came into effect
Speed dating event for downsizers
06 September, 2013
Ealing Council is to host a 'speed dating' house swap event for tenants looking to move to smaller or larger homes
David Cameron's £2.4bn universal credit project riddled with problems
05 September, 2013
£34m wasted on failed IT programmes and Labour says report proves cover up of issues that put welfare claimants at risk
Revealed: Human cost of hard-hitting welfare cuts in Manchester
05 September, 2013
New research warns of overcrowding, new social ghettos, soaring levels of debt and mental illness - with minorities bearing the brunt
Universal credit IT systems in question
05 September, 2013
The Head of the IT project for Universal Credit at the Department of Work and Pensions is being forced to defend the project
Labour plans Scottish tenant welfare laws
05 September, 2013
Scottish Labour has proposed new laws to 'protect' housing tenants from eviction under controversial UK government welfare changes
'Titanic-sized IT disaster' universal credit is 'overly ambitious'
05 September, 2013
The government's universal credit system has been slammed by the National Audit Office as overly ambitious in both its timetable and scope
Watchdog slams DWP for 'weak management' of universal credit
05 September, 2013
The implementation of universal credit suffered from 'weak management, ineffective control and poor governance'
Universal credit: Welfare reform 'poor value' watchdog says
05 September, 2013
The government's flagship welfare reform has been badly managed, is "overambitious" and poor value for money, the spending watchdog has said
Opinion: Benefit reforms are sending us back to the future
04 September, 2013
Steve White, the outgoing chief executive of Blackwood Housing Association, argues that the government's welfare reforms signal a fundamental shift in the way the sector operates
Discretionary Housing Payments: your rights explained
04 September, 2013
Disability Rights UK Factsheet
Force claimants to work for benefits, government urged
04 September, 2013
A US-style "work for the dole" scheme could save £3.5bn a year in welfare costs, a campaign group has said
Charity's campaign to banish the bedroom tax 'monster'
04 September, 2013
Housing charity Shelter Scotland has launched a campaign to get the UK government's controversial bedroom tax abolished
Bedroom tax investigated by UN housing official
04 September, 2013
Raquel Rolnik on two-week tour of UK cities to assess general housing policy as well as impact of bedroom tax on human rights
Elderly residents to receive lodger support under council scheme
03 September, 2013
A scheme to keep elderly people in their own homes for longer by having a lodger move in to provide low-level support is set to be introduced by the Royal Borough
Tenant slashes wrist in housing office after being driven to despair by bedroom tax
03 September, 2013
Tormented former miner attempted suicide in front of staff because he couldn't cope with running up rent arrears as a result of the hated tax
Universal Credit: The First 100 days
03 September, 2013
Speech by Howard Shiplee, a former Olympics executive who was drafted in to direct the Universal Credit scheme
Universal Credit has been plagued by problems, says director
03 September, 2013
Britain's welfare reforms have been undermined by a series of "missteps" with officials in denial over emerging problems
Bedroom Tax: Ed Miliband says Labour will scrap hated levy
02 September, 2013
In a sensational victory for the Sunday People's campaign, the Labour leader could unveil his plan as early as this month in his Brighton conference speech
Labour pledges £50m to battle 'bedroom tax'
02 September, 2013
Labour will pledge to find £50 million in Scotland's budget in order to negate the impact of the so-called 'bedroom tax' in Scotland
Welfare support centre sees attendance soar
30 August, 2013
A Westminster community centre has seen the amount of residents approaching it for advice on welfare reforms double since the start of the year
UN to investigate bedroom tax
30 August, 2013
A United Nations representative is to take part in a meeting to hear how the bedroom tax is affecting the UK's social housing tenants
Bedroom tax could cause Christmas homelessness crisis
30 August, 2013
Landlord repossession claims and court orders issued after the introduction of the tax in April saw double digit rises in the three months to June
Frozen out
30 August, 2013
When the government announced its controversial welfare reforms, it promised that supported housing would be protected from the impact. So why are some providers still left out in the cold?
Claimant commitment to spell out what jobseekers must do in return for benefits
30 August, 2013
DWP information
£40,000 to get tenants online
29 August, 2013
Tenants of Fabrick Housing Group and the Vela Group are to be helped to get online with £40,000 in government funding
Motion opposing bedroom tax could be a threat to party leadership, MPs warn
29 August, 2013
Liberal Democrat MPs have warned the party they could face defeat over a motion opposing the bedroom tax tabled for next month's conference
The bedroom tax's impact on one of the UK's hardest hit towns
29 August, 2013
Two-thirds of affected tenants fail to keep up with payments and face years on waiting lists for smaller homes in Hartlepool
North East sees highest increase in demand for foodbanks
29 August, 2013
New figures from Newcastle CAB show a sharp rise in inquiries about foodbanks in the past six months, with an increase of 216%
Proportion of UK workless households falls to record low
29 August, 2013
Official figures show 17.1% of all households have no adult aged 16-64 in work, down from 17.9% a year earlier
Why the bedroom tax penalises council tenants in the north
28 August, 2013
Northern tenants are being hit particularly hard because few smaller properties exist and most tenants have nowhere to go
Bedroom Tax costing more than it saves as housing benefit bill soars by £1.5bn
28 August, 2013
Figures from the Commons library show the amount of housing benefit paid to private landlords will rise from £7.9billion to £9.4billion
Weaver Vale housing team sort out money matters
28 August, 2013
WVH Trust's Money Matters team is helping tenants get on top of their finances with advice on a number of problems: debt, budgeting, housing benefit and welfare reform.
Women biggest victims in coalition's welfare blitz
28 August, 2013
The blitz of reforms to the welfare system by the Tory-led coalition has had a disproportionally negative impact on women, new analysis has revealed
Pickles to slash 'unfair' council tax charge for extended families
28 August, 2013
Eric Pickles has announced plans to help extended families by abolishing an "unfair" council tax surcharge on annexes and home improvements
Drinkers lose share of housing benefit help
27 August, 2013
Edinburgh City Council is the first in the country to assess how much people spend on 'luxuries' when deciding whether to give them extra funding
'No homelessness' policy protects tenants affected by bedroom tax
27 August, 2013
Residents who fall behind on rent will be guaranteed alternative accommodation under housing association's new policy
Bedroom Tax is postcode lottery as it is revealed residents in some areas avoid levy
27 August, 2013
A survey of local authorities shows that what you pay depends on where you live, with some local authorities using a loophole to exempt tenants with tiny bedrooms
Cambridgeshire councils see rent problems increase after benefit changes
27 August, 2013
The number of people asking for help with rent payments in the last few months has quadrupled in some areas, Cambridgeshire councils' data shows
Bedroom tax boosts arrears for Welsh housing associations
23 August, 2013
Housing associations in south Wales have seen more than half their tenants affected by the bedroom tax fall into rent arrears
Bedroom tax activists to take part in mass sleep out
23 August, 2013
Anti-bedroom tax campaigners across the country will take part in a mass sleep out tomorrow night
Number of benefit claimants in work nears 1 million landmark
23 August, 2013
Boost driven by increase in employed private renters claiming
Cut back on fags and booze to get DHPs, council says
23 August, 2013
Edinburgh denies tenants emergency housing cash if they spend on 'luxuries'
Bedroom tax MPs claim child housing subsidy
23 August, 2013
MPs criticised for taking extra public money so children can stay over
Bailiffs called in by councils for 1.8m debts, charity warns
22 August, 2013
Local councils have called in bailiffs an "excessive" 1.8m times in the last year to collect debts on their behalf, according to the Money Advice Trust
Disabled single mother becomes first Scottish victim of bedroom tax
22 August, 2013
A severely disabled mother of two is to become the first tenant in Scotland to be evicted from her home as a result of the bedroom tax
'Speed dating' homes swap event for Oxford tenants
22 August, 2013
A 'speed dating' event is being held for council and housing association tenants in Oxford who want to swap their homes
Lib Dems to revolt against bedroom tax
22 August, 2013
Liberal Democrat grassroot supporters are planning a revolt against the coalition's controversial bedroom tax
Tenants may beat 'bedroom tax' with new bathrooms
21 August, 2013
Hundreds of people who could fall victim to the "tax" are to benefit from new plans to convert spare bedrooms into bathrooms.
Bedroom tax forcing previously paid-up tenants into arrears
21 August, 2013
Shocking new figures appear to suggest that social housing tenants who previously kept up with their rent payments have been forced into arrears since the introduction of the widely condemned bedroom tax
DWP 'chaos' to cost £1.4bn, says Labour's Liam Byrne
21 August, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's flagship welfare programmes have gone so badly wrong they are set to cost taxpayers £1.4bn, his Labour shadow has claimed
Labour to slam coalition's benefits revolution
21 August, 2013
The Labour Party is set to lay into the government's expansive reforms of the benefits system
'Bedroom tax will destroy rural communities'
20 August, 2013
The government's bedroom tax will lead to the break-up of rural communities, a pressure group has warned
Bedroom tax putting thousands into debt
20 August, 2013
Thousands of the most deprived people in St Helens are being sent into a vicious spiral of debt and hardship
Gwent tenants owe £190,000 after housing benefit changes
20 August, 2013
Tenants of four Gwent housing associations who were hit by changes to housing benefit now owe more than £190,000 despite previously making the rent,
Supporting vulnerable people back into society requires time, Patience and commitment, not punitive measures
20 August, 2013
Abigail Scott Paul reveals how benefits changes are affecting people on the front line of poverty in the North East
Housing association pledges to rehome bedroom tax victims
20 August, 2013
A housing association has pledged to rehome anyone who goes into arrears and is evicted due to the bedroom tax
Welfare reform staff describe 'culture of secrecy' and stress
20 August, 2013
Staff working on the government's flagship welfare reforms have claimed the programme is in chaos due to a lack of leadership and stressful working conditions.
Families struggling as child costs rise
19 August, 2013
Families are struggling as the cost of bringing up a child has risen to £148,000, according to research for the Child Poverty Action Group charity
Foodbank demand increase 'shocking', says Bradford charity boss
19 August, 2013
The number of hard-pressed people seeking help from foodbanks has risen 78 per cent in the last six months
Boomerang Generation: the young adults living back with parents
19 August, 2013
One man's struggle to lead an independent life has been thwarted by high rents and hefty bills, like thousands of others
Bedroom tax putting thousands into debt
19 August, 2013
Thousands of the most deprived people in St Helens are being sent into a vicious spiral of debt and hardship by the government's controversial "bedroom tax"
Bolton at Home becomes first association in country to make 'no homelessness' pledge over 'bedroom tax'
19 August, 2013
Bolton at Home has become the first housing association in the country to introduce a "no homelessness" policy
New welfare reform timetable announced
19 August, 2013
The Social Security Agency has issued a revised timetable for welfare reforms and benefit changes in Northern Ireland
Housing staff 'may be target of bedroom tax protests'
19 August, 2013
Staff at a housing association have been warned against wearing their uniforms outside working hours for fear of being attacked by anti-bedroom tax protesters
Bedroom tax safety warning
16 August, 2013
A Merseyside HA is advising staff not to display their uniforms or name badges outside work hours due to fears for their safety from bedroom tax protestors
Statistics on Income Support lone parent regime (ISLP) with figures on lone parent Work Focused Interviews and ISLP sanctions to March 2013
15 August, 2013
Official statistics relating to the Income Support lone parent (ISLP) regime. They contains figures on lone parent Work Focused Interviews (WFIs) and ISLP sanctions up to March 2013
Making Discretionary Housing Payments work for disabled people
15 August, 2013
According to this report from the Papworth Trust 1 in 3 disabled people are refused DHPs
Housing association staff donate to food bank
14 August, 2013
Staff at Sanctuary Housing in Salisbury have donated food from their own kitchens to a local food bank
SFHA call for evidence
14 August, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations is currently gathering evidence on the ability of under occupying tenants to move to smaller homes
FOI reveals effects of bedroom tax in Wales
14 August, 2013
More than half of Welsh councils received more requests for additional housing payments in the first two months of the bedroom tax than for the same period last year
Rise in hardship payments across Wales as effects of 'bedroom tax' kick in
13 August, 2013
Councils report seeing huge increases in applications for hardship payments since the introduction of the 'bedroom tax' in April
Plaid Cymru concern at rent payment help claims after benefit changes
13 August, 2013
Big increases in people applying for help to pay their rent have been reported following changes to housing benefit
Councils forced to switch spending to help people hit by benefit reforms
13 August, 2013
LGA survey suggests councils will have to spend more money helping families asking for help to make ends meet
Benefit cap - final stage starts
12 August, 2013
The benefit cap started in the final council areas on 12 August 2013 and will be completed nationally by the end of September
For those eyeballing benefits as a one-way ticket to easy street, I have a wake-up call for you: those days are over! Says Iain Duncan Smith
12 August, 2013
The last stage of the benefits cap roll-out has begun with claimants across the country having their benefits capped to a maximum of £26,000 a year
Benefit cap completes roll-out
12 August, 2013
The government's benefits cap begins its roll-out into the country's final council areas
Government funds effort to get social housing tenants online
12 August, 2013
South Essex Homes is one of twelve UK housing associations that have secured funding from the government's 'Digital Deal'
4,000 jobless singletons raking in benefits worth more than £23,000 to be hit by lower benefits cap for people living alone
12 August, 2013
Mail on-line article
Summer of hunger: Huge rise in food bank use as demand linked to 'welfare reform'
12 August, 2013
Trust running country's largest network says some branches have had double the number of requests for emergency parcels since start of school holidays
3,000 families affected by benefit cap
08 August, 2013
Nearly 3,000 households have had their incomes slashed as a result of the total benefits cap trialled in four London boroughs
Benefit cap - number of households capped across phased area local authorities, data to June 2013
08 August, 2013
DWP statistics showing the number of households capped to June 2013
Scotland secures £3.5m extra for DHP
08 August, 2013
The Scottish Government has secured a further £3.5 million of financial help for its rural communities to adjust to housing benefit changes
Universal Credit could limit benefit access, Labour warns
07 August, 2013
Entitlement to free school meals, legal aid and a range of health measures threatened by new system
If single mothers are denied social housing will anyone benefit?
07 August, 2013
The government seems set on taking us back to an era when single mothers were penalised most. What next? The poorhouse?
Direct payment of housing benefit
07 August, 2013
Shropshire Towns and Rural Housing is one of the organisations taking part in the direct payment demonstration projects. Neighbourhoods manager Chris Shepherd talks about the experience so far
Evictions loom as social landlord reports 86% arrears rise since bedroom tax
07 August, 2013
A Northumberland social landlord has warned that evictions might be on the cards after seeing its rent arrears shoot up by 86% since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax: Huge rise in tenants in arrears
07 August, 2013
The number of social housing tenants plunging into rent arrears in the Scottish capital soared in the two months following the introduction of the bedroom tax
Dane to advise on Scots welfare
06 August, 2013
A Danish expert on cradle-to-grave welfare services across Scandinavia is to help plan the welfare system of an independent Scotland
Scottish charity plots bedroom tax challenge
06 August, 2013
A charity is pulling together a working group to plot a legal challenge to the bedroom tax in the Scottish courts
Benefits cap to be applied if Scots vote yes
06 August, 2013
The amount of money households can claim in benefits would be capped in an independent Scotland
96% of bedroom tax victims have nowhere to downsize to
06 August, 2013
The vast majority of social housing tenants affected by the bedroom tax have no smaller properties available to them to downsize to
Bedroom tax judgment will increase demand for scarce emergency payments
05 August, 2013
A reliance on temporary discretionary housing payments to protect residents from the bedroom tax will not go far enough
'Big lie' behind the bedroom tax: Families trapped with nowhere to move face penalty for having spare room
05 August, 2013
The Government's justification for its controversial "bedroom tax" has been debunked by new figures showing that up to 96 per cent of those affected have, in effect, nowhere to move
Universal Credit staff describe chaos behind scenes of flagship Tory reform
05 August, 2013
DWP employees criticise environment of poor management and high stress in leaked internal survey
Bedroom Tax: Neighbours form ring of steel to help foster mum ruined by levy
05 August, 2013
Irene Lockett could not pay the extra £23.24 per week docked from those with empty rooms under new welfare rules.
£35million DHP top-up futile
02 August, 2013
A £35 million boost to discretionary housing payments will not relieve the worst effects of the bedroom tax, housing sector figures have warned
Bedroom Tax: Council spent £40,000 making home fit for disabled daughter.. now they say it's too big
02 August, 2013
Daily Mirror case study
Tax boost for existing tenants
02 August, 2013
Sinn Fein is 'confident' the bedroom tax will not apply to existing tenants in Northern Ireland, a representative has said
Welfare changes could threaten winter night shelters, warns Homeless Link
02 August, 2013
Homeless Link has warned that welfare changes could increase the death toll this winter
Charities mapping out crisis loan availability
01 August, 2013
Charities are working together to map out how different local authorities are handing out emergency loans to vulnerable people to help them with housing costs
Regulator launches survey to examine early impact of Welfare Reform
01 August, 2013
The Scottish Housing Regulator has launched a short survey of all social landlords to gather information on the early impact of Welfare Reform on the payment of rent
Unite vows to continue the fight after High Court judge rejects Bedroom Tax challenge
01 August, 2013
Unite has vowed to continue the fight against the Bedroom Tax following the High Court's dismissal of a legal challenge, by a group of 10 families
How the Bedroom Tax differs from the Local Housing Allowance of 2008.
31 July, 2013
A blog predominantly about things to do with bedroom tax, by Rob G
'Bedroom tax will hit the poorest' says minister disappointed at High Court ruling
31 July, 2013
The Scottish government's welfare minister has expressed her disappointment at the High Court ruling over the bedroom tax
Government comes up with £35m to assist housing benefit cut victims
31 July, 2013
The government has announced an extra £35 million in funding to help claimants in the social sector affected by the cuts to housing benefit
Scottish independence: Welfare reforms 'possible but potentially costly'
31 July, 2013
Independence would allow Scotland to reverse recent "poorly-designed" reforms to the UK's welfare system
The bedroom tax court judgment has thrown up some puzzling anomalies
31 July, 2013
Disabled people are left wondering how a policy which leads to such significant discrimination and hardship can ever be justified
Disabled families await housing benefits cuts ruling
30 July, 2013
The High Court is to rule on whether cuts to housing benefit for social housing residents with spare bedrooms discriminates against disabled people
High Court rejects disabled tenants bedroom tax challenge
30 July, 2013
The High Court has just rejected ten families' challenge against the bedroom tax. The families plan to appeal
Housing benefit challenge dismissed by High Court
30 July, 2013
Disabled families have lost a court challenge to social housing benefit cuts for residents with spare bedrooms in England, Wales and Scotland
Humphrys cleared but BBC's welfare reform programme broke accuracy and impartiality rules
30 July, 2013
The BBC Trust has ruled that a programme the corporation broadcast in October 2011 on welfare breached its rules on impartiality and accuracy
Housing groups slam bedroom tax ruling
30 July, 2013
Housing groups and charities have been left 'deeply disappointed' after the High Court dismissed a legal challenge to the government's bedroom tax
'Bedroom Tax' leads to rise in Glasgow rent arrears
30 July, 2013
Rent arrears are rising across Glasgow since the 'bedroom tax' was introduced almost four months ago
Bedroom tax legal challenge dismissed by high court
30 July, 2013
Ten families who argue the tax discriminates against those with disabilities vow to appeal as campaigners warn that ruling puts such families at 'real risk of homelessness'
Housing benefit challenge cases
30 July, 2013
A group of 10 disabled people have lost a legal challenge to government plans to cut housing benefit. They are from various parts of the UK all say they are being badly affected by the benefit changes. Here are the arguments of four of them.
I'm proud of our welfare reforms
29 July, 2013
I don't apologise for trying to make the welfare state fair - it's something only this government can do
Bristol City Council may relax rules on tenants in rent arrears
29 July, 2013
Council tenants in arrears in Bristol could be allowed to move home after the council said it may relax its regulations on those who owe rent
Bothered by the bedroom tax? Try speed dating
29 July, 2013
A council's speed dating experiment has proved successful in helping social housing tenants beat the bedroom tax
Universal Credit comes to Oldham and Warrington
29 July, 2013
New jobseekers in Oldham and Warrington will now be able to make a claim to Universal Credit
Man cuts own throat in bedroom tax protest
26 July, 2013
Witnesses say the middle-aged man sliced his throat from ear-to-ear with a knife as he spoke to an adviser
Too much, too fast: the government's 'welfare revolution' starts to unwind
26 July, 2013
Poor results for universal credit, work programme and youth contract
No bedroom tax evictions, TUC leaders demand
26 July, 2013
TUC leaders in Manchester have urged the city council not to evict any tenants who fall into arrears as a result of the bedroom tax
LIN Member Reprot July 2013 - Local Authority Led Universal Credit Pilots: A summary of early learning from the pilots
25 July, 2013
DWP Report
Government must change the rules on night shelter housing benefit claims, says Salford mayor
24 July, 2013
The Mayor of Salford has called on the Government to support homeless people by scrapping changes to housing benefit rules
The sector needs a new vision to mitigate risk
24 July, 2013
From the introduction of Universal Credit to the decline in government funding, less reliable income streams are becoming more critical
MPs call for rural bedroom tax exemption
24 July, 2013
The bedroom tax should be scrapped in smaller villages to prevent under-occupying tenants being forced out of the countryside
Benefit cap 'could be lowered by £6,000'
24 July, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne is considering lowering the maximum amount families can claim in benefits to £20,000 a year, Treasury sources say
First rental deal yields hundreds of new homes
24 July, 2013
Housing Minister Mark Prisk welcomes the first deal under the government's £1 billion Build to Rent scheme
'People will remember welfare reform as the state punishing the poor'
23 July, 2013
Leeds council leader Keith Wakefield on the bedroom tax and how he knows what it's like to live on the breadline
Should I Stay or Should I go - 100 days of the Bedroom Tax
23 July, 2013
Aragon Housing Association Report
Iain Duncan Smith's benefit cap beggars belief
23 July, 2013
The benefit cap is probably the government's most popular policy, but the case for recipients must be made
Government's welfare benefits and tax changes amount to 'speeded-up Thatcherism'
22 July, 2013
The economy may be growing, but inequality is rising more quickly than in 1980s
Govan and Easthall Community Banking Welfare Reform Initiative
22 July, 2013
Easthall Park Housing Co-operative has been awarded £309,386 as part of the latest Support and Connect funding package from the Big Lottery Fund
Bedroom tax: Samaritans called in to train housing staff as levy sparks suicide attempts
22 July, 2013
Demand for training sessions with experts from the emotional support charity has shot up 48% in the past three months
The BBC is colluding in the government's attack on benefit claimants
22 July, 2013
The cruellest thing about the benefits cap is that it's not really about people on benefits at all
Not feeling the benefit: the welfare cap, housing and UK cities
22 July, 2013
Paul Swinney argues that unless we address the undersupply of housing in the UK, the Government's new benefit cap will not deliver
Councils 'lack funding' to handle benefits cap
19 July, 2013
Local authorities claim they are under-resourced and will struggle to implement the government's benefits cap
Large turnout for food bank plan for town
19 July, 2013
Organisations and members of the public turned out in force to hear about a bid to establish an emergency food bank in Whitby to feed the town's poor
Porsche-driving housing benefit cheat must pay back £30,000
19 July, 2013
A housing benefit cheat who swindled £30,000 from the taxpayer must pay back her ill-gotten gains
Benefit cap spells 'unintended havoc and untold damage' for landlords
18 July, 2013
The government's recently introduced welfare cap might mean 'unintended havoc and untold damage' for landlords
Welfare reforms will 'hit women hardest'
18 July, 2013
Welfare reforms will hit women harder than men, research published by the Welsh Government revealed yesterday
Osborne mulls further £6k cut to benefit cap
18 July, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne is considering lowering the benefits cap by a further £6,000, one of his aides confirmed to Inside Housing today
Mark Hoban: benefits cap may be too high outside London
17 July, 2013
The Coalition's £500-a-week cap on household benefits may be too generous for claimants in poorer parts of the country, a minister has suggested
LIN Member Report July 2013 - Topping Up Peter to Pay Paul (Improving Tenant Finances to Protect Rent payments)
16 July, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Viv Ashley
Council rehouses just 28 of 440 tenants hit by bedroom tax
16 July, 2013
Just 28 of 440 social housing tenants hit by the bedroom tax in Westminster have been rehoused by the council
Tories accused of making poor pay with benefit cap
16 July, 2013
The Tories have been accused of making the poor pay following yesterday's introduction of the benefit cap
MPs continue to examine the implications of the Bedroom Tax in Scotland
16 July, 2013
The impact of the Bedroom Tax & other changes to housing benefit in Scotland Inquiry
Benefit cap 'could be lowered by £6,000'
16 July, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne is considering lowering the maximum amount families can claim in benefits to £20,000 a year
Benefits cap encourages job seekers, says government
15 July, 2013
More than 12,000 people have moved into work after being told about the benefits cap
PM urged to tighten teenage mum benefit rules
15 July, 2013
Tories in the most marginal seats in parliament are urging David Cameron to bring in tougher conditions on housing benefit for some teenage mothers
DWP finally admits Universal Credit IT not up to scratch - calling in GDS
15 July, 2013
It claims that any 'enhanced IT solution' needs to be cost effective and delivered on time
Universal credit is simple: work more and get paid less
15 July, 2013
This Tory benefit reform was meant to give people incentives to work - but crunch the figures and you find the opposite is true
National roll out of benefit cap begins
15 July, 2013
The total household benefits cap will begin to be rolled out in hundreds of areas across Great Britain from today
National introduction of benefit cap begins
15 July, 2013
The benefit cap starts being introduced across the country
Welfare reform update - July 2013
15 July, 2013
The latest news on welfare reform including the impact of the bedroom tax, announcements on Universal Credit and sharing best practice among housing associations
Public perceptions of the Benefit Cap and pre-implementation impacts
15 July, 2013
DWP online survey of just over 2,000 British adults to assess public attitudes to benefits in general and the Benefit Cap specifically
Real Life Reform
12 July, 2013
Liverpool Housing Trust Project brief - Monitoring the real impact of Welfare Reform across the North 2013-2014
Bedroom tax forcing disabled people to cut back on food & medicine
12 July, 2013
Nine in 10 disabled people in social housing are cutting back on buying food and medical supplies as the government's controversial bedroom tax begins to bite
Welfare reform - how are landlords preparing?
12 July, 2013
A summary of findings from a CIH/Circle Housing survey
Council slammed by Ombudsman after failing homeless people
12 July, 2013
Bristol City Council has been failing in its legal duty to provide homeless people with the chance to appeal against its decisions not to house them
Landlords win reprieve on renewable heat scheme
12 July, 2013
Social landlords will be able to benefit from a scheme to encourage the use of renewable heating equipment
Homelessness applicants denied right to appeal
12 July, 2013
The local government watchdog has criticised a council for denying people the chance to appeal against decisions not to house them
9 in 10 claimants 'not ready' for universal credit
11 July, 2013
New research by Citizens Advice shows nine out of 10 people are not ready for universal credit
Disabled benefit claimants forced to cut food bills
11 July, 2013
Nine in 10 disabled people hit by the bedroom tax who have been refused a discretionary housing payment are cutting back on food or bills to make ends meet
Childcare costs could undermine welfare reforms
11 July, 2013
The high cost of childcare will undermine the government's aim of ensuring people are better off in work than on benefits
Landlords struggle to rehouse bedroom tax tenants
11 July, 2013
Most social landlords will only be able to rehouse less than a fifth of tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Duncan Smith issues warning to payday lenders
11 July, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has vowed action against payday loan companies who lend money to benefit claimants
Government's bedroom tax forces carers to cut back on food
10 July, 2013
Carers are being forced to cut back on essentials such as food and electricity because of the so-called bedroom tax
East Midlands sees £15m housing benefit cuts
10 July, 2013
Housing benefit payments in the East Midlands are being cut by more than £15m this year under the government reform of the welfare system
LIN press release - Universal Credit will expand to 6 new Jobcentres starting from October 2013
10 July, 2013
Ministers set out the next stage of the roll out for Universal Credit following the successful launch in April
Carers facing debt and eviction because of bedroom tax
10 July, 2013
Carers UK says cash promised by ministers to help vulnerable carers does not meet demand
The Effects of Taxes and Benefits on Household Income, 2011/12
10 July, 2013
Office for National Statistics report
More trouble for IDS: how claimants are unprepared for Universal Credit
09 July, 2013
Ahead of Duncan Smith's grilling by MPs, a new study shows 92 per cent of claimants are unprepared for the new system in at least one area
Councils face £25m loss through bedroom tax
09 July, 2013
Local authorities saw rent arrears in Scotland increase by £2 million during April, compared with the same period last year
Tenants hit by bedroom tax get lifeline
09 July, 2013
Hundreds of tenants hit by the government's major changes to the benefits system are being urged to seek advice to help them cope
Duncan Smith and Freud to face MPs on Universal Credit progress
09 July, 2013
UC architects Iain Duncan Smith and Lord Freud will face the Work and Pensions Select Committee on the government's revolution of the welfare system
Housing crisis: The poor struggling to pay rent
09 July, 2013
Since April about 660,000 people living in social housing have been told they may only claim benefit for what is judged to be an appropriate number of bedrooms
The bedroom tax and disabled tenants
09 July, 2013
Following Lord Freud's appearance at Housing 2013, Sue McCafferty details the impact of welfare reform on sick and disabled people
Bedroom tax's 'appalling aftermath' behind massive rise in rent arrears
08 July, 2013
The Scottish government has slammed the coalition's welfare reforms, as 75% of Scotland's councils report that the bedroom tax is directly responsible for a massive increase in rent arrears
Universal credit fears revealed through Citizens Advice survey
08 July, 2013
Survey conducted by charity suggests 90% of benefit claimants will be unprepared for new single payment benefits scheme
Rent arrears jump by £2m after introduction of 'bedroom tax'
08 July, 2013
Social housing rent arrears increased to £2m during April, compared with the same month in 2012, following cuts to housing benefit
Bedroom tax sparks surge in rent arrears
08 July, 2013
Six thousand households in housing association properties in Merseyside fell behind on rent payments for the first time within weeks of the bedroom tax coming into force
Evidence of bedroom tax causing debts and homelessness
08 July, 2013
The controversial bedroom tax has left thousands of social housing tenants in the region behind on their rent
Housing benefit cuts 'lead to thousands in Merseyside in debt'
05 July, 2013
Thousands of families on Merseyside have 'spiralled into debt' in the 100 days since the government introduced housing benefit cuts
IDS: Benefit cap 'successfully delivered in London'
05 July, 2013
The benefit cap has been 'successfully delivered' in four London areas, according to Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith
Leeds Council ignores Freud threat
05 July, 2013
A council has pledged to legally challenge the government over its stance on bedroom tax reclassifications
Landlords could demolish bedroom-taxed homes
05 July, 2013
Social landlords have warned the bedroom tax could lead to the demolition of homes as larger properties become increasingly hard to let in some parts of England
Single parents hit hardest by benefit cap
05 July, 2013
A limit on the total amount of benefits that can be claimed by a household is hitting single parents hardest
Funding rules will not end social housing
05 July, 2013
Landlords will not be expected to convert all re-lets to affordable rents in the new funding programme
The Bedroom Tax in Merseyside
05 July, 2013
Our report highlights the impact of the bedroom tax after 100 days
The bedroom tax has left me constantly sick with fear
05 July, 2013
Years ago I sold my house to a housing association. Now I am ill and would move to a smaller flat, but there are none to be had
Going private
05 July, 2013
Finding a private rented home in Oxford has become increasingly hard for working families, but the council thinks it can help by donning the hat of a private landlord
Wandsworth Council to partner with credit union to help residents cope with Universal Credit
04 July, 2013
Wandsworth Council has agreed to enter into partnership with a credit union to help its residents cope with Universal Credit
Freud denies food bank rise and welfare reform link
04 July, 2013
Lord David Freud has said there is 'no evidence' of a link between the government's welfare reforms and the surge in the numbers of people using food banks
Benefit cap complete in 4 London areas
04 July, 2013
The benefit cap has been successfully delivered in 4 London areas
Government plans will draw more people into welfare system
04 July, 2013
A little-noticed effect of the government's universal credit scheme is that it draws more people into the benefit system
IDS claims bedroom tax is 'a success'
04 July, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary said the government should be 'taxing mansions not bedrooms' in a heated exchange with Iain Duncan Smith in the House of Commons this week
To Lord Freud, a food bank is an excuse for a free lunch
04 July, 2013
The welfare minister's attempt to link the rise in food banks to greed rather than poverty shows a withered meanness
Benefit cap - number of households capped across phased area Local Authorities
04 July, 2013
The Government has introduced a cap on the total amount of benefit that working-age households can receive
Duncan Smith accused of 'living on a different planet' after hailing success of bedroom tax
03 July, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has been accused of 'living on a different planet' after hailing the controversial bedroom tax 'a success' in a House of Commons debate
Monitoring the real impact of welfare reform across the north
03 July, 2013
Welfare reform has and will make an impact on the lives of social housing tenants, their families and social networks and the communities within which they live
'Bedroom tax' costs Dundee City Council more than £250,000
03 July, 2013
Non-payment of the 'bedroom tax' has already cost Dundee City Council more than a quarter of a million pounds in the three months since it began
Northumberland housing firm sees arrears soar as bedroom tax bites Northumberland housing firm sees arrears soar as bedroom tax bites
03 July, 2013
A Housing organisation in Northumberland has reported a massive increase in tenants falling behind with their rent since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Food poverty children facing hungry holidays
03 July, 2013
One in five parents in the UK is struggling to feed their children - skipping meals and relying on handouts from friends and family
Struggles of benefit recipients 'must be told'
02 July, 2013
Housing professionals must focus on telling the 'personal' and 'deeply emotional' experiences of people receiving housing benefit
Major study by social housing providers to reveal 'human impact' of welfare reforms
02 July, 2013
The human impact of the government's welfare reforms is to be revealed in a major study of households across the north of England
Benefit changes 'causing chaos and saving no money'
02 July, 2013
Rent arrears are soaring in many areas and some properties are being left empty because tenants cannot afford to move in as a result of cuts to housing benefit
Direct Payment of Universal Credit to Landlords Provides Greatest Protection Against Arrears
02 July, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has welcomed the announcement
Mutual benefits would make welfare fair
02 July, 2013
The coalition benefit cap offers Labour another opportunity to leapfrog the welfare reform agenda
Northumberland housing firm sees arrears soar as bedroom tax bites
02 July, 2013
A housing organisation in Northumberland has reported an 86% rise in rent arrears since the introduction of the bedroom tax
Family Mosaic identifies illegal sublets and spare bedrooms through data project
02 July, 2013
Housing association Family Mosaic has worked with Landmark Information Group to access a range of address matching, data cleansing and property analysis services
Freud Announces Universal Credit Protection for Tenants and Landlords
02 July, 2013
Protection for renters claiming Universal Credit and their landlords has been announced by the Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud
Households in arrears after council tax benefit cuts
02 July, 2013
Thousands of low income families in Cornwall have gone into council tax arrears after benefit cuts
Voters back George Osborne's welfare crackdown
01 July, 2013
A welfare crackdown unveiled by George Osborne wins strong backing from voters in a new opinion poll
Bedroom Tax: Government breaks promise to exempt military families in 'ultimate betrayal'
01 July, 2013
It comes despite ministers promising to spare 'adult children in the Armed Forces' from the tax if they lived at home when they signed up
Impact of housing benefit changes 'worse than feared'
01 July, 2013
The consequences of the housing benefit cut introduced in April are worse than feared
Bedroom tax compounds direct payment problems
01 July, 2013
The implementation of the bedroom tax has left landlords with a 'crisis just around the corner'
Universal Credit hits Wigan as 'slow, safe and controlled' roll-out continues
01 July, 2013
Universal Credit can now be claimed by people living in Wigan from today as the new benefits system continued its 'slow, safe and controlled roll-out'
Housing benefit rules for night shelters 'have not changed' despite court judgement
01 July, 2013
The government has moved to clear up confusion around the payment of housing benefit to people staying in night shelters
Payday lenders 'failing to follow new codes' says minister
01 July, 2013
Payday lenders are failing to live up to the 'spirit or the letter' of codes they signed up to last year
Universal Credit roll-out progresses
01 July, 2013
Next step in the roll-out of Universal Credit and the reforms to the welfare system
Government steps in over night shelter payments
01 July, 2013
The government has written to councils saying they can still pay housing benefit to the majority of night shelters to try to clear up confusion caused by a case in Wales
Scottish parliament considers bedroom tax petition
28 June, 2013
The Scottish Parliament's Petition Committee has agreed to remit Govan Law Centre's (GLC) bedroom tax petition to the Welfare Reform Committee for full
Spending review: George Osborne targets benefits and slashes public sector jobs
28 June, 2013
Chancellor unveils unexpected package of welfare measures that include extension of wait before unemployed can sign on
Freud: Bedroom tax will keep down interest rates
27 June, 2013
Lord David Freud has defended the bedroom tax by saying it is needed to keep interest rates low
Lord Freud offers new direct payment 'guarantees' to protect social landlords
27 June, 2013
Lord Freud today announced further concessions on Universal Credit direct payments as he sought to appease social landlords' concerns over the controversial policy
One in four tenants need extra support under government benefit plans
27 June, 2013
Landlords warned over income levels as housing associations reveal extent of unpaid bedroom tax and return of rent collectors
Was the Spending Review a good deal for Britain's struggling households?
27 June, 2013
People struggling to pay their rent or mortgage or to get on the housing ladder may not have followed the Spending Review
Freud: Universal Credit protection for tenants and landlords
27 June, 2013
Protection for renters claiming Universal Credit and their landlords was announced by the Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud
'It's not a bedroom tax' claims Freud as he faces angry protests from within and without
27 June, 2013
Lord Freud has faced a room full of social housing officials angry over the government's bedroom tax policy at the Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Spending Review: George Osborne wields welfare axe
27 June, 2013
A new welfare crackdown to be introduced just weeks before the next general election
Welfare curbs 'risk food banks and loan sharks'
27 June, 2013
Child poverty will grow under measures to make unemployment benefit claimants wait seven days before they can sign on
Charities attack 'cruel' welfare reforms
27 June, 2013
Housing charities have attacked 'cruel' welfare reforms announced in the spending review, which they say will increase pressure
Shelter responds to Comprehensive Spending Review
27 June, 2013
Housing benefit could face further cuts from 2015
CIH bedroom tax protestors gearing up for 'gangster' Freud
26 June, 2013
Campaigners against the government's controversial bedroom tax have amassed outside the Chartered Institute of Housing's conference in Manchester
Spending Review: An at-a-glance summary of the key points
26 June, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne has announced government spending plans for 2015-16 and cuts to individual departmental budgets. Here is a summary of the main points
Social landlords handed new formula for rents
26 June, 2013
Social landlords will be able to increase rents by the consumer price index of inflation plus 1 per cent for up to 10 years
LHA cuts are driving up rents
26 June, 2013
Councils in London are calling for a reassessment of welfare reforms after finding housing benefit changes have failed to reduce rents
CIH: Rents must fall if government to reel in benefits bill
26 June, 2013
The government will never manage to get people off of benefits unless it takes action to decrease rent costs
Benefit cap 'driving families from London'
26 June, 2013
The introduction of the benefit cap and direct payments of universal credit already appear to be driving some families from London
Most pensioners accept need for cuts to benefits
26 June, 2013
Older people are more likely to accept cuts to their pensioner benefits than the young
What can housing providers do to help those most at risk of debt during welfare reform?
26 June, 2013
Household debt can affect a wide range of households, and the situation is becoming more complex
Protesters call for bedroom tax leniency
26 June, 2013
Campaigners called on housing staff not to enforce the bedroom tax in a picket outside the Chartered Institute of Housing's annual conference today
Most of London's new housing benefit claims are from working families
26 June, 2013
Study debunks myth claimants are 'workshy', and finds benefit cap is driving poorer families to suburbs as rents spiral up
Poverty and problematic debt: what can social housing providers do?
25 June, 2013
The current economic situation and planned welfare reform have led to concerns over a potential increase in problematic debt among social housing residents
Renfrewshire Council moves to mitigate housing benefit cuts
25 June, 2013
A Scottish council is considering moves to mitigate the impact of controversial changes to housing benefit
Majority of social landlords fearing explosion in rent arrears
25 June, 2013
Three quarters of the UK's social housing landlords fear an explosion in rental arrears and void properties
North East homeless are hit by Government's bedroom tax
25 June, 2013
THE head of the North East's biggest homeless charity has revealed the Government's bedroom tax is even affecting those who sleep on the streets
Government warns Leeds City Council on bedroom tax
24 June, 2013
Leeds City Council has been warned it could lose money after it reduced the number of bedrooms it said were in some council homes
Unison: Members must collect bedroom tax arrears
24 June, 2013
Unison is advising its members to co-operate in collecting rent arrears resulting from the bedroom tax or risk putting their jobs at risk
Universal Credit could cut poverty - but only if the government will spend money on it
24 June, 2013
Ask the government about the poverty impacts of its austerity programme and the answer is always the same: universal credit
Housing report critical of government 'short termism'
24 June, 2013
Successive governments have failed to produce a coherent long-term strategy for housing
Bedroom Tax: Ed Miliband slammed for not promising to scrap the tax
24 June, 2013
Liverpool Mayor Joe Anderson says he is ashamed his party's leader would not make the vow
Housing benefit changes and how one man downsized
24 June, 2013
A single man explained how he moved from a three-bedroom house to a flat after his children moved out and changes to housing benefit, which were introduced in April, cut his income
LIN Member Report June 2013 - Still money to spare: how councils are failing to make the most of discretionary housing payments
21 June, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Bedroom tax debt mounts
21 June, 2013
As housing providers across Britain scrabble to get to grips with the bedroom tax, Inside Housing asks a focus group of 10 social landlords how painful it has been so far
Welfare cuts spark assaults rise fears
21 June, 2013
Front line housing workers increasingly fear for their safety because of the government's welfare reforms
Benefit Cap rollout
21 June, 2013
National implementation of the benefit cap will be managed over a 10 week period split into two tranches:
RICS: benefit reforms offputting to investors
21 June, 2013
Welfare reform is undermining investment in the housing sector, according to an expert commission set up by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Week ahead in committees
21 June, 2013
It's a quieter week on the committee corridor, with many committees braced to examine the impact of the latest Comprehensive Spending Review
Halton social landlord says house exchange schemes helping tenants hit by bedroom tax
21 June, 2013
Home swaps are helping tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax' to relocate
What do you know?
21 June, 2013
Universal credit has started. Claimants in Manchester are receiving payments right now
Cuts and bruises
21 June, 2013
Over the past two-and-a-half years, Inside Housing has carried many warnings about the likely dire impacts of welfare reform on tenants and social landlords
Welfare reform piles pressure on victims of domestic violence
20 June, 2013
The universal credit scheme risks putting women supported by refuges in debt, and threatens the survival of the refuge service
ACHA Raises Concerns about the Bedroom Tax
20 June, 2013
Two months after the introduction of the bedroom tax by the UK Government 583 of its 5000 tenants are affected by it
Freud issues bedroom tax reclassification warning
20 June, 2013
Freud has threatened to withdraw or restrict housing benefit subsidy to councils which 'inappropriately' reclassify properties for bedroom tax purposes
Bedroom tax protest storm brewing for Freud at CIH conference
20 June, 2013
Lord Freud is due to walk into a bedroom tax storm when he attends next week's Chartered Institute of Housing conference
Housing association urges government to abolish bedroom tax and create jobs
20 June, 2013
Wakefield and District Housing's chief executive has claimed that the bedroom tax is creating a "false economy"
Rough sleeping in London increases by 13%
20 June, 2013
The number of people sleeping rough on London's streets has increased by 13% in a year
Council considers reclassifying bedrooms
19 June, 2013
A Hertfordshire council is considering reclassifying small bedrooms in at least 100 homes to help tenants avoid the bedroom tax
Affordable rent model under threat
19 June, 2013
Tenants living in homes built under the affordable rent scheme are in greater poverty than those living in already existing social homes
Benefit changes see council tenants rent arrears rise
19 June, 2013
More than a third of council tenants in Cornwall affected by an extra charge for spare rooms are already behind on their rent
Birmingham MP warns over soaring levels of food poverty
19 June, 2013
A Midland MP has hit out at benefit cuts which he claims are set to cause a further increase in people turning to food banks for support
Those already in need will be hardest hit by increased means testing
19 June, 2013
Government policies appear to be targeting the have-nots rather than the haves, argues Peter Beresford
Plans to deduct rent arrears from benefits will not work says Landlord Action
18 June, 2013
Landlord Action has expressed concerns for both landlords and tenants over plans to deduct Universal Credit payments in order to recoup rent arrears
Mayor 'shamed' by Labour Party stance on bedroom tax
18 June, 2013
The Mayor of Liverpool has said that he is 'absolutely ashamed' of the Labour Party leadership's stance on the bedroom tax
Bedroom can be any size for bedroom tax
18 June, 2013
West Berkshire Council rule that a bedroom is not a bedroom because it is only 49 square feet
Housing association adopts proactive approach to navigate benefit reforms
17 June, 2013
Reforms of the welfare system signal a new approach to income management for housing associations
Mark Prisk teams up with Church and defends bedroom tax
17 June, 2013
Housing minister Mark Prisk last week joined with representatives from churches and housing organisations for the "Mobilising the Church" conference in Bradford
Welfare changes prompt up to 800% increase in number of people seeking help with rent
17 June, 2013
Councils in Wales are seeing huge increases in claims for help with housing payments as 'deep concern' is expressed over impact of welfare reforms
Bedroom Tax - heads in the sand?
17 June, 2013
Funny how you can stomach a rotten meal if you keep telling yourself it's not actually that bad
The poor are still paying more for basic utilities and financial services
17 June, 2013
Payment structures and price plans in utilities and financial services continue to inflict higher costs on the poorest in society
Welsh minister lobbies Freud over welfare reform
17 June, 2013
The number of people asking for emergency help with their rent has risen by more than 800 per cent in one area of Wales
Bedroom tax hits 500 Westminster council tenants as rent arrears shoot up 16%
14 June, 2013
Nearly 500 social housing tenants have been hit by the bedroom tax in a London borough that has seen rent arrears jump by 16% in a single month
DWP Poverty statistics
14 June, 2013
DWP data which shows median income is at lowest level for a decade due to pay freezes and austerity
SNP government would axe bedroom tax
14 June, 2013
A Scottish National Party government would axe the bedroom tax north of the border within a year of Scottish independence
East Lothian to pay bedroom tax bills
14 June, 2013
East Lothian Housing Association is paying the bedroom tax for some of its tenants - having developed an assistance scheme for households it feels are particularly unfairly hit
Bedroom tax protest in memory of suicide victim
14 June, 2013
A protest is being staged in Birmingham on Saturday 15 June in memory of a woman who committed suicide over the bedroom tax
PIPs won't help disabled people out of deprivation
13 June, 2013
The government's new disability benefit is based on an outdated medical model that cannot assess true needs or costs
Improving residents' lives during welfare reform changes
13 June, 2013
Welfare reform presents a huge challenge for social housing providers, but JRHT is working to help its residents
Universal Credit 'switchback' details published
13 June, 2013
The government has responded to a Communities and Local Government Select Committee report
CIH urged to invite anti-bedroom tax tenant to speak at conference
13 June, 2013
Social tenants across the country have signed a letter to the Chartered Institute of Housing opposed to the bedroom tax
Under-occupying tenant's 'emotional attachment' to home no defence against eviction
13 June, 2013
The Court of Appeal has ruled that a tenant has no right to remain in her social home simply because she has an 'emotional attachment' to it
Credit unions to take on payday lenders with higher cap on rates
13 June, 2013
Britain's credit unions will be allowed to increase the interest they charge on loans in a bid to stop people turning to payday lenders
The social tenant's guide to taking in a lodger
13 June, 2013
With the changes in benefits about to come into force on 1st April 2013, there are new rules about under-occupancy
Leeds council proposes plan to combat poverty and payday loans
13 June, 2013
More than 2,400 council tenants have fallen behind on their rent in Leeds since changes to housing benefit came into effect
Patch work: Solving the rent equation
12 June, 2013
New research by LIN has found a direct link between arrears and the number of staff employed to collect rent. But even with smaller 'patch' sizes, housing officers are struggling to keep tenant debt under control
Majority of private landlords wary of Universal Credit
12 June, 2013
The majority of private landlords remain concerned about the impact that UC will have on the sector
Bedroom tax campaigners protesting outside court as landlord seeks mother's eviction
12 June, 2013
Bedroom tax campaigners are currently protesting outside Manchester's Civil Justice Centre on behalf of a single parent who is facing eviction by her housing association
Three ways to curb the impact of the bedroom tax on the most vulnerable
12 June, 2013
Tackling low pay, building more houses and changing how the under-occupation charge is calculated will make a big difference
36 councils call on government to abolish bedroom tax
12 June, 2013
Councillors representing 36 local authorities have urged the government to abolish its controversial bedroom tax policy
Collecting Rent is Crucial for Housing Associations
12 June, 2013
The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations has re-stated that the Federation and its members do not support a headline 'no evictions' policy
Tenants driven from private rented sector in anticipation of benefit cap
11 June, 2013
With just weeks to go before the benefit cap takes effect, landlords are locking out tenants supported by state benefits
As bedroom tax bites housing arrears in Newcastle soar
11 June, 2013
The bedroom tax has left Newcastle facing more than £250,000 of debt just weeks after hard-hit families were told to pay up
MPs to examine the implications of the bedroom tax in Scotland
11 June, 2013
The Scottish Affairs Committee is today publishing written evidence ahead of the first hearing tomorrow
Bedroom tax is a cut not a reform
11 June, 2013
The bedroom tax should not be thought of as a 'welfare reform' but simply as a cost-saving measure
Welfare reform to 'push up' homelessness in Wales
11 June, 2013
The UK government's welfare reforms are likely to increase homelessness in Wales
Scottish independence: 'Retain welfare set-up for transitional period'
11 June, 2013
The administration of pensions and benefits in an independent Scotland should be shared with the rest of the UK for a transitional period
Labour councillor apologises for 'crass' bedroom tax eviction letters
11 June, 2013
A bedroom tax-protesting Labour councillor who sent out bogus eviction letters to all 28 of a council's Tory councillors has apologised for his actions
Implementation of Welfare Reform by Local Authorities
10 June, 2013
The Government Response to the Communities and Local Government Select Committee Report: Implementation of Welfare Reform by Local Authorities
Disability Living Allowance changes begin
10 June, 2013
A new system of disability benefits has begun to take effect across England, Scotland and Wales
£50m upgrade to bring cheaper energy costs for social housing tenants
10 June, 2013
Thousands of social housing tenants in Plymouth could soon be enjoying lower energy bills thanks to a £50 million scheme to upgrade their homes
Tenants struggling to pay the 'bedroom tax' fall £22,500 behind in rents in just 8 weeks
10 June, 2013
Just half of all Cambridge council tax tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax' are paying the extra bills - running up combined arrears of £22,500 in just eight weeks
Lord Freud exclusive: 'We are listening to social landlords on Universal Credit'
10 June, 2013
Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud says the Universal Credit demonstration projects have helped to shape new thinking around direct payments to tenants
Hard-up families offered computers for £24
10 June, 2013
Millions of less well-off families not on the internet are to be offered computers for just £24
Tories criticise Ed Miliband's 'vacuous' housing benefit reforms
07 June, 2013
As Miliband urges subsidisation of housebuilding rather than rent, experts say his plan will not generate savings for years
Emergency payments cause staffing headache
07 June, 2013
Inconsistent councils put pressure on landlords over rent support
'Bedroom tax' failing, says housing associations' report
07 June, 2013
The government's policy on homes has come under fire in a report by the University of Cambridge and seven housing associations across the eastern region
Skills selector
07 June, 2013
Housing providers are on the hunt for employees with specialist skills as a result of welfare reforms, which are putting tenants' finances and landlords' incomes under pressure
Council bidding to boost DHP funds as government cuts kick in
07 June, 2013
Birmingham City Council is bidding for an extra £2 million to help people struggling to pay their rent in the wake of the government's welfare reforms
Majority of Brits want government to tackle root causes of housing benefit bill
07 June, 2013
The majority of the British public believe the government should be tackling the root causes of the country's high housing benefit bill
Council convenes bedroom tax summit
06 June, 2013
Thirty councils are expected to come together at a summit on Friday to discuss how to help tenants faced with bedroom tax cuts
Bedroom Tax: Early Impacts
06 June, 2013
The UK government said the changes "bedroom tax" would total £50m in Scotland this year. But the SFHA said only £10m had been made available to help tenants
Miliband to support welfare spending limit and pledge to tackle high rents
06 June, 2013
Ed Miliband seeks to bring down rising housing benefit bill as PM accuses opposition of using 'policy altering substances'
People with electric heating 'to pay £282 more' a year
06 June, 2013
Millions of people who use electricity to heat their homes may have to pay £282 more a year by 2020, it is being claimed
England's spare bedroom owners sitting on £69 billion goldmine
06 June, 2013
England's spare bedrooms could generate £5.8 billion a month if homeowners rented them out, according to easyroommate.co.uk
Tory MP: Food poverty is growing, food banks are not the answer
06 June, 2013
Laura Sandys says the government needs to tackle supermarket dominance and get a grip on food policy if it is to address the UK's food crisis
Homelessness and B&B; use rise again
06 June, 2013
The number of applicants accepted as homeless by councils leapt up by 6 per cent in the past year and those placed in bed and breakfasts by 14 per cent, according to government statistics
Downsizing tenants face 24-year wait for homes
06 June, 2013
It would take 24 years to rehouse everyone hit by the bedroom tax in the east of England who needs a one bedroom home
'No-eviction' policies to tackle the bedroom tax won't work
05 June, 2013
Council's would be better advised to offer practical help for low-income households than take this problematic approach
Welfare reforms will increase food poverty, warns Trust
05 June, 2013
The number of people forced to rely on handouts from foodbanks to ward off hunger has almost tripled in the last year to nearly 350,000, the biggest recorded increase, charities have reported
Service to prevent prisoners becoming homeless
05 June, 2013
A new service to provide support and advice to newly released prisoners to prevent them becoming homeless and reoffending has been launched in Scotland
Direct payment pilot launches IT scheme
04 June, 2013
A Scottish landlord piloting the direct payment of benefit to tenants has launched a scheme to provide IT access and computer training in community centres
Universal Credit will cost taxpayers £12.8bn
04 June, 2013
The government's recent review of major projects revealed that the flagship Universal Credit welfare programme will cost nearly six times more than previously billed
Housing association continues PRS drive
04 June, 2013
Thames Valley Housing Association's private rented sector subsidiary has completed its third acquisition, buying 45 units in Poplar, east London
Housing group calls the Samaritans as welfare reforms take their toll
04 June, 2013
Housing group Riverside has enlisted the help of the Samaritans to train its customer service centre staff after an alarming jump in the number of calls from distressed tenants
Bedroom tax plunges thousands of Greater Manchester residents into debt hell
04 June, 2013
Many tenants who had their housing payments cut on April 1 are already falling behind with rent, with one housing association saying up to 70 per cent are affected
Families to be £1,800 a year worse off by 2015, IFS says
04 June, 2013
The average middle-income family in Britain is likely to be nearly £1,800 a year worse-off by 2015, according to the Institute for Fiscal Studies
Council reclassifies homes and offers refunds to help residents hit by bedroom tax
03 June, 2013
More than 800 homes in Leeds are being reclassified by the city council to help residents cope with the bedroom tax
Councils to provide extra assistance for homeless
03 June, 2013
.Councils in Scotland now have a legal duty to support unintentionally homeless households in the country to help them sustain tenancies and stop repeat homelessness
Chancellor urged to rethink welfare reforms
03 June, 2013
The Chartered Institute of Housing is calling on the government to review the impact of its welfare reforms when the chancellor announces his future spending plans later this month
Samaritans called in over Liverpool bedroom tax suicide risk
03 June, 2013
City's housing associations say one tenant attempted suicide, with more people becoming distressed and overwhelmed
Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of Housing Benefit
03 June, 2013
This is a summary of the interim report from the independent review, commissioned by the DWP
Size Criteria ('bedroom tax') briefing
03 June, 2013
An updated briefing on the Government's under-occupation penalty, which came into effect on 1 April 2013
NHF: Lack of affordable housing destroying economic recovery
31 May, 2013
Sky-rocketing rents and house prices are stifling local businesses and making it difficult for them to recruit staff
UK faces European Court over benefits for EU nationals
31 May, 2013
The European Commission is taking the British government to court for alleged discrimination after it refused to pay welfare benefits
What it is like to rely on food banks?
31 May, 2013
After it is revealed that more than half a million people in the UK may rely on food banks, what is life like for those who use them?
Incapacity benefit test claims 'conflated figures' - watchdog
31 May, 2013
Suggestions that 878,300 benefit claimants dropped their claims rather than take a medical test have been challenged by the statistics watchdog
Bedroom tax madness as mum faces eviction from home housing chiefs spent £60k making fit for her disabled son
31 May, 2013
LOUISE Rennie and her son Luis, 7, who has cerebral palsy and is registered blind, are facing eviction from the specially adapted home
'I'll see you in court': Works and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith vows Britain will fight Europe over welfare benefits for immigrants
31 May, 2013
The European Commission has signalled an imminent legal war with the UK
Brighton speed daters get to keep each other's houses
30 May, 2013
A local authority has come up with a novel way to help tenants hit by the bedroom tax - speed dating
Hungry Britain
30 May, 2013
Welfare cuts leave more than 500,000 people forced to use food banks, warns Oxfam
Leeds council tackles bedroom tax with semantic solution
30 May, 2013
Reclassifying spare rooms as 'non-specific rooms' should help tenants in social housing avoid reduction in housing benefit
How to avoid paying your bedroom tax - get it reclassified as a study
30 May, 2013
Councils and housing associations are reclassifying thousands of bedrooms across Britain as box rooms, studies or non-specific rooms so that tenants can avoid the so-called "bedroom tax".
'Bedroom tax': More tenants apply for financial help
30 May, 2013
Bedroom tax or spare room subsidy? The politicians may argue over the title but one fact can't be ignored. That's the growing evidence of council tenants facing real financial difficulties
Direct payment offered in exchange for regulation
29 May, 2013
Housing benefit could be paid direct to private landlords in return for greater regulation of the sector, under proposals published by the Labour Party
Rape victim legally challenges bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
A victim of rape, assault, harassment and stalking has launched a legal challenge against the bedroom tax on the grounds it is 'discriminatory'
Ten lessons landlords should learn about the bedroom tax
29 May, 2013
Shelter Cymru's Jennie Bibbings explains the best and worst ways in which housing providers have handled the bedroom tax
Cabinet Office issues warning over welfare reforms
29 May, 2013
The government's own major projects watchdog has questioned whether the DWP is on track with some of its key welfare reforms
Bedroom tax 'should be scrapped'
29 May, 2013
A group that influences the Labour Party's housing policy has called for housing benefit caps to be regionalised and the bedroom tax to be scrapped
'Bedroom tax': More tenants apply for financial help
29 May, 2013
Bedroom tax or spare room subsidy? The politicians may argue over the title but one fact can't be ignored
Iain Duncan Smith: cut welfare to fund police and Forces
28 May, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has offered to cut Britain's welfare Bill by up to another £3 billion annually to protect spending on the Armed Forces and police
Blue Labour: Would Ed Miliband shrink the welfare state?
28 May, 2013
Now, a rising force within the Labour Party wants to silence the party's critics and win the welfare debate - by abandoning some of its oldest principles
Nipped in the bud: Osborne dismisses more welfare cuts
28 May, 2013
George Osborne has ruled out any further cuts to the welfare budget in next month's spending review
Rural communities hit by bedroom tax
24 May, 2013
Community Housing Cymru has warned that welfare reforms will adversely affect thousands of tenants in rural Wales
Welfare reforms compared to poll tax
24 May, 2013
A council deputy leader has compared the government's welfare reforms to the poll tax, warning they may lead to widespread debt
Benefits cap will have catastrophic effect on families, court will hear
24 May, 2013
Vulnerable families challenging £500-a-week cap say it may force victims of domestic violence to return to their abusers
'Ill-thought-out bedroom tax draining £25,000 out of Rochdale economy each week'
24 May, 2013
The bedroom tax is draining money out of the Rochdale economy, according to Rochdale Boroughwide Housing
Coventry council apologises to families told they could not appeal against 'bedroom tax' cuts to benefits
24 May, 2013
Council accepts letters to tenants were wrong after challenge by campaign group Coventry Against the Bedroom Tax
Reclassification 'will not hit rent hard'
24 May, 2013
A leading academic has claimed that landlords reclassifying their properties to protect tenants from the bedroom tax would only suffer 'very limited' losses
How can the Digital Deal help social housing providers?
24 May, 2013
Social landlords have until June 3 to bid for a share of the Digital Deal, a £400,000 government fund aimed at helping tenants get online and improving their IT skills
Charities claim victory over Employment and Support Allowance ruling; DWP to appeal
23 May, 2013
Charities have claimed a major legal victory over who is eligible for the Employment and Support Allowance
Council 'sorry' for empty room letter to disabled woman
23 May, 2013
A disabled woman who was wrongly told she had to pay an under-occupancy charge has received an apology from the council for "causing her distress"
DWP faces legal challenge over benefit cap
23 May, 2013
Four families have launched a legal challenge against the government's benefit cap on the grounds it is 'discriminatory and unreasonable'
Bedroom Tax Snapshot
23 May, 2013
The best and the worst of landlord and local authority practice, as experienced through Shelter casework
Homes 'standing empty' because of bedroom tax
23 May, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary has claimed homes are being left empty because of the bedroom tax, and called for the controversial policy to be axed
Social landlord's new phone app has bedroom tax calculator
22 May, 2013
One vision Housing revamped smart phone app now comes with a bedroom tax calculator - so tenants can work out if their HB will be cut
Homes 'standing empty' because of bedroom tax
22 May, 2013
The shadow work and pensions secretary has claimed homes are being left empty because of the bedroom tax, and called for the controversial policy to be axed
Benefit cap: 7,000 families in London will lose over £100 a week
22 May, 2013
Campaigners fear that many families will be unable to avoid the cap or cope with the drastic loss of income - and will face eviction and homelessness as a result
Bedroom tax picnic protest planned
21 May, 2013
Margate campaigners against the government's bedroom tax are holding a picnic protest against the policy this Sunday
Council apologises over tenant 'bedroom tax' eviction letter
21 May, 2013
A Scots council has apologised for threatening to evict a tenant over the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Social landlords team up and offer speed-dating to tackle bedroom tax
21 May, 2013
Four housing associations in the Bristol area have teamed up to offer their tenants a housing speed-dating event, in an effort to help combat the bedroom tax
Too many questions about welfare changes remain unanswered
21 May, 2013
The UK Government's welfare changes are throwing a question mark over the Welsh Government's ability to deliver support to some of Wales' most vulnerable people, Tackling Poverty Minister Huw Lewis warned
Liam Byrne: Labour would aim for 'full employment'
20 May, 2013
Full employment is the 'foundation' on which the economy should be rebuilt, a senior Labour politician has said
Tenants fail to pay the bedroom tax
20 May, 2013
A large proportion of tenants hit by the bedroom tax have so far failed to pay the resulting shortfall in their rent
Welfare reform could cost landlords £1.4bn a year
20 May, 2013
Social landlords face losing £1.4 billion of rental income a year as a result of welfare reform, according to a new report
Universal credit landlord concerned by rising debt
20 May, 2013
The housing association at the heart of the first universal credit pathfinder has expressed concern about rising levels of tenant debt
Regulator warns of 'substantial' threat to finances
20 May, 2013
Housing providers face being hit by a 'double whammy' of increased rent collection costs and reduced income due to welfare reform
Liverpool City Council issues advice to tenants challenging the bedroom tax
20 May, 2013
Liverpool City Council is issuing guidance to help its tenants beat the bedroom tax
Three top tips for creating a successful digital inclusion strategy
20 May, 2013
A strategy is crucial in combating digital exclusion, but what should be included and how can you make it work?
Jobseekers and benefits data release postponed by DWP
20 May, 2013
Work and pensions department's figures to show how many people have lost benefits under new sanctions regime
Universal Credit Local Support Services Framework
20 May, 2013
Message from Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform
Conditionality and sanctions - a report to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions
17 May, 2013
An investigation into allegations that targets have been set for sanctions in Jobcentre Plus
Benefit sanctions - terms of reference for independent review
17 May, 2013
An independent review will examine benefit sanctions imposed under the Jobseekers (Back to Work Schemes) Act 2013
Housing chief issues second warning over 'unfair and incompetent' bedroom tax
17 May, 2013
A housing chief has issued a second warning to government over its reforms of the benefits system
Labour plans to give local councils a say in welfare spending
17 May, 2013
Radical scheme will look at giving regional bodies a say how billions of pounds are spent to try to cut benefits bill
Direct Payments Demonstration Projects:Learning the lessons, six months in
16 May, 2013
DWP Direct Payments Report
Direct payment pilots extended to test bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has extended pilots testing the direct payment of housing benefit to tenants to assess the impact of the bedroom tax
Universal Credit direct payment demonstration projects - latest findings
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions today published its latest report into the Universal Credit demonstration projects testing the payment of housing benefit direct to social housing tenants
LIN Press Release - Direct Payment projects extended for 6 months
16 May, 2013
DWP Direct Payment Projects extended for 6 months
Lord Freud: Bedroom tax suicide 'desperately sad'
16 May, 2013
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has described a suicide linked to his controversial bedroom tax policy as a "desperately sad event"
Bedroom tax victims begin High Court challenge
16 May, 2013
Ten claims being brought against the government's bedroom tax have begun to be heard at the High Court
Direct payment pilots extended to test bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has extended pilots testing the direct payment of housing benefit to tenants to assess the impact of the bedroom tax
UKIP would scrap the bedroom tax
16 May, 2013
The UK Independence Party would scrap the bedroom tax if it came into power
Benefits rule risks closure of night shelters forcing hundreds onto streets
16 May, 2013
Salford among councils invoking legality that stops housing benefit for nights spent by claimants in emergency shelters
Disabled families at High Court in housing benefit challenge
15 May, 2013
Disabled people and their families are challenging the government's decision to cut housing benefit for recipients living in properties deemed too large
Families hit by bedroom tax 'can go out to work or use a sofa bed', says senior Tory
15 May, 2013
Lord Freud's comments to Welsh Affairs committee branded 'deeply offensive' by Labour
Poor hit hardest by financial crisis and welfare cuts will make it worse
15 May, 2013
After taxes, the richest 10 per cent earned 9.5 times the income of the poorest 10 per cent in 2025
Tenants shoulder cost of welfare reforms
15 May, 2013
Housing benefit claimants in the private rented sector have had to meet 94 per cent of the shortfall caused by local housing allowance cuts
Full impact of housing benefit reforms in private rented sector 'still to happen'
15 May, 2013
The impact of housing benefit reform on tenants living in the private rented sector has been 'geographically limited' but London has been hardest hit
Welsh Questions, TV's Michael Fabricant and sofabeds
15 May, 2013
Michael Fabricant found time in his busy schedule to drop in on Welsh Question Time
Councils swamped with demand for welfare fund
14 May, 2013
More councils across Britain are reporting a surge in demand for an emergency hardship fund following the introduction of the bedroom tax
Welfare reform is the first test of the mutual housing model
14 May, 2013
The bedroom tax is placing strain on a new model of housing management
Universal Credit: Warning over online benefit claims
14 May, 2013
More than three quarters of benefit claimants in Scotland would struggle to apply for payments online
Bedroom Tax suicide: Brave driver who tried to save Stephanie Bottrill begs Coalition to scrap charge
14 May, 2013
He begged David Cameron to scrap the tax to prevent any more householders taking their lives as Stephanie did because she could not afford to pay
Birmingham 'facing a housing crisis as the bedroom tax hits home'
14 May, 2013
Authorities in city and Solihull warning they will struggle to cope with effects of benefit changes after gran's suicide
Welfare reform is the first test of the mutual housing model
14 May, 2013
The bedroom tax is placing strain on a new model of housing management. It's a tough challenge in racially-divided Rochdale
Tough on people in poverty
14 May, 2013
A new report for the JRF highlights an enduring link between public attitudes to poverty and the state of the economy
Three quarters of Scots could lose benefits because they can't use the internet
14 May, 2013
A worrying number of Scots claimants may miss out because of new rules forcing them to apply online
Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of Housing Benefit: Interim report
14 May, 2013
This Interim Report forms part of the DWPs independent review in evaluating the impact of changes to the LHA system of HB, which were introduced from April 2011
Bedroom Tax suicide: Grieving son of Stephanie Bottrill hits out at David Cameron
13 May, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's punishing new payments were the last straw for the tragic 53-year-old who killed herself to avoid plunging into further poverty
Fighting talk from anti-Bedroom Tax protestors as Benefit Justice summit declares day of action
13 May, 2013
Campaigners planning a national day of protest against the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms have accused the Government of waging war against ordinary Britons
How has welfare reform changed the job of housing officer?
13 May, 2013
Housing staff now need to be savvy debt collectors and financial advisers, rather than traditional frontline housing officers
Scottish independence: Sturgeon says taxes would not rise to pay welfare bill
13 May, 2013
Taxes would not have to rise in an independent Scotland to pay for the SNP's welfare proposals
Providers warned over temporary housing plan
10 May, 2013
Housing associations pulling out of managing temporary accommodation due to benefit caps risk reducing the amount of available stock for homeless households, London Councils has warned
Birmingham rocked by huge demand for rent help as welfare cuts bite
09 May, 2013
Birmingham City Council recorded a huge increase in the number of people seeking help to pay their rent in the first two weeks after government welfare reforms came into effect
High Court to consider tenants' claims against Bedroom Tax
09 May, 2013
The High Court is to consider 10 claims being brought against the government's Bedroom Tax
Demand for hardship fund surges
09 May, 2013
Councils across England have reported a huge surge in applications for help from an emergency hardship fund since the launch of the bedroom tax on 1 April
Welfare cuts to hit some of Wales' poorest communities
09 May, 2013
Welsh Assembly Members have been told that changes to welfare could take £1 billion out of the Welsh economy with the South Wales Valleys feeling the biggest impact.
Bedroom tax tenants failing to pay rent
09 May, 2013
South Yorkshire Housing Association has revealed that half of its tenants affected by the bedroom tax have failed to cover the resulting shortfall in their rent
Free school meals at risk - Welsh government minister
08 May, 2013
Welfare change could put access to schemes like free school meals at risk, a Welsh government minister has warned
Extra £20m for smaller homes to 'mitigate' benefit cuts
08 May, 2013
An extra £20m will be spent on making more smaller homes available in Wales, ministers have announced
Will Universal Credit Work?
08 May, 2013
New report by Child Poverty Action Group and the TUC suggests that Universal Credit is in danger of failing to deliver on its key objectives
Calls over payday loans to charity double
08 May, 2013
The number of people seeking a charity's help with payday loans has doubled in a year
One in four UK children will be living in poverty by 2020, says thinktank
08 May, 2013
IFS says 'tax and benefit reforms introduced since April 2025' can account for most of the projected rise in numbers
Digital divide cuts off social tenants
07 May, 2013
Social housing continues to lag behind other tenures in terms of internet access
Migrants' access to benefits likely to be restricted
07 May, 2013
The government is expected to seek to restrict migrants' access to social housing and benefits in measures to be outlined tomorrow
105,000 Scots to be hit by bedroom tax - new figures
07 May, 2013
More than 100,000 people living in Scotland will be affected by the bedroom tax
How the bedroom tax unfolds: the letters and home visits people are getting
07 May, 2013
We're talking to people who have been told they must pay the bedroom tax and we're following their stories, to see how this frightening tax unfolds
Family in fully occupied house hit by bedroom tax
07 May, 2013
A family say they are being asked to pay the controversial 'bedroom tax' - despite living with four children in a three bedroom house
Bedroom tax: Domestic violence victim may lose home after panic room is classed as spare bedroom
07 May, 2013
The mum-of-one was abused by the thug, also arrested for attempted murder of a police officer
New SSAC report recommends improvements for Universal Credit support
07 May, 2013
The Government is in the process of delivering the most far-reaching reform of the UK's social security system for 65 years
Housing association apologises for 'eviction' letter
03 May, 2013
Housing association Genesis has apologised for any distress it may have caused by a letter it sent out that appeared to threaten tenants with eviction
Breaking point
03 May, 2013
As the axe falls on legal aid and local authority budgets, the lifeline offered by Citizens Advice Bureaux to people in need of help is hanging by a thread
How housing providers are beating the bedroom tax
03 May, 2013
Faced with a huge increase in arrears as a result of the under-occupation penalty, some housing providers have taken major steps to protect their residents and themselves
Welfare cash card bill axed as parliament ends
02 May, 2013
Legislation that would have limited how welfare claimants can spend their benefits has fallen by the wayside as the parliamentary session ended
Austerity: boom times for the soup kitchen food supplier
02 May, 2013
The growth of FareShare, which distributes low cost food to charities serving vulnerable people, tells us the UK's voluntary welfare safety net is under huge strain
Benefits cap leads to eviction notices in trial area
02 May, 2013
Social landlords in Haringey say changes to welfare system are forcing them to take legal proceedings to terminate leases
Opinion: It's not too late to save struggling families from devastating cuts
01 May, 2013
Bob Taylor, chief executive of Knowsley Housing Trust argues that people must be given a sense of hope
Jobseekers made to carry out bogus psychometric tests
01 May, 2013
Unemployed people are told they risk losing benefits if they fail to carry out meaningless questionnaire
Work Capability Assessment
01 May, 2013
The percentage of people entitled to ESA is at its highest level with over half of people completing a Work Capability Assessment eligible for the benefit
Diabetic man says dialysis room is 'not a spare bedroom'
30 April, 2013
A man who uses a room of his house for daily dialysis treatment says the government's changes to housing benefits are unfair
Teething troubles on day one of universal credit pilot scheme
30 April, 2013
At the town hall in Tameside, the first place to pilot the scheme, no claimants turned up in person on day one
Council pledges £1m fund to help bedroom tax victims
30 April, 2013
Doncaster Council has created a £1 million fund to help residents hit by the government's bedroom tax
Durkan: Public crying out for information on welfare cuts
30 April, 2013
Mark H Durkan has called on Minister Nelson McCausland to break his silence and provide as much information as possible
Dorset Police issue warning to benefits cuts protesters
30 April, 2013
Dorset Police has warned organisers of a direct action campaign against government benefit cuts they may be breaking the law
Universal credit: Major benefits changes come into effect
30 April, 2013
A massive shake-up in the UK benefits system has begun, with the first claims being made for new universal credit payments
Under-occupancy charge: More than 200 tenants want to downsize
30 April, 2013
More than 200 council tenants in Northampton have applied to transfer to smaller homes because of the charge on under-occupied rooms
'Universal Credit to create average monthly rent arrears of £180'
29 April, 2013
The government's shake-up of the benefits system, Universal Credit will create average monthly rent arrears of £180, according to a law firm
Mothers and children lose out in benefit changes
29 April, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's universal credit poses a serious threat to women's independence
Universal credit 'will destroy people'
29 April, 2013
A small number of benefit claimants in Greater Manchester will start to receive the new 'universal credit' from today
Universal Credit launches in Manchester
29 April, 2013
Universal Credit is launched in parts of the North-West
Government's Universal Credit system begins
29 April, 2013
The government's new Universal Credit system has begun to be rolled-out today, in four North West towns
Law group warns against mass appeals
26 April, 2013
A wave of mass appeals against bedroom tax decisions risks leaving people in limbo due to tribunal delays, law centres have warned
How little money can a person live on?
26 April, 2013
BBC news report about just how little money can someone realistically get by on
History repeating
26 April, 2013
Keith Cooper investigates if the localisation of the welfare system marks a return to the 19th century poor law
Social housing tenants see rise in internet and smartphone use but remain below general population
26 April, 2013
Internet access and smartphone ownership are rising among social housing tenants but usage remains considerably lower than among the population at large
Rights law is an asset
26 April, 2013
Without article 8, those in bedroom tax disputes will have an uphill struggle, according to Giles Peaker, solicitor at Anthony Gold
Social hearted, commercially minded
25 April, 2013
Housing associations must forge new relationships with their tenants to help with increasingly squeezed finances, according to a report from the think tank The Smith Institute
Charity warns 'bedroom tax' will push up homelessness
25 April, 2013
A Swansea mother has told ITV News that she sufferes sleepless nights and has even considered suicide due to changes to the benefits system
Housing Minister approves Council plan to help struggling tenants
25 April, 2013
Council tenants who are most affected by the changes to housing benefit could be eligible for financial help following successful lobbying from Swindon Borough Council
This disability ruling reveals new depths of political dishonesty
25 April, 2013
Nobody said, in any of the parties' manifestos, that they would claw money back from the severely disabled
New research reveals people on low incomes may be missing out on vital financial support at time of welfare reform
24 April, 2013
New research has found that those who could be in most need of financial help are not accessing the support potentially available to them
Bedroom tax drove tenant to create cannabis cake factory in shed
24 April, 2013
A social housing tenant who turned his shed into a cannabis factory has claimed he did so to raise funds to pay the bedroom tax
Number of people turning to food banks triples in a year
24 April, 2013
Charity says up to 650 more food banks are needed across UK to cope with surging demand
Housing association re-designates size of properties to help tenants hit by bedroom tax
23 April, 2013
A housing association has re-designated the size of some of its properties in an attempt to help tenants hit by the bedroom tax
Bedroom tax drove tenant to create cannabis cake factory in shed
23 April, 2013
A social housing tenant who turned his shed into a cannabis factory has claimed he did so to raise funds to pay the bedroom tax
Edinburgh confirms no eviction policy
23 April, 2013
Edinburgh Council has adopted a 'no eviction' policy for tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax'
Bedroom tax protestors hit councillors with 'eviction notices'
22 April, 2013
Bedroom tax protestors have hit the homes of Poole councillors with 'eviction notices' and police tape
London's private rents soar by 1.3% during March
22 April, 2013
Private rents in London soared by 1.3% during March to a record average of £1,106 per month
Bedroom tax protestors hit councillors with 'eviction notices'
19 April, 2013
Bedroom tax protestors have hit the homes of Poole councillors with 'eviction notices' and police tape
Bedroom tax protestors target Lord Freud's house
19 April, 2013
Around 200 UK Uncut and Occupy London activists held a bedroom tax protest outside the London home of welfare reform minister Lord Freud
Join the E-action against the bedroom tax
19 April, 2013
Mencap has created an e-action which allows people to tell David Cameron what they think about the bedroom tax
George Osborne's benefits cap puts Labour on the back foot
19 April, 2013
The chancellor wants to set the protection of spending on public services against welfare spending. What can Labour do?
Benefits cap pilots claim DWP cash is not enough
19 April, 2013
The first four councils to test the government's new benefit cap have warned they have not received enough money to implement the changes
Bedroom tax protestors target Lord Freud's house
18 April, 2013
Around 200 UK Uncut and Occupy London activists held a bedroom tax protest outside the London home of welfare reform minister Lord Freud
£2m development brings affordable homes to village
18 April, 2013
The residents of a Staffordshire village have been invited to view plans to develop 21 new affordable homes in the area
Rent control is not the answer
18 April, 2013
Richard Blanco, National Landlords Association explains why the UK must not return to Rent Control
Welfare reform: where now for social housing?
18 April, 2013
Tim Brown has advice for housing organisations preparing to manage fallout from the bewildering array of changes to benefits
Bedroom tax will empty homes and end up costing the taxpayer more, say housing providers
18 April, 2013
Housing providers have warned the UK Government of the damaging effects of welfare changes
Half of privately owned homes are 'under-occupied'
18 April, 2013
Research from Naionwide shows 49% of owned homes have two or more spare bedrooms, while in the private rental sector only 16% do
Social housing tenants paid £30 to learn about money
17 April, 2013
A housing association is offering tenants a £30 incentive to learn how to manage their personal finances.
Cornwall families 'face cash cut' under benefit changes
17 April, 2013
More than 100 families in Cornwall face having their benefits capped in changes to the government's welfare system
The London housing and benefit madness that Thatcher built
17 April, 2013
The housing and welfare policies doing so much damage in London are firmly rooted in the Thatcher years
Council to use HRA funds to limit bedroom tax
17 April, 2013
Swindon council has got permission from the housing minister to use money from rental income to set up a £420,000 fund to support tenants affected by welfare cuts
Benefit cap 'will encourage people to work'
16 April, 2013
Imposing a nationwide cap on benefits will "encourage people into work", the government has said, as the plan is rolled out in four London boroughs
Benefits diaries: Meet the authors
16 April, 2013
Meet the writers behind the benefits diaries - telling the real story behind the government's welfare reforms
Birmingham's crisis centres mapped as groups tackle government's welfare changes
16 April, 2013
Groups in Birmingham dealing with the impact of the government's welfare reforms have drawn-up a map identifying crisis support centres for people affected across the city
Greenwich Council launches job scheme for victims of benefit cuts
16 April, 2013
The Royal Borough of Greenwich claims it is the first council in the country to launch a scheme to get the families worst affected by the government's benefit cuts into work
Credit union £38 million expansion deal signed
16 April, 2013
ABCUL has been awarded a contract worth up to £38million to modernise and grow the credit union industry so it helps more people on low incomes
Housing benefit change 'complete madness'
16 April, 2013
UK government changes to housing benefit are "complete madness", a Welsh government minister has told MPs
Benefits should only be 'a safety net', says Grant Shapps
16 April, 2013
Grant Shapps says the government's new benefits cap means no-one will be better off on welfare than in work - Channel 4 news report
GHA buys homes for tenants to avoid bedroom tax
16 April, 2013
Glasgow Housing Association is to buy 300 homes to allow people to avoid the government's bedroom tax
Stormont to decide on bedroom tax
16 April, 2013
Politicians in Northern Ireland will thrash out plans to implement welfare reform, which could include ditching the controversial bedroom tax
Benefit payments cap rollout begins in London
15 April, 2013
A government-imposed cap on many benefit payments nationwide is beginning in four London boroughs
Call to dodge 'bedroom tax' by reclassifying box rooms as studies
15 April, 2013
Housing chiefs will debate whether to reclassify 'box rooms' in council houses to limit the impact of the Government's welfare reforms
Welfare reform 'will hit private renters hardest'
15 April, 2013
Vast sums are being added to the cost of the health service and welfare state because of illnesses that people contract from living in sub-standard housing
GPs advised not to help Glasgow 'bedroom tax' appeals
15 April, 2013
GPS in Glasgow are being advised not to help patients who could be exempt from the 'bedroom tax'
Thousands in Scotland have no hope of avoiding 'bedroom tax'
15 April, 2013
Councils wouldn't have enough single bed properties to cope with demand if every tenant facing cuts in their housing benefit asked to downsize
The bedroom tax is already ruining Welsh communities
15 April, 2013
BBC has today unearthed evidence demonstrating the extent of the impact of the bedroom tax
Benefits stigma in Britain - new Turn2us research
15 April, 2013
public vastly overestimated the numbers of people 'claiming falsely' or 'committing fraud'
Sharp London homelessness rise
15 April, 2013
Benefit cuts, soaring house prices and rents have pushed up homelessness in London three times faster than England as a whole
Top tips: lessons from the direct payment pilot schemes
15 April, 2013
How can you prepare for the introduction of direct payment? Our panel of experts involved in the government's pilot schemes share their advice
Council urged to limit impact of bedroom tax
15 April, 2013
Councillors in Cambridge will this week discuss measures to limit the impact of the government's 'bedroom tax' including reclassifying some properties
Benefit cap: in defiance of logic
15 April, 2013
If you had set out to make children poorer for being born into large families, then this might be a sensible way to do it
Council urged to limit impact of bedroom tax
15 April, 2013
Councillors in Cambridge to discuss measures to limit the impact of the 'bedroom tax' including reclassifying some properties
Minister claims benefit cap is boosting employment
15 April, 2013
The cap on benefit payments coming into force today has already prompted 8,000 people to move into work, the employment minister has said
Benefit change: Tenants outnumber available Wales homes
12 April, 2013
There are not enough suitable homes available for tenants in Wales who want to downsize amid changes to the benefit system, BBC Wales research shows
Housing bodies slate bedroom tax mass appeals
12 April, 2013
Chartered Institute of Housing warns campaign may risk strong cases
The Impact of Welfare Reform on Scotland
12 April, 2013
2nd Report, 2013 (Session 4): The Impact of Welfare Reform on Scotland
Welfare reform and the prosperity gap
12 April, 2013
According to new research published by Sheffield Hallam University, cuts to benefit payments will "widen the gaps in prosperity"
Investment pot to prevent homelessness
12 April, 2013
A £78,000 investment pot is being established to prevent homelessness by Richmondshire Council
£26k benefit cap to go ahead
12 April, 2013
The £26,000-a-year total household benefits cap will be rolled out in four London boroughs from Monday
Labour MPs stage bedroom tax protest outside Chequers
11 April, 2013
Three Labour MPs have staged a bedroom tax protest outside the gates of Chequers, the Prime Minister's palatial country home
Labour MPs stage bedroom tax protest outside Chequers
11 April, 2013
Three Labour MPs have staged a bedroom tax protest outside the gates of Chequers, the Prime Minister's palatial country home
Knowsley saves 200 households from bedroom tax
11 April, 2013
Knowsley Housing Trust has so far succeeded in exempting up to 200 tenants from the bedroom tax
Welfare reform is needed but the bedroom tax will end badly
10 April, 2013
The 'bedroom tax' does little for either benefits claimants or the public purse and is likely to become the poll tax of 2013
Benefit reforms: Reporter tries to live on £53 a week
10 April, 2013
A BBC reporter has begun her attempt to live for one week on no more than £53
Government denies shifting social housing cash
10 April, 2013
The Northern Irish Government has denied that it has siphoned money intended for social housing into first time buyer schemes
Northern focus: will the bedroom tax hit northerners the hardest?
10 April, 2013
Housing policy historically meant the building of bigger family homes, now residents in the north will be penalised by the bedroom tax because of a shortage of smaller ones
Charity wins appeal over bedroom tax for Sheffield family
10 April, 2013
A Charity has secured exemption from the 'bedroom tax' for a Sheffield family - and say others could have success too
Housing sector aiming to get tenants on the internet with 'Spring Online'
09 April, 2013
Housing providers across the UK are to help their tenants get internet access as they take part in this year's 'Spring Online' campaign
Labour could link housing to employment
09 April, 2013
The Labour Party is looking to overhaul its welfare policies to link benefit payments and access to social housing to the contribution people make to society
Bedroom tax to cost Northern Ireland '£21m'
08 April, 2013
The bedroom tax will cost Northern Ireland more to implement than it will save in housing benefit
Bedroom tax is a 'complete failure'
08 April, 2013
The bedroom tax has been a "complete failure" in Westminster
Disability Living Allowance replaced by PIP scheme
08 April, 2013
Major changes to disability benefits for new claimants are being introduced in some parts of the UK ahead of a national roll-out of the new measures
Benefit cuts affect disabled people's independence
08 April, 2013
Today sees the start of the staged introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) which will replace Disability Living Allowance
Government's welfare reforms are turning working-classes on one another
08 April, 2013
White working-class feel a greater hostility towards neighbours who have gained unfairly from state pay-outs than against richer or more powerful classes
Benefit changes: Leeds City Council could 'reclassify' bedrooms
08 April, 2013
Plans to "reclassify" bedrooms in more than 800 council homes are being considered in Leeds, in response to housing benefit changes
A slice of life
08 April, 2013
Over the next year, Inside Housing will track the impact on their businesses and lives through this new welfare reform focus group
Benefits in Britain: separating the facts from the fiction
08 April, 2013
How many people are dependent on welfare - and do families where three generations have never worked really exist?
Discretionary Housing Payments Guidance Manual
05 April, 2013
April 2013 Good Practice Guide for DHP's
Housing benefit changes may prompt return of rent collectors
05 April, 2013
Nine in 10 housing professionals predict increased arrears under universal credit, requiring landlords to rethink rent collection methods
State pension reform 'needs better explanation'
05 April, 2013
The government needs to do more to explain the forthcoming revamp of the state pension system to the public, a cross-party group of MPs has said
Strike a Digital Deal to help people get online
05 April, 2013
Social landlords are urged to bid for funding to design innovative projects to help their tenants get online with the launch of Digital Deal
A better future
05 April, 2013
April heralds a number of changes across housing benefits, so it seems timely to reflect on those changes that have already come into effect, and the changes that come in this month
What it's really like living on benefits - readers' panel
05 April, 2013
In response to the row about welfare which was sparked by Iain Duncan Smith's comments that he could live on £53 a week, Guardian readers who receive benefits tell us what their lives are really like
Bedroom tax to cost more than it can save
05 April, 2013
The bedroom tax will cost Northern Ireland more to implement than it will save in HB, according to new figures released by CIH and the Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations NIFHA
George Osborne: Welsh Government opposition to welfare reform 'unbelievable'
04 April, 2013
George Osborne has defended his welfare reforms and described Welsh Government opposition to his plans as "unbelievable"
Fine, our IDS petition is a 'stunt' - a stunt to shame the oblivious aristocrats
04 April, 2013
Fine, our IDS petition is a 'stunt' - a stunt to shame the oblivious aristocrats
Universal Credit: MPs raise fraud concerns
04 April, 2013
The government must give a "swift assurance" that the introduction of Universal Credit will not cause a rise in benefit fraud, MPs have said
Council tenants can rent out spare rooms
04 April, 2013
Social housing tenants will be allowed to make thousands of pounds by renting out their spare rooms and their benefits will be unaffected, ministers have admitted
Committee: Government's welfare reforms should not be underestimated
04 April, 2013
The DCLG Committee's investigation into the welfare changes has concluded that the significance, timetable and volume of the reforms should not be underestimated
Philpott: Osborne questions state 'lifestyle subsidy'
04 April, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne has questioned whether the state should be paying for the lifestyles of people such as Mick Philpott
Chancellor George Osborne to defend benefits changes
03 April, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne is to defend benefits and tax changes, saying "this month we will make work pay"
Benefit changes devastating - Welsh minister Huw Lewis
03 April, 2013
Huw Lewis believes that people will lose their homes because of the latest reforms
Welfare system reforms are fair
03 April, 2013
Changes to the UK's welfare system are fair, Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith has insisted, as some of the new measures came into effect
The Bedroom Tax isn't funny - and we're not April Fools
03 April, 2013
People are being funnelled into a private rented sector that is too often insecure, indecent and unaffordable
The bedroom tax's authors were either careless or cruel - it must be fought
03 April, 2013
Campaigners against the bedroom tax will be responding with similar inflexibility to the government
Thousands of families 'facing debt nightmare over the bedroom tax'
03 April, 2013
Town hall chiefs have warned that thousands of families across Greater Manchester could sink into debt as the bedroom tax kicks in this week
Bedroom Tax: Some Home Truths
03 April, 2013
Bedroom tax could cost taxpayers more, not less, according to new NHF report
The Bedroom tax map of Britain: where will it hit hardest?
03 April, 2013
The National Housing Federation has worked out what this will mean per year for claimants in each constituency across the country
Universal Credit: MPs raise fraud concerns
03 April, 2013
The government must give a "swift assurance" that the introduction of Universal Credit will not cause a rise in benefit fraud
An open letter to the Prime Minister and Deputy Prime Minister about the impact of the bedroom tax on our tenants
03 April, 2013
Riverside Housing Association
£40 million for council tax cuts
03 April, 2013
The Scottish Government has pledged to protect vulnerable residents from increased council tax bills by launching a £40 million fund to bridge the gap
Implementation of welfare reform by local authorities (I)
03 April, 2013
Communities and Local Government Committee - Ninth Report
Implementation of welfare reform by local authorities (II)
03 April, 2013
Communities and Local Government Committee - Written Evidence: Contents ordered by the House of Commons
Changes to Housing Support under Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland
02 April, 2013
Department for Social Development Report
LIN Member Report April 2013 - Bedroom Tax Appeals
02 April, 2013
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner
Scottish government says law to prevent 'bedroom tax' evictions is unnecessary
02 April, 2013
The Scottish government has rejected Labour's call for emergency legislation to prevent tenants being evicted as a result of arrears caused by the so-called "bedroom tax".
Benefits reform trial scaled back
02 April, 2013
The government is to scale back some of its plans to test a radical new reform to the welfare system
The day Britain changes: welfare reforms and coalition cuts take effect
02 April, 2013
A new world heaves into view this week with sweeping changes in the fields of welfare, justice, health and tax
Welfare reform leaves families '£2.3bn' worse off
02 April, 2013
Low income families will be £2.3 billion worse off as a result of the government's welfare reforms
Bedroom tax could increase housing benefit bill
02 April, 2013
The annual housing benefit bill will increase by £143 million a year if tenants affected by the government's under-occupation penalty downsize
We have to talk about why some people agree with benefit cuts
02 April, 2013
Centre-left politicians catch glimpses of public opinion on 'welfare' and are frozen, while the right seizes its chance
Benefits changes: Warnings as crisis loans scrapped
02 April, 2013
Community care grants and crisis loans are ending just as demand for such help is expected to surge, campaigners warn
Warning: if you spend your money on fags you might lose your home
02 April, 2013
Housing associations have come under attack for 'patronising' messages over welfare reform. How should they reach tenants?
'Scrap bedroom tax or give Scotland its fair share of funds'
02 April, 2013
The UK government must scrap the bedroom tax in Scotland or give the country its fair share of funds to deal with both the human and financial impact
Impact of Welfare Reform on Social Landlords in the South-West
28 March, 2013
A new study has revealed that 56 percent of housing associations and almost 30 percent of councils are worried that their tenants still know hardly anything about the welfare changes
LIN Press release - Information for private and social sector members
28 March, 2013
DHP and underspend
Government lose Bedroom Tax challenge decision
28 March, 2013
The Government fails in its attempt to prevent legal action against its controversial Bedroom Tax
Benefit cuts putting 200,000 children in poverty must be stopped, experts say
28 March, 2013
Letter signed by more than 50 social policy professors warns poorest tenth of households lose equivalent of 38% income
Tenants choose to stay and pay bedroom tax
28 March, 2013
Just 1 per cent of households affected by the government's 'bedroom tax' have moved home to avoid the controversial under-occupancy charge, which comes into effect on Monday
Minister defends bedroom tax but accepts life will be 'very difficult'
27 March, 2013
Nick Boles has defended the government's 'spare room subsidy' and challenged Labour MPs to come up with a better solution to cutting the housing benefit bill
Welfare Reform in Northern Ireland - second report on potential impacts published
27 March, 2013
The Department for Social Development has today published the second in a series of reports which show the potential impact of Welfare Reform on local people
Housing association visits 4,000 tenants on bedroom tax mission
27 March, 2013
A housing association has visited over 4,000 of its tenants to make sure they understand the implications of the imminent bedroom tax
Welfare cuts will cost disabled people £28bn over five years
27 March, 2013
Individuals will be hit by up to six different cuts and some could lose more than £20,000 each, research for the Guardian shows
Londoners 'to be hit hardest by welfare reforms'
27 March, 2013
Nearly half a million Londoners will suffer benefit cuts because of welfare reforms that threaten to create a new wave of homelessness
Welfare cuts may hit Scots worse than predicted
27 March, 2013
People in Scotland could be hit by welfare cuts almost twice as much as expected, according to analysis
Benefit changes: Who will be affected?
27 March, 2013
Hundreds of thousands of households across the UK will be affected by changes to benefits from April
Scottish Labour seeks emergency law change to avoid 'bedroom tax' evictions
27 March, 2013
Labour is calling on the Scottish government to pass emergency legislation to ensure no tenants are evicted as a result of arrears
Brick up doors and knock down walls to defy bedroom tax, MP urges
27 March, 2013
A Labour MP has called on social landlords to "brick up" doorways and "knock down the walls" to defy the government's forthcoming bedroom tax
Draconian bedroom tax will cause severe hardship
27 March, 2013
A housing chief has slammed the government's bedroom tax as a draconian policy
4 out of 10 families cut back on food to stay in their homes
27 March, 2013
4 out of 10 families with children have cut down on what they spend on food to help pay for their housing costs in the past year
Council hits out: bedroom tax will strike the most vulnerable
27 March, 2013
A council has claimed that government's bedroom tax will hit families in low paid job, disabled occupants and children living in poverty particularly hard
Committee attacks government's housing benefit reforms
26 March, 2013
The Public Accounts Committee has concluded that the government's housing benefit reforms have not been properly thought through
Bedroom tax: Wasted £700m fund could have helped victims of vicious tax
25 March, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith's Department for Work and Pensions underspent while also cutting £500million from housing benefits
Bedroom tax sting for kidney patient with dialysis machine in spare room
25 March, 2013
A grandad suffering from chronic kidney disease is facing a bedroom tax benefits cut despite his spare room being specially fitted with a dialysis machine to treat his condition
Scotland's councils body Cosla says 'don't blame us' for 'bedroom tax'
25 March, 2013
Councils have urged the public not to blame them for carrying out what they have dubbed "extreme and ill thought-out" welfare reforms
Homelessness: 'If you think it's bad now, it's about to get worse'
25 March, 2013
Figures show a 6% rise in homelessness applications. Welfare reform and the closure of services will exacerbate the problem
Hard working families hit by £4.5 billion benefits cuts
25 March, 2013
The true impact of the UK Government's benefit reforms have been revealed by a new Scottish Government analysis
Benefit changes for disabled people and social housing tenants
25 March, 2013
One of the most radical reforms of the benefits system starts to takes effect from April with changes to many payments, including those for social housing tenants
Cameron announces crackdown on housing and welfare for migrants
25 March, 2013
Prime Minister David Cameron has outlined government plans to restrict the benefits available to migrants in the UK
Homelessness rises as benefits are cut - coincidence?
25 March, 2013
Todays homelessness statistics reveal the reality for people at the sharp end of Britain's housing crisis
Bedroom tax: Mayor declares no resident to be evicted until help agreed
25 March, 2013
No residents in Bristol affected by the bedroom tax will be evicted from their homes until the council has decided on the best way to help those at risk, the city's mayor has announced
Government should raise bedroom tax threshold
25 March, 2013
The government should concentrate its efforts to tackle under-occupation on households with two spare bedrooms and remove the exemption for pensioners
Under-occupation of social housing: Housing Benefit entitlement
22 March, 2013
Parliamentary briefing
Welfare reform: Council takes steps to deal with enquiry avalanche
22 March, 2013
A council is taking special measures to deal with an expected 3,150 residents who will be hit by the government's welfare reforms
Potential human rights violation sees government face fresh bedroom tax legal challenge
22 March, 2013
The government is facing another legal challenge against its imminent bedroom tax policy
Ministers may increase direct payment exceptions
22 March, 2013
More people might be switched from direct payment of benefit under universal credit than ministers first thought, a civil servant has said
Bedroom tax faces second legal challenge
21 March, 2013
Human rights group Liberty is launching legal action against the government's penalty for under-occupation of social housing
The bedroom tax is an intrusion into the most private family space
21 March, 2013
This attack on the vulnerable ignores the fact that the bedroom is regarded by all classes as more than just a place to sleep
Welfare Reforms Cut £2.1 Billion from Scottish Economy
21 March, 2013
The UK's coalition Government will use its five year term of office to harvest more than £2.1 billion of its planned £18 billion welfare savings from Scotland's poorest people
Liberty: Bedroom tax breaches right to family life
21 March, 2013
Today Liberty announced it will seek Judicial Review of the Government's controversial new 'bedroom tax' policy based on the impact on separated families with shared custody of children
Budget 2013: Ministers deny 'second home subsidy'
21 March, 2013
A row has erupted over whether a Budget initiative aimed at helping people get on the housing ladder could be used to fund the purchase of second homes
Children to become first casualties from benefits uprating
20 March, 2013
Measures announced in the Autumn Statement will push 200,000 children below the poverty line, says Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Analysis of tax and benefit changes in the autumn statement
20 March, 2013
In this short briefing paper, IPPR projects the consequences of the changes to tax allowances and the uprating of benefits that were announced in last year's autumn statement
PM denies benefit cuts will be his 'poll tax'
20 March, 2013
The prime minister has insisted the public support the government's welfare reforms
Campaigners plan next wave of bedroom tax unrest
20 March, 2013
Labour Left has announced details of a further 27 protests against the bedroom tax on 30 March
One city to see over three thousand disabled tenants hit by bedroom tax
20 March, 2013
Up to 3,400 disabled tenants are due to be hit by the government's forthcoming bedroom tax in one city alone
'Bedroom tax' to cost Scottish tenants on housing benefit £53m a year
20 March, 2013
Changes to housing benefit which have been dubbed a "bedroom tax" could cost Scots council and housing association tenants £53m a year
Budget 2013: What does it mean for you?
20 March, 2013
Chancellor George Osborne said his Budget would be "for people who work hard and aspire to get on"
'No evictions because of bedroom tax' in Darlington, says council leader
20 March, 2013
No council tenant will be evicted from their home because they can't afford to pay the so-called 'bedroom tax'
Brighton's Greens declare 'no Bedroom Tax evictions here'
19 March, 2013
Green Party councillors in Brighton and Hove have declared that council tenants won't be evicted just because they can't afford to pay the Bedroom Tax
Young social tenants get help with bedroom tax and benefits cap
19 March, 2013
Young social tenants are to receive help with money management ahead of the government's bedroom tax and benefits cap
Former prime minister attacks bedroom tax
19 March, 2013
Former prime minister Gordon Brown has waded into a debate on the bedroom tax
Universal credit threatens eviction amnesty
19 March, 2013
Councils that have pledged not to evict tenants who run up arrears as a result of the government's 'bedroom tax' could struggle
Housing association infuriates tenants with 'disgusting' bedroom tax 'no cigs, no bingo' newsletter slur
19 March, 2013
A Manchester HA has apologised to its tenants after a piece in its latest newsletter appeared to mock those who will be hit by the coming bedroom tax
Scots children 'should not miss out' on free school meals
19 March, 2013
Child poverty campaigners in Scotland have said that no one should miss out as a result of changes to the UK welfare system
How will the housing benefit changes work?
18 March, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the "bedroom tax" by Labour and, for many, the name has stuck
Council: no tenant to be evicted over bedroom tax
18 March, 2013
A council has declared that none of its social tenants will be evicted if they cannot afford to pay the government's forthcoming bedroom tax
Eviction fears over universal credit housing changes
18 March, 2013
The government says it'll empower tenants, but there's growing concern that changes to the way housing benefit works could lead to more evictions
Thousands protest against bedroom tax
18 March, 2013
Thousands of people have gathered at demonstrations across the UK to protest against the government's 'bedroom tax' penalty for under-occupation of social housing
Pricey DWP phone lines, shock council tax bills for empty homes
18 March, 2013
Money Box has learned that people enquiring about two new benefits - universal credit and the disability benefit personal independence payment - will have to pay premium rates for their phone calls
John Swinney urges benefit reform rethink
18 March, 2013
Scotland's Finance Secretary John Swinney has called on UK Chancellor George Osborne to rethink "disastrous" benefits changes in next week's Budget
'Bedroom tax' set to hit thousands of East Lancs families
18 March, 2013
Controversial 'bedroom tax' cuts set to hit thousands of families have been slammed as a 'shambles'
Bedroom tax: drastic u-turns, partial concessions, and spin
15 March, 2013
The most significant - and potentially most politically damaging - bodyswerve on the bedroom tax this week was slipped out without fanfare
Tory MPs voice bedroom tax worries
15 March, 2013
Conservative MPs have written to councils raising concerns about the impact of the 'bedroom tax' - despite voting for the measure in parliament
Birmingham landlord finds just 6% of tenants will downsize
15 March, 2013
A survey of residents by a Castle Vale Community Housing Association has found that only 6 per cent intend to move to a smaller house as a result of the 'bedroom tax'
Courts will fill up with tenants, lawyers warn
15 March, 2013
Lawyers expect courts to be inundated with 'thousands' of legal cases following the introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax' next month
Below the breadline
15 March, 2013
The bedroom tax will put a further squeeze on hard-pressed tenants' budgets - so how are they going to get by? Lydia Stockdale asked Jason Gaffney to try to live on his new allowance
Who will house the poor?
15 March, 2013
Today's benefit cuts and housing crises are taking us back to Victorian times. The government must listen to its critics, says Bill Randall
Bedroom tax: why you should march against this heartless, pointless 'reform'
15 March, 2013
Mass evictions of the most vulnerable are no way to tackle the housing benefit bill, and we must do all we can to stop them
IDS blasts BBC's use of term 'bedroom tax' as the 'language of the Labour Party'
15 March, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has written a letter to the BBC accusing it of "adopting the language of the Labour Party" by referring to the government's forthcoming under-occupancy charges as 'the bedroom tax'
Protestor delivers 'bedroom tax disclaimer' to One Vision
15 March, 2013
A protestor has hand-delivered a 'bedroom tax disclaimer' to the head offices of One Vision Housing
MPs and peers to examine private rented sector
14 March, 2013
A Parliamentary group is to examine the impact welfare reforms will have on young people in the private rented sector
Foster carers with more than one child will still face 'bedroom tax'
14 March, 2013
Carers' exemption from under-occupancy charge does not extend to more than one 'spare bedroom', ministers reveal
What will be the impact of the bedroom tax in Northern Ireland?
13 March, 2013
The Northern Ireland Housing Executive manages three-bedroom homes. It faces unique pressures over benefit reform
Bedroom tax 'in chaos' after Iain Duncan Smith announces exemptions
13 March, 2013
Work and pensions secretary says foster carers and parents with children in armed forces will not have to pay for spare bedrooms
Landlords need to 'wake up' to welfare reform
13 March, 2013
Welfare reform will fundamentally change the relationship between landlords and tenants, according to a director at Scotland's only direct payment pilot project
How will the housing benefit changes work?
13 March, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the 'bedroom tax' by Labour and, for many, the name has stuck
Universal credit pilots issue digital access warning
13 March, 2013
Three projects testing aspects of the government's universal credit welfare reform have warned there are serious flaws in the way people access the scheme
Westminster Council under attack over bedroom tax claims
12 March, 2013
A councillor has written to Westminster City Council's cabinet member for housing to complain that of over 500 tenants due to be hit by the bedroom tax, only 8 have so far been downsized
IDS pledges to protect disabled children
12 March, 2013
The work and pensions secretary has pledged to protect disabled children who will be hit by the bedroom tax
Charity launches spare rooms campaign
12 March, 2013
Depaul UK is calling on UK households with spare rooms to offer them to homeless young people
Council's bedroom tax avoidance house swap event creates 200 viewing requests
12 March, 2013
Croydon Council's house swapping event has led to almost 200 requests to view properties.
LIN Press Release - Partial U-turn over bedroom tax
12 March, 2013
Partial U-turn over bedroom tax announced by Iain Duncan Smith
London's benefit cap councils 'not guinea pigs'
12 March, 2013
Labour's Tottenham MP David Lammy said boroughs taking part should be helped for being used as 'guinea pigs'
The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) toolkit for support organisations
12 March, 2013
DWP Toolkit - information to individuals and organisations that support DLA claimants. It equips you to offer advice on PIP or direct claimants to other sources of help
HB/CTB U2/2013
12 March, 2013
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Circular - Court of Appeal judgement: Burnip, Trengove and Gorry
Welfare reform trial sees rent arrears rise in Torfaen
11 March, 2013
Tenants in south Wales taking part in a trial of the UK government's benefits reforms have seen rent arrears rise seven-fold to £140,000 in seven months
Archbishop of Canterbury attacks Government welfare reforms
11 March, 2013
The Archbishop of Canterbury is supporting a campaign to derail a key part of the Government's welfare reforms
IDS on warpath after Archbishop attacks 'immoral' welfare reforms
11 March, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has hit back after his welfare reform plans were attacked as "immoral" by the Archbishop of Canterbury
Scottish Government pledges £2.5 million support for households hit by bedroom tax
11 March, 2013
The Scottish government have announced £2.5 million in extra funding for social landlords to help their tenant cope with the bedroom tax and other welfare reforms
Occupancy Analyser
11 March, 2013
Wirral Partnership Homes has launched a new 'occupancy analyser' toolkit to help assess the financial impact of the bedroom tax on its future income
These 'spare' bedrooms are far from empty, Mr Shapps
11 March, 2013
If 'we're all in this together', let's have escalating council tax bands based on bedroom size
Three quarters of bedroom tax tenants won't move
11 March, 2013
Three quarters of tenants who will be affected by the bedroom tax would refuse to move even if smaller properties were available, according to research conducted by Aspire HA
80,000 People in London fall foul of Bedroom Tax
11 March, 2013
Thousands of low-income families across the capital will be forced to pay more rent or move out of their homes when the bedroom tax comes in according to NHF
Legal aid cuts force closure of almost a third of Shelter offices
11 March, 2013
Cuts an 'assault on family life' as British Red Cross culls expert advice and while Citizen Advice bureaux make staff redundant
Labour 'spreading fear over bedroom tax', says IDS
08 March, 2013
The Labour Party is deliberately spreading fear among housing benefit claimants over Coalition changes to the treatment of spare rooms
Bedroom tax fact check
08 March, 2013
Following Prime Minister's Questions this article looks at the claims made about who will be exempt from the bedroom tax
Tenants asked to sign bedroom tax disclaimer
08 March, 2013
A Liverpool-based housing association is asking tenants to sign forms that say they accept they will be hit with legal action if they don't pay their rent as a result of the 'bedroom tax'
Anger on the streets
08 March, 2013
Protests against the government's controversial bedroom tax are being staged across the country ahead of the policy's implementation on 1 April
Minister casts doubt on PM's housing benefit claim
08 March, 2013
A senior Conservative has cast doubt on claims by David Cameron that severely disabled children are exempt from what critics have dubbed the "bedroom tax"
'Bedroom tax will stop new homes being built'
07 March, 2013
The forthcoming bedroom tax will limit the amount of new homes social landlords are able to build, according to a speaker at a CIH South East Conference
'Under-occupancy charge is not a tax' says PM
07 March, 2013
The Prime Minister has been defending the coalition's "under-occupancy charge", which has been dubbed "bedroom tax", at Prime Ministers Questions
Welfare Reform Bill: the impact of underoccupation proposals on neighbourhoods
07 March, 2013
Housing Futures Network Report
Universal Credit: Proposal for Direct Payments trigger
07 March, 2013
CIH has joined forces with the National Housing Federation and Community Housing Cymru to advise the government
PMQs: David Cameron and Ed Miliband clash over 'bedroom tax'
07 March, 2013
Ed Miliband goes on the attack over the so-called 'bedroom tax' but the Prime Minister defends the policy, saying vulnerable people are exempt
DWP sets date for national benefit cap roll-out
07 March, 2013
The national roll-out of the benefit cap will begin on 15th July announced the Department for Work and Pensions
Figures show where bedroom tax will hit hardest
06 March, 2013
The NHF has calculated which constituencies will be hit hardest by penalties for under-occupation of social housing that come into force on 1 April
Universal credit benefits system 'in meltdown', claims Labour
06 March, 2013
Labour claims work on universal credit system has been halted but DWP insists plans for April completion are still on course
Ministers urged to exempt foster carers from 'bedroom tax'
06 March, 2013
Leaders of 11 children's charities say new rules will make it more difficult for people in social housing to become foster carers
Benefit changes: Residents look to 'swap properties'
06 March, 2013
People in Croydon who may lose out of benefits as the government changes its rules on spare bedrooms have said the changes will have a big impact on their lives
Bedroom tax to be introduced before legal challenge
06 March, 2013
A legal challenge to the government's penalty for the under-occupation of social housing will not go ahead until after the policy is introduced on 1 April
Lord Palmer criticises bedroom tax
05 March, 2013
Lord Palmer warns Parliament that the bedroom tax would lead to some people facing unaffordable rent prices
Bedroom tax: ministers given 14 days to make case against judicial review
05 March, 2013
Legal challenge claims disabled people will be disproportionately affected by change to benefit rules
The perfect storm: 'There will be an almighty crash in the autumn'
05 March, 2013
The bedroom tax, the benefit cap, the new council tax regime and a range of other welfare cuts are upon us. Throw in cuts to legal aid, advice services and the state of the UK economy and we're faced with two powerful weather fronts and a hurricane
Digital access will make or break Universal Credit, say charities and HAs
05 March, 2013
Housing associations and policy consultants revealed their primary concern about Universal Credit to be access to computers and the internet for claimants
New 'bedroom tax' will affect 30,000 people in Devon and Cornwall
05 March, 2013
People in the South West hit by the so-called 'bedroom tax' will lose around £780 a year - the biggest reduction outside of London
Children's rights cited in legal challenge launched against 'bedroom tax'
05 March, 2013
Change in benefit rules expected to lead to a reduction in benefits for hundreds of thousands of people
New bedroom tax figures show local impact
05 March, 2013
New figures estimating the numbers of people hit by the bedroom tax at constituency level have been released by the National Housing Federation
Children launch legal challenge to 'bedroom tax'
04 March, 2013
Ten disabled and vulnerable children have launched legal proceedings against work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith to fight penalties for the under-occupation of social housing
Bedroom tax will cost disabled people £100m
04 March, 2013
The introduction of the government's 'bedroom tax' will cost disabled people £100 million, the National Housing Federation has found
Disabled people short changed over bedroom tax
04 March, 2013
Government help for the most vulnerable people hit by the bedroom tax is falling so far short of what is needed to help them it will leave people struggling to make ends meet
Bedroom tax savings don't add up
04 March, 2013
Two Rivers has warned that the Government's plans for a spare bedroom tax for housing benefit claimants has hidden costs that the community will struggle to cope with
'Bedroom tax' will hit single parents and disabled people hardest
04 March, 2013
Research shows that 150,000 of those affected by new tax are single parents, who will lose an average £728 each
300% rise in demand for youth emergency accommodation
04 March, 2013
Depaul UK's campaign is calling on the 7.5 million households nationwide that have spare rooms to consider making it available to a young homeless person
Case study considers effect of bedroom tax on disabled tenants
01 March, 2013
A housing association has conducted a case study on one of its tenants to gauge the effect that the Government's bedroom tax might have on disabled people
Nationwide to stop lending to landlords with Local Housing Allowance tenants
01 March, 2013
Mortgage provider Nationwide, which provides mortgages for over a third of the buy-to-let market, has withdrawn from lending to new landlord customers with LHA tenants
Benefit cap will force more children to move schools mid-year, says thinktank
01 March, 2013
RSA warns that poorer children are more likely to have their education disrupted if they are forced out of affluent areas
'Bedroom tax' legal challenge
01 March, 2013
A disabled couple have gone to the High Court to take legal action against the Government's so-called bedroom tax
Exclusive: Benefit claimants offered £6,500 to move out
28 February, 2013
Labour-run Brent LBC will offer 150 benefit recipients with large families a one-off payment of £6,500 to move out of the borough, under a proposed £1m 'new start' scheme for those hit hard by welfare cuts
Welfare reform warning
28 February, 2013
Residents are being urged to ensure they don't miss out on changes to the national reform of the welfare system when Disability Living Allowance is replaced by Personal Independence Payments
Housing association income at risk with Welfare Reform
28 February, 2013
New research reveals that housing association rental income is at risk with the impending welfare cuts for tenants, threatening services to tenants and the ability to build much needed homes
Welfare reform is sector's biggest concern in 2013
28 February, 2013
Early analysis of the first responses to a survey being carried out by Housing e-Academy suggests that welfare reform is the social housing sector's biggest concern
Potential impacts of welfare reform published
28 February, 2013
The Department for Social Development has published the first in a series of reports which show the potential impact of Welfare Reform on local people
Northern Ireland households almost twice as likely to be hit by bedroom tax
28 February, 2013
Almost two-thirds of Northern Ireland's working age housing benefit claimants in the social sector will be hit by the bedroom tax
62 percent of Northern Ireland's social housing benefit claimants to be hit by bedroom tax
28 February, 2013
The bedroom tax will hit nearly two thirds of Northern Ireland's housing benefit claimants in the social sector
Opposition MPs fail in bid to scrap bedroom tax
28 February, 2013
A last ditch attempt to derail the government's 'bedroom tax' has failed
Bedroom tax should be scrapped
28 February, 2013
The UK Government should abandon its plan to introduce a bedroom tax, Scotland's Housing and Welfare Minister Margaret Burgess said today
The Bedroom Tax Will Drive Up Food Poverty in the UK
28 February, 2013
When my constituents started writing to me with their fears about the impact of the 'bedroom tax' I was shocked
Landlord backs tenants' bedroom tax protest
28 February, 2013
A housing association is backing more than 100,000 social tenants in the north east of England to launch a 'mass protest' against the government's 'bedroom tax'
Rent arrears rise predicted by housing associations
28 February, 2013
The vast majority of Scotland's housing associations are predicting that rent arrears will rise next year because of changes to benefits
Peers call for review of 1% cap to benefit rises
27 February, 2013
Peers have called for the government to review its controversial plans to cap increases in benefits to ensure the private rented sector does not become unaffordable to welfare claimants
Sleepless nights for the families hit by the threat of new 'bedroom tax'
27 February, 2013
Is it right to 'tax' people who are not using all of the bedrooms in their home all of the time?
MPs mount last ditch challenge to bedroom tax
27 February, 2013
Welsh, Scottish and Green Party MPs are making a final attempt today to get the government to scrap its plans to introduce penalties for the under-occupation of social housing
Housing provider organising mass bedroom tax protests
27 February, 2013
A social landlord is harnessing the voice and power of 100,000 tenants across the North East to launch a mass protest against the bedroom tax
The bedroom tax - a prime example that class politics are still relevant
27 February, 2013
The 'bedroom tax' is not only a vicious attack on some of the poorest people in society, it is also an example that the politics of class is still relevant in Britain today
Welfare reforms could spark a decade of destitution
27 February, 2013
Universal credit could have helped reduce poverty, but its haphazard implementation alongside sweeping changes will put people and businesses at risk
Bedroom tax will cost taxpayers more
26 February, 2013
The coming bedroom tax will end up costing Scottish taxpayers more not less, Shelter Scotland has warned.
Scottish charity calls for £50m bedroom tax fund
26 February, 2013
A housing charity has told the Scottish Government it needs to set aside £50 million to protect social tenants from the impact of the bedroom tax
Ethnic minorities facing up to welfare reform
26 February, 2013
A special welfare reform advice seminar has been held to help ethnic minority communities face the Government's changes to the welfare system
Bedroom tax protestors to target One Vision Housing
26 February, 2013
Protestors against the forthcoming bedroom tax are to converge on One Vision Housing's offices this Thursday
Bedroom tax protests planned across UK
26 February, 2013
A left-wing thinktank is organising protests across the country as part of a 'day of action' against the government's bedroom tax
Tenants exempted from bedroom tax after landlord reclassifies properties
26 February, 2013
Nearly 600 households will escape the bedroom tax as Knowsley Housing Trust takes a bold management decision
Riverside urges MPs to keep the pressure up on bedroom tax
26 February, 2013
Riverside has written to all MPs in constituencies where it has over 50 homes
Statistical update: Disability Living Allowance Claims
25 February, 2013
Updated statistics on the number of claimants receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) between February and May 2012
DWP: bedroom tax will not be changed
25 February, 2013
There will be no changes made to the bedroom tax according to the Department for Work and Pensions
Bedroom tax protestors joining 'benefit justice summit'
25 February, 2013
Tenants protesting against the bedroom tax and other welfare cuts are to join a 'benefit justice summit'
The bedroom tax ignores the link between home and health
25 February, 2013
The emotional costs of 'bedroom tax' could far exceed savings in housing benefits according to JRF
Coast & Country launches mass protest against the bedroom tax
25 February, 2013
Coast & Country is harnessing the voice of tens of thousands of social housing tenants from across the North East to launch a mass protest against the bedroom tax - speaker from LIN Director Claire Turner opens this event
Bedroom tax will hit poorer students
25 February, 2013
The bedroom tax could hit students already struggling to survive without financial support from their parents
Top tips: managing the bedroom tax in social housing
25 February, 2013
How can housing providers protect tenants and their bottom lines from the impact of the under-occupation penalty? Our experts share their advice
DWP rules out changes to bedroom tax
22 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted there will be no change to the bedroom tax following reports that Iain Duncan Smith has asked officials to look at how the policy will affect disabled people
Home swap service to tackle welfare reform
22 February, 2013
Social landlords are to set up a national mobility scheme to help tenants move to avoid the impact of the government’s welfare reforms and to find work
Challenging Times, Changing Lives
22 February, 2013
Welfare reforms will fail to result in positive changes unless the government and social landlords increase support services for tenants, Riverside study warns
Charities say millions without internet access will face benefits struggle
22 February, 2013
Online-only Universal Credit system will come into force later this year following the closure of many advice centres
London housing crisis: soaring benefit claimant numbers indicate displacement from centre
22 February, 2013
New government figures show a rise in London as a whole, but sharp falls in the most expensive boroughs
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - stage 2
21 February, 2013
Ministerial Task and Finish Group on Welfare Reform stage 2 analysis
Scots urged to change use of rooms to avoid 'tax'
21 February, 2013
A consortium of welfare advice services has called on the Scottish government to publish guidance to help people escape the bedroom tax
A tax on carers: Charities say 420,000 disabled people will be hit by bedroom tax
21 February, 2013
Spare rooms are essential for many households with disabled people as they give a carer a space of their own
MP lives on £18 a week to say bedroom tax unfair
21 February, 2013
A Labour MP is attempting to live off £18 a week to prove the government's bedroom tax is unfair
Disability charities call for bedroom tax reprieve
21 February, 2013
Seven charities have written to George Osborne calling for carers and disabled people to be exempt from the controversial bedroom tax
'Bedroom tax' rules re-examined
21 February, 2013
Welfare secretary Iain Duncan Smith has instructed officials to "look again" at how the "bedroom tax" will affect disabled people, the BBC has been told
Government backtracks on pensioner bedroom tax
21 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to protect some of the pensioners that could be hit by the bedroom tax
Southwark Council pilot findings cast doubt on viability of Direct Payment of benefits
21 February, 2013
A London council has projected it faces a rocketing £14 million increase in rent arrears once the direct payment of HB to tenants comes into effect later this year
Universal credit: more tenants face eviction and rent arrears
20 February, 2013
Emerging findings from direct payment pilots suggest vulnerable housing benefit claimants will struggle with new measures
Is the 'bedroom tax' fair?
20 February, 2013
MPs Helen Goodman and Richard Harrington debate whether people should have their benefits cut if they have a spare room
Couple take bedroom tax hit to keep shrine to dead son
20 February, 2013
A couple who lost their son to cancer are prepared to pay the bedroom tax to keep a shrine to his memory
Why the 'bedroom tax' provides weak protection for hard cases
20 February, 2013
Concern at the impact of the bedroom tax has finally tipped into the mainstream, as real families have come forward to share their fears about what April will bring
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales
20 February, 2013
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales
'Tax' on soldier son's bedroom in Crawley
20 February, 2013
A father from Crawley who keeps two bedrooms free at his council house for his grown-up son and his granddaughter says he is angry that his benefits will now be cut
Welfare changes: tenants get explanatory video
19 February, 2013
Hundreds of council home tenants can learn more about the Government's forthcoming welfare changes thanks to a new online film
Free IT courses for Dale & Valley Homes' customers
19 February, 2013
Council tenants in Wear Valley are being offered the chance to learn computer skills for free
Government brings in trouble-shooter to get its Universal Credit benefits programme on track before launch
19 February, 2013
Government takes action after flagship programme is hit by death of IT head and other staff problems
Whitehall accused of 'crazy' hypocrisy
18 February, 2013
The government has been accused of hypocrisy after attacking a council for spending £600 on a welfare cuts awareness campaign, while spending nearly £1 million itself promoting the right to buy
Labour attacks 'perverse' bedroom tax
18 February, 2013
The coalition government's bedroom tax is 'perverse' the shadow employment minister has said
'We won't put up with this': Residents facing brunt of 'bedroom tax' will refuse to pay
18 February, 2013
The so-called 'bedroom tax' will affect 660,000 social housing tenants. In Leeds, Jonathan Brown finds that some of them are in fighting mood
Councils must prepare for the unexpected as universal credit rolls out
18 February, 2013
Local authorities can't afford to employ more staff, but they must find a way to deal with increased contact from worried residents
Haringey council tax ruling taken to Court of Appeal
18 February, 2013
A single mother who opposes plans to make people on benefits contribute to their council tax bill has taken her legal battle to the Court of Appeal
LIN Press Release - Information on Direct payment of Universal Credit Housing costs direct to landlords
15 February, 2013
Universal Credit (UC) - Guidance on Personal Budgeting Support
Online benefits and job applications 'penalise vulnerable'
15 February, 2013
The UK government's policy of forcing people to apply for benefits and jobs online has been criticised by Citizens Advice Scotland
67,000 pensioners to be hit by bedroom tax
15 February, 2013
More than 67,000 pensioners could be hit by the bedroom tax - despite the government's insistence the controversial policy will only apply to people of working age
Tenants avoid bedroom tax after Knowsley reclassifies homes
15 February, 2013
Knowsley Housing Trust is reclassifying 566 properties as smaller homes, in a move which will help tenants affected by the bedroom tax
Whitehall accused of 'crazy' hypocrisy
15 February, 2013
The government has been accused of hypocrisy after attacking a council for spending £600 on a welfare cuts awareness campaign
Child poverty 'should be tackled not measured'
15 February, 2013
The government should focus less on how to measure child poverty and more on how to eradicate it, a leading children's charity has argued
Direct payments housing association: 'Welfare reforms could cost us £10m a year'
14 February, 2013
Wakefield and District HA who are taking part in the DWP Direct Payment demonstration projects says the Government's welfare reforms could end up costing it £10million a year
'Social landlords don't have to collect the bedroom tax'
14 February, 2013
Current claims that the bedroom tax will increase the housing benefit bill by forcing under occupiers into the private sector are one dimensional
Bedroom tax hardship fund 'should be increased'
14 February, 2013
A total of 61 MPs have signed an early day motion calling for an increase in the size of a hardship fund to help people affected by the bedroom tax
Tenants get lessons in IT and savings
14 February, 2013
Whitefriars Housing has teamed up with Henley College and is giving its tenants lessons in IT and how to save and manage their money
Benefit cuts: London tenants told to move away from Capital
14 February, 2013
Camden council is considering shipping tenants that'll be hit by the coming benefit cuts as far away as Leicester and Birmingham
Social landlord backs motion to help those hit by bedroom tax
14 February, 2013
Liverpool Mutual Homes is backing a Parliamentary motion to increase Discretionary Housing Payment funding in the face of the coming bedroom tax
London council forced to move families away
14 February, 2013
A London council is considering moving up to 2,817 people miles out of the borough because benefit changes mean they will struggle to pay private sector rents
Peers demand halt to benefit cuts
13 February, 2013
Liberal Democrat peers have called for there to be no fresh welfare cuts before the next general election
Who takes the harshest anti-welfare line? Those on state benefits
13 February, 2013
Report from The Guardian - 'I talked to families directly affected by the cuts and many wanted benefits themselves - yet resented anyone else getting them'
'Government's benefit cuts will hit black and ethnic population hardest'
13 February, 2013
Community leaders have warned that Croydon's black and ethnic populations will be disproportionately affected by the Government's benefit cuts
'Bedroom tax will stop me seeing my kids'
13 February, 2013
A devoted dad fears he will not be able to have regular overnight access to his children when the controversial bedroom tax comes into force
Thousands of carers set to lose benefits
13 February, 2013
Thousands of carers in England, Wales and Scotland are set to lose benefits when new disability-claim rules start
Haringey council tax ruling taken to Court of Appeal
13 February, 2013
A single mother who opposes plans to make people on benefits contribute to their council tax bill has taken her legal battle to the Court of Appeal
Birmingham homeless fears for benefit reform
13 February, 2013
The YMCA in Birmingham has warned reforms to benefits will create more homelessness in the city
Clegg insists bedroom tax will cut under-occupation
13 February, 2013
The deputy prime minister has insisted penalties for the under-occupation of social housing will help to address the shortage of homes
'Bedroom' tax's impact on northern families
12 February, 2013
Officially it's called the 'under-occupancy charge' but critics have dubbed it the 'bedroom tax'
Room without review: Thoughts on tackling the bedroom tax
12 February, 2013
Report from nearlylegal - housing law, news and comment
'I do not accept the bedroom tax is a tax'
12 February, 2013
David Cameron made that rather self-defeating comment in the Commons on the 6th February during Prime Minister's Questions
Universal Credit - Local support services framework
11 February, 2013
The Local support services framework states it will be up to the DWP to make exceptions to normal payment rules such as paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to landlords
LIN Press Release - Universal Credit (UC)
11 February, 2013
The local support services framework for the government's flagship welfare reform, Universal Credit, states it will be up to the DWP to make exceptions to normal payment rules such as paying the housing element of the credit to landlords
Plans to cut benefits for households with unemployed youngsters slammed
11 February, 2013
Government plans to cut housing benefit for households that contain young job seekers have been slammed by charities
Would you like a new house in your life? Try speed dating
11 February, 2013
Housing associations in Bristol are inviting their tenants to a 'Speed Dating for Houses' event, in an effort to confront the coming 'bedroom tax'
Bedroom tax 'won't work in Liverpool'
11 February, 2013
The government's bedroom tax won't work in Liverpool, a housing association targeted by protestors has said
'The bedroom tax won't work in Liverpool' - LMH
08 February, 2013
A shortage of one and two-bed social housing properties in Liverpool will result in more working age tenants being hit harder than other parts of the country under the Government's bedroom tax
Crunch Vote: Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill 2012-13
08 February, 2013
Baroness Lister analyses the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill
Bad (green) deal
08 February, 2013
The so-called 'bedroom tax' has dominated the headlines over the past few days
Equality control
08 February, 2013
The government's welfare reforms have been well documented but their full potential impact is not well understood
People 'should work more' to pay bedroom tax
08 February, 2013
People affected by the bedroom tax should work extra hours to pay for their spare room if they want to keep it
London borough declares bedroom tax "morally right"
08 February, 2013
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has come out in favour of the Government's bedroom tax saying it is "morally right"
DWP insists universal credit plans are 'on track'
07 February, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted its plans for universal credit are on track, despite criticism from MPs
Landlord calls for more advice on universal credit
07 February, 2013
Every benefit claimant moving on to universal credit should have a guarantee of face-to-face money advice
Benefit uprating strips cash out of social housing communities
07 February, 2013
Residents claiming jobseeker's allowance will see their income rise by £2 a week, although bills are expected to climb by £10
Bedroom tax activists stage protest at LMH offices
07 February, 2013
Activists are currently staging a protest against the forthcoming 'bedroom tax' at the offices of Liverpool Mutual Homes
Work longer to keep spare room, says pensions minister
07 February, 2013
People facing a cut in housing benefit because they have a spare room in their council home could work more hours to keep it, the pension minister has said
Ed Miliband attacks David Cameron over bedroom tax
06 February, 2013
Labour leader says cut in benefits for those with spare rooms in social housing will hit disabled people and military families
'Bedroom tax' will cost taxpayers more
06 February, 2013
The government's controversial new "bedroom tax" will cost rather than save money in parts of the country, it has been claimed
Bedroom tax debate: Liam Byrne and Nigel Mills
06 February, 2013
MPs Liam Byrne and Nigel Mills join Krishnan Guru-Murthy in the studio to debate the impact of the 'bedroom tax'
'Bedroom tax': Carer criticises housing benefit cut
06 February, 2013
A man who gave up work to care for his sick wife is "disgusted" at the so-called "bedroom tax" which may see him lose £60 a month in housing benefit
The benefits debate explained. Is it really skivers v strivers?
05 February, 2013
Is it really "skivers" v "strivers"? Everyone thinks they know what should happen about Benefits. But what is the problem anyway?
Tenants offered shopping vouchers for timely rent
05 February, 2013
A midlands housing association is offering shopping vouchers as an incentive to tenants to prepare for welfare reform
Welfare reform day 2 - Spotlight on the 'Bedroom Tax'
05 February, 2013
TWO out of every five housing benefits claimants in Glasgow could be hit by the UK Government's new 'Bedroom Tax', say opponents of the changes
'Bedroom tax' is "morally right" says Hammersmith and Fulham Council
05 February, 2013
A West London council has made a strong declaration of support for the Government's so-called'bedroom tax' - calling it the "morally right" thing to do
How will the 'bedroom tax' work?
05 February, 2013
A forthcoming change in housing benefit rules has been dubbed the "bedroom tax", and the name has stuck
Government's welfare reforms are all an act
05 February, 2013
Young people in Liverpool are trying to spread awareness of the Government's coming welfare changes - through the medium of theatre
Back to the future for housing reward and incentive schemes
05 February, 2013
Written off in the last decade, social landlords should look again at prizes and incentives to manage welfare reform
Keeping Whitehall at bay
04 February, 2013
Welfare reform will dominate the housing agenda in all parts of the UK in 2013 - 24Dash report
Newcastle landlord to visit 6,000 tenants hit by Government's 'bedroom tax'
04 February, 2013
Your Homes Newcastle is carrying out face-to-face interviews with more than 6,000 tenants facing significant income drops as a result of Welfare Reform
MSPs to hear evidence on benefit changes
04 February, 2013
A Scottish parliament committee is to take evidence from people affected by the UK government's welfare reforms
Warning over 'bedroom tax' evictions
04 February, 2013
Tenants in social housing with a spare room could be facing a cut in housing benefit
Under-occupation and Housing Benefit - Tranmere and Rock Ferry Case Study
04 February, 2013
Riverside case study
Under-occupation and the new policy framework
04 February, 2013
Report by the Cambridge Centre for Housing & Planning Research
Welfare reform to leave UK housing sector in a 'worse state' by end of 2013
01 February, 2013
CIH Survey
Campaigners unite to fight housing benefit cuts
01 February, 2013
More than 30 tenant, trade union and campaign groups are linking up to build a national umbrella campaign to fight cuts to housing benefit
Benefit pilots in funding crisis
01 February, 2013
The four boroughs forced to trial a £500-a-week benefit cap will spend their whole share of an emergency hardship fund within five months
Editor's blog: why the bedroom tax is not the poll tax of the Cameron era
01 February, 2013
Though a poorly-designed policy with little hope of success, the spare room cut won't unite opposition on its own
Personal Independence Payment forms
01 February, 2013
Examples of forms and guidance on filling them out, which DWP will send to claimants after they call the PIP claim line
Grieving Liverpool parents told dead son's room will be hit with bedroom tax
01 February, 2013
A grieving Liverpool family were told they must pay the controversial "bedroom tax" after their son choked to death on a sweet
Downing St: poor don't need food banks to help them eat
31 January, 2013
Food banks are not being used as a substitute for benefits because the state welfare system is generous enough for people to eat, Downing Street has said
No Clear Benefit
31 January, 2013
The financial impact of Council Tax Benefit reform on low income households
IDS: poor parents spend money on alcohol and drugs rather than their children
31 January, 2013
Iain Duncan Smith has claimed that some poor parents spend money on drugs and alcohol rather than their children
Employment and Support Allowance - Incapacity Benefits Reassessment: Work Capability Assessments
31 January, 2013
Nearly a third of those on the old incapacity benefits have been found capable of some kind of work since controversial reassessments began, according to figures from the DWP
Umbrella campaign group forms to oppose Government's welfare cuts
31 January, 2013
Tenants, Disabled People Against Cuts and other campaigners are linking up in a national campaign against cuts on housing and other benefits
PMQs: Bedroom tax and housing benefit clash
30 January, 2013
David Cameron says the thousands of people in privately rented accommodation who "cannot afford extra bedrooms" show why housing benefits must be reformed
Coping with Welfare Reform Anxiety Syndrome
30 January, 2013
Welfare Reform Anxiety Syndrome (WRAS for short) is sweeping the land
Who needs a spare room, anyway?
30 January, 2013
I'm sure Lord Freud would love the chance to swap just one of his eight bedrooms in his comfy mansion for a single sofa
The Bedroom Tax exemplifies everything that is wrong with this coalition government
30 January, 2013
The Bedroom Tax is this Government's sickest joke
New 'poll tax' blow for UK's poorest
30 January, 2013
Reforms leave millions facing bills of up to £600
Rent cards could avoid direct payment problems
30 January, 2013
Housing benefit could be put on pre-payment cards to ensure it is spent on rent, a think tank has suggested
Welfare cuts 'will not harm housing associations'
29 January, 2013
The work and pensions secretary has insisted housing association finances will not be harmed by the government's welfare reforms
Set in place solid foundations - Then tackle the myriad of welfare reforms
28 January, 2013
LIN complimentary report for landlords
Government 'could change' bedroom tax
28 January, 2013
A junior minister has said the controversial bedroom tax could change if there are impacts the government has 'not thought of'
Welfare Warfare
28 January, 2013
The House of Commons debated the Welfare Benefits Uprating Bill last week
Welfare reform could leave a million social housing tenants in debt warns NHF report
28 January, 2013
A million people living in social housing could end up in debt as a result of the Government's welfare shakeup a report commissioned by the NHF has warned
'Disgusting': Family's outrage at bedroom tax on severely disabled girl who needs her own room
28 January, 2013
'Disgusting': Family's outrage at bedroom tax on severely disabled girl who needs her own room
Freud: Direct payments will not reduce incomes
28 January, 2013
Lord David Freud said he does not expect landlords to 'suffer sudden losses of income' as a result of direct payment of benefit to tenants
The spare bedroom tax: a mess of contradiction and impossibility
28 January, 2013
In April the new 'spare bedroom tax' comes into force, meaning many low-income families and disabled people will be forced to move or face yet more cuts. The implications are frightening
Tenants get £40 boost to open jam jar accounts
28 January, 2013
Walsall housing association is offering its tenants financial incentives to open up jam jar accounts
Merseyside families to be hit with yearly £16 million 'bedroom tax' bill
25 January, 2013
Analysis of DWP data by the NHF has revealed that the Government's 'bedroom tax' could cost Merseyside's social tenants over £16 million a year
landlords should get systems in place before Universal Credit
25 January, 2013
Here Claire Turner, director of LIN, argues that landlords should take steps to prepare for Universal Credit before payments are made direct to tenants
Landlord to cushion bedroom tax blow
25 January, 2013
A housing association plans to pay tenants the amount they will lose through the bedroom tax over three years as a lump sum cash incentive to downsize
Rent arrears to rise 51% under welfare reforms
24 January, 2013
Housing associations expect their rent arrears to increase by more than half as a result of the government's welfare reforms
Evictions warning over housing benefit reforms
24 January, 2013
Changes to housing benefit later this year could lead to a rise in evictions, a key housing body has warned
Millions to struggle with rents under welfare reforms
24 January, 2013
A million people living in social housing could struggle with their rent and end up in debt as a result of the Government's welfare shakeup
Rural Wales 'perfect storm' will lead to rising homelessness
24 January, 2013
High land costs, vocal nimbyism and a politically charged allocations system is behind a spiralling Welsh housing crisis
'The sleights of hand in the changes to Local Housing Allowance funding'
23 January, 2013
David Lawrenson explains the "work arounds" and the sleights of hand involved in the latest changes in Local Housing Allowance funding
PIP Assessment Guide
23 January, 2013
DWP guidance document for providers carrying out assessments for Personal Independence Payment
Supporting People funding boost is a mirage for cash-strapped councils
23 January, 2013
Whitehall allocations process suggests SP boost but 'obscures' real funding cuts that leave local authorities out of pocket
MPs debate impact of 'bedroom tax' changes in Wales
22 January, 2013
MPs will discuss the impact of a so-called "bedroom tax" which will impose an under-occupancy penalty on tenants
Planned 1% benefits rises cap backed by MPs
22 January, 2013
Labour MPs have failed to block controversial plans to cap working-age benefit rises at 1% as the proposals passed through the House of Commons
MPs approve bill to limit benefit rises
22 January, 2013
The government's controversial bill to cap benefit rises has passed its latest hurdle in parliament
Agencies given funding to help with welfare reform
22 January, 2013
The Scottish government has diverted £5.4 million to help provide frontline advice and support for people affected by welfare reform
'Bedroom tax' architect Freud has 11 spare bedrooms
21 January, 2013
One of the chief architects of the Government's 'bedroom tax' has 11 spare bedrooms of his own, it has been revealed
Landlord's welfare reform video tailored by 20 other organisations
21 January, 2013
A YouTube welfare reform video produced by a housing association for its tenants has been tailored by 20 other organisations and raised £10k for a hospice
Social housing should build a future for our young people
21 January, 2013
Octavia Housing has launched an apprenticeship scheme only open to residents, fostering culture of aspiration on its estates
DWP information bulletin on Universal Credit
21 January, 2013
Part-time workers could receive monthly statements and texts telling them how much better off they would be if they increased their hours under Universal Credit
Benefits and child credits squeeze pushes 200,000 children into poverty
18 January, 2013
Government admits statistic that Labour says shows children are victims of Tory 'games' and 'economic failure'
Councils protest at benefit cap switch
18 January, 2013
Councils being hit first by the benefits cap plan to lobby the government over fears they will be disadvantaged by the surprise move
Landlord to host 'soap opera' about benefit changes
17 January, 2013
New Charter Homes is turning its offices into the venue for a 'soap opera' to help tell tenants about important changes to their welfare benefits
The single-tier pension: a simple foundation for saving
17 January, 2013
DWP guide to pension changes
Exempt accommodation update
17 January, 2013
NHF report on how the reform of benefits to cover housing costs will affect people living in supported and sheltered housing
DWP accused of penalising disabled with last-minute changes to mobility payments
16 January, 2013
Thousands of disabled people face losing out on vital benefits
Welfare reform: the bedroom tax, 'a policy that has no logic'
16 January, 2013
This centrepiece of welfare reform will cause pain and disruption to the poorest social tenants
Poorer households face postcode lottery as council tax benefit cuts bite
15 January, 2013
Research shows 670,000 working-age claimants will have to pay council tax for the first time in April
Welfare reform: Landlord restructures to create 17 permanent roles
15 January, 2013
Guinness South has restructured its Neighbourhood Services Directorate to create 17 permanent roles to help residents cope with welfare reform changes
Liberal Democrats seek changes to welfare bill
15 January, 2013
Liberal Democrat rebels are seeking to change the controversial Welfare Benefits Uprating Bill
DWP accused of penalising disabled with last-minute changes to mobility payments
14 January, 2013
Thousands of disabled people face losing out on vital benefits after the DWP made last-minute changes to the Personal Independence Payments system
Charities call for fund to mitigate welfare cuts
14 January, 2013
An umbrella group representing Scottish charities has called for the establishment of a new fund to help benefit claimants cope with the impact of the government's welfare reform agenda
Government denies further council tax benefit cuts
14 January, 2013
The Communities and Local Government department has denied there will be further cuts to council tax benefit next year
Benefits reform 'to force 1 in 4 into poverty'
14 January, 2013
One in four Scots will be living in poverty by the end of the decade if the coalition government forges ahead with 'criminal welfare reforms'
Welfare reform hitting lone parents says Poverty Alliance
11 January, 2013
Welfare reform has had a "shocking" impact on lone parents, according to research published by the Poverty Alliance
The direct payment guinea pigs
11 January, 2013
Inside Housing examines the results of six pilot projects, which have been testing the new system since June, to find out what landlords can expect
DWP spells out service charges eligible for benefit
10 January, 2013
The Department for Work and Pensions has published an 'exhaustive' list of service charges eligible for benefit in a bid to end uncertainty for social landlords
Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012
10 January, 2013
Government confirms that it will not provide legal aid for welfare benefit cases in First-tier Tribunals
Government wins 1% benefits cap vote
09 January, 2013
The Government have won a Parliamentary vote to cap annual working-age benefits increases at 1%
High childcare costs making it impossible for families to escape poverty
09 January, 2013
The Government should increase the proportion of childcare costs covered through Universal Credit from 70 to 80% to help poorer families, a new report claims
LIN Member Reprot January 2013 - Universal Credit Service Charges
09 January, 2013
DWP guidance for landlords
LIN Press release - Universal Credit Service Charges
09 January, 2013
Universal Credit service charges - guidance for landlords
DWP Digital Strategy
08 January, 2013
The DWP Digital Strategy sets out how the Department will become digital by default, by developing high quality digital services which people prefer to use
Message to private landlords: give universal credit a chance
08 January, 2013
The government's new benefits system is dreaded by landlords, but it has the potential to improve the process for all
Benefit cuts 'will see more children taken into care'
07 January, 2013
Warning of economic impact on struggling households
Revealed: soldiers, nurses and teachers hit by benefit curbs
07 January, 2013
New report says 500,000 key staff will lose income under the coalition's benefits crackdown
Benefit cut set to hit forces families
07 January, 2013
The bedroom tax will penalise families with empty bedrooms - forcing tenants to downsize or pay for the rooms. It means service personnel deployed away from home could have nowhere to come back to when they are on leave
Women are the losers in child benefit cuts, says Labour
07 January, 2013
New figures show 4.6 million women who receive child tax credit directly will be hit by reforms
Holyrood hears benefit changes are 'heartless'
05 January, 2013
A group of people with disabilities have told a Holyrood committee changes to the benefits system are "heartless"
Labour urges temporary jobs for long-term unemployed
04 January, 2013
Labour has said it would offer the long-term unemployed a guarantee of a six-month job if it was in government
Child benefit changes and what they mean
04 January, 2013
From Monday 7 January, child benefit becomes means-tested, and households in which someone earns £50,000 or more will be drawn into the self-assessment tax system
Obese people could face benefit cuts
03 January, 2013
Smart cards could be used to monitor claimants' use of gyms, and those who do not exercise could be penalised
Means test winter fuel cash for pensioners to fund care, says Lib Dem
03 January, 2013
Paul Burstow says it will be 'brave' to find £1.5bn for care reform by withdrawing fuel help from most pensioners
Social security benefits and expenditure
03 January, 2013
Britain's benefits bill will hit a new record high this year despite the Government claiming to cut the cost of welfare, official figures reveal
Measures to reduce Housing Benefit expenditure - an overview
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
Paying the housing element of Universal Credit direct to tenants in social rented housing
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
LIN Memebr Report January 2013 - The Household Benefit Cap
03 January, 2013
Briefing by the Libraries of the House of Commons and House of Lords and the Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology
2013: How will my benefits change?
03 January, 2013
As the coalition government wrestles with an £83bn round of spending cuts to get the UK economy back on track, Channel 4 News looks at cuts to benefits coming into force this year
Battle over plan to cap benefits ahead of Commons vote
02 January, 2013
It is unfair for benefits to rise at a faster rate than wages, the work and pensions secretary has said ahead of a key Commons vote on capping benefits
Cuts could 'break up society', council leaders warn
01 January, 2013
The government's cuts programme could lead to "problems on our streets" and "the break-up of civil society", three Labour council leaders have warned
Welfare: get ready for a war over benefits
01 January, 2013
Welfare cuts - particularly the government's war on so -called 'skivers' - will be the most bitterly fought political battleground in 2013
Direct housing benefit credits 'could push a million into debt'
01 January, 2013
Paying housing benefit directly to claimants could be a threat to the vulnerable, say social policy groups
Three-quarters of local authorities to put up council tax for poorest families
01 January, 2013
Bills will rise by up to £600 a year for some struggling households, according to research by thinktank
Website tracking council tax benefit changes launched
24 December, 2012
A think tank has launched a website tracking changes to council tax support in England
Young claimants shut out of private rented sector
24 December, 2012
Just 1.5 % of rental properties are available to single people on benefits, according to research from homelessness charity Crisis
DWP confirms benefit cap to be trialled in 4 London boroughs
21 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed that the benefits cap will be introduced across four London boroughs in April
'Government's benefit cuts will make 14,000 working families in Tower Hamlets worse off'
21 December, 2012
The Goverment's decision to cap benefit increases at 1% will leave 14,000 working families in Tower Hamlets worse off, Labour has claimed
Benefit Cap implementation
21 December, 2012
The DWP have confirmed the four London LAs where the Benefit Cap roll out will start in April - Bromley, Croydon, Enfield and Haringey
Welfare Up-Rating Bill Introduced
21 December, 2012
Ministers laid the Welfare Benefits Up-Rating Bill before Parliament today, which will enable a time limited 1% increase to many working age benefits and tax credits for 2014-15 and 2015-16
Tenants handed computers in Christmas giveaway
21 December, 2012
Newlon Fusion, the community arm of Newlon Housing Trust is presenting tenants with computers and training as part of work to prepare for the impact of welfare reforms
Temporary accommodation
21 December, 2012
NHF submission to DWP in response to their update on temporary accommodation reforms
Editor's blog: my Christmas wish is for housing to find a voice on welfare
21 December, 2012
Latest evidence on rent arrears under universal credit is damning, but next analysis will come too late
Benefit Cap implementation
20 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions today confirmed the four London local authorities where the Benefit Cap roll out will start in April
The welfare debate is only just warming up
20 December, 2012
Making out that cutting working-age welfare won't hurt those in work is so divorced from reality that there was always going to be backlash
Falling homelessness rate could be reversed by welfare reform
20 December, 2012
Scotland's falling rates of homelessness could be under threat in coming years from welfare reforms
Tory MP seeks restrictions on benefit use
19 December, 2012
Welfare claimants would be issued with a cash card stopping them from buying alcohol, cigarettes and other non-essential items under a bill introduced to parliament yesterday
Arrears 'too high' on demonstration projects
18 December, 2012
The arrears percentage on the Government's direct payment demonstration projects is "too high" and would be hard for landlords to support in the longer term, warns CIH
Direct payment projects warn of creeping arrears
18 December, 2012
The creeping of arrears in the direct payment demonstration projects is further evidence landlords will need to provide a range of payment options
Charity launches legal challenge to benefit cuts
18 December, 2012
Changes to the way housing benefit payments are calculated will be challenged in the High Court
Direct Payment projects: Rent worth more than £500,000 not collected
17 December, 2012
More than £500k of rent was not collected by RSL's and LA's during the first four months of the Government's Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
Housing provider's adviser army to prepare 1000s of tenants for welfare reform
17 December, 2012
A housing provider is sending out an army of advisers to inform its tenants about the Government's imminent welfare reforms
LIN Press release - Direct payment pilots report increased arrears
17 December, 2012
Landlords testing direct payment of benefit failed to collect 8 per cent of rent on average in the first four months of the six pilot projects
Housing benefit changes challenged in high court
17 December, 2012
Z2K charity says plans to link housing benefit to inflation rather than rents are 'unlawful and undemocratic'
Councils 'being left to implement Government's dirty work'
14 December, 2012
Local authorities are being left to implement the Government's dirty work according to a councillor
Are 'cultures of worklessness' passed down the generations?
14 December, 2012
Joseph Rowntree Report
No hiding place
13 December, 2012
A combination of the recession, welfare reform and localism is set to generate increases in almost all forms of homelessness in England
'Tenants unaware of impact benefit changes will have on them'
12 December, 2012
New research has found that only 22% of housing providers believe their tenants understand the impact that the coming welfare changes will have on them
MPs seek clarity over benefit cap exemptions for disabled
12 December, 2012
MPs have sought clarity over whether households comprising parents and a disabled adult on disability benefits will be exempt from the £500-a-week benefit cap due in next year
Demonstration projects have shown 'value of jam jars'
12 December, 2012
An MP says the demonstration projects trialling direct housing benefit payments to tenants have shown the value of jam jar budgeting accounts
Would payment of housing benefit to landlords create a stable private sector?
11 December, 2012
Labour will address direct payment in exchange for offering longer, more stable tenancies. Will the policy work?
DWP: Direct Payments Demonstration Projects: Findings from a baseline survey of tenants in five project areas in England and Wales
10 December, 2012
DWP Demonstration Project report
Direct payments will require landlord to collect extra £23m a year
10 December, 2012
Golden Gates has warned that the move to pay housing benefit directly to tenants as part of UC will require it to collect an extra £23m each year
Social landlord's 'stark warning' so far ignored by 700 'under occupiers'
10 December, 2012
A social landlord which wrote to 1,400 'under occupying' tenants who will be affected by the coming Bedroom Tax is yet to receive replies from half of them
Latest on Universal Credit
10 December, 2012
10 December 2012 - Universal Credit and related regulations laid before Parliament
Home-work: Helping London's social tenants into employment
07 December, 2012
Report by think-tank Demos
Statutory Homelessness: July to September Quarter 2012
07 December, 2012
Official figures show housing benefit cuts leading to sharp rise in homelessness
Direct payment to cost pilot landlord £8 million a year
07 December, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted its plans for direct payment of benefit will proceed despite a landlord on a pilot project claiming the policy will cost it £8 million a year
Autumn statement 2012 in charts
06 December, 2012
What did George Osborne announce in the Autumn statement
Warning on benefit cuts amid rise in homelessness
05 December, 2012
Rise in statutory homelessness has disproportionately affected families with children, Crisis report says
Welfare budget under spotlight - Autumn Statement
05 December, 2012
The welfare budget is set to come under further assault today as chancellor George Osborne delivers his Autumn Statement
Autumn Statement: At-a-glance summary of key point
05 December, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has updated MPs on the state of the economy and the government's future plans in his Autumn Statemen
Osborne unveils fresh welfare cuts
05 December, 2012
George Osborne has announced a series of welfare cuts in his autumn statement
Government taxes your spare room
04 December, 2012
We all know that money is tight but for thousands of social housing tenants things could be about to get even tighter
The Financial Implications of Welfare Reform for Social Housing Landlords
04 December, 2012
The viability of dozens of housing associations is at risk from the financial impact of welfare reform - report from PHHS
Young and Homeless 2012
04 December, 2012
A study published by Homeless Link has argued that reduced welfare support for young people is already increasing their chances of becoming homeless
Benefits cap - Factsheet
04 December, 2012
Benefits cap factsheet has been updated to take account of changes made to the rules which come into effect on 15 April 2013
People on sickness benefits to be offered work experience
03 December, 2012
People on sickness benefits will be able to take part in voluntary work experience
George Osborne set to drop plan to end housing benefit for under-25s
03 December, 2012
Lib Dems revolt against David Cameron's 'unjust' move in runup to chancellor's autumn statement
£1.1 billion lost to Housing Benefit fraud and error
03 December, 2012
Over a billion pounds worth of Housing Benefit expenditure was lost to fraud and official error between April 2011 and March 2012
Landlord warning on Benefits Changes
30 November, 2012
The National Landlords Association has concerns about changes to benefits
Autumn statement: what it means for housing
29 November, 2012
Find out all about the autumn statement, what it means for the sector and what we expect
Threat to crisis loans puts critical work to house ex-offenders at risk
26 November, 2012
Organisations cutting re-offending by finding stable accommodation for former prisoners face a funding shortage
DWP IT system causes benefit data backlog
26 November, 2012
Concerned councils left overloaded by system crucial to government welfare reforms
Quarter of tenants need help with universal credit
26 November, 2012
Around a quarter of social tenants will need support with the switch to universal credit if they are to avoid financial risk
An unreported detail in Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reforms could drive people to homelessness
23 November, 2012
The changes to the benefit system are hugely controversial, and complex, and it would be idiotic to pretend that they're all bad or all good
Leicester City Council plans to cut homeless places
23 November, 2012
Accommodation for homeless families and individuals could be cut under Leicester City Council plans
Welfare reform and not paying the rent
23 November, 2012
Government plans to change the way social housing tenants pay their rent, could have serious consequences for some of the poorest people in Britain
Universal Credit implementation: meeting the needs of vulnerable claimants
23 November, 2012
Work and Pensions Committee - Third Report
Benefit reforms could increase homelessness, warns housing group
22 November, 2012
Homelessness could increase and more people may turn into the hands of loan sharks if welfare reforms go ahead, a housing organisation says
SCVO's State of the Sector Survey 2012
22 November, 2012
Scots charities 'struggle to meet demand' as welfare cuts bite
Austerity and Welfare Reform Hitting Social Tenants Hard
22 November, 2012
The combined effects of economic and housing policies, austerity and welfare reform are hitting social tenants hard says research by the Human City Institute thinktank
Autumn Statement submission
21 November, 2012
NHF submission to the Government, which outlines a five point plan for growth through housing
SFHA Launches Report on Impact of Welfare Reforms
20 November, 2012
There is still time for the UK Government to change its welfare reform proposals to avoid unfairly penalising tenants and landlords
'Bedroom tax' dilemma for social housing tenants
20 November, 2012
Research seen by the BBC suggests almost 95,000 people in England could be forced into arrears because there are no smaller homes for them to move into
Social tenants' finances and vulnerability to direct payments
20 November, 2012
NHF report which identifies those who will struggle with move to Universal Credit
Supreme Court paves way for 'bedroom tax' appeal
19 November, 2012
The Supreme Court has granted the Government permission to challenge a ruling which held that the housing benefit regulations discriminate against disabled people
DWP looks at child poverty and housing
19 November, 2012
A consultation into child poverty launched by the government will look at the impact of poor housing
Poor homes, poor health - to heat or to eat? Private sector tenant choices in 2012
19 November, 2012
An exploratory study of the health impacts of welfare reform on tenants living in the private rented sector by Pro-Housing Alliance (PHA)
Poor and unemployed at risk as fresh wave of welfare cuts looms
19 November, 2012
Some state benefits could be frozen next April under a Coalition trade-off being discussed by senior Cabinet ministers as they draw up a new round of welfare cuts
Young benefit claimants must do 30 hours of weekly 'community work'
15 November, 2012
A new mandatory scheme designed to get young people off of benefits has been announced by Mark Hoban, the employment minister
Freud admits reforms could force families to move
15 November, 2012
The minister for welfare reform Lord David Freud has admitted that a reduced cap on housing benefit could force families in high-value areas to move
Welfare cut proposals to go before ministers
14 November, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith to lay out options for further cuts to welfare budget ahead of autumn statement by George Osborne
Losing benefits for turning down jobs 'clearer and tougher', warns minister
13 November, 2012
Employment minister Mark Hoban says the new sanctions regime for jobseekers is "clearer and tougher"
Employment and Support Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
13 November, 2012
Equality Impact Assessment
Legal warning over council tax benefit changes
13 November, 2012
It is up to local authorities to decide whether they need to consult again on individual council tax support schemes in order to qualify for a state grant, the Government has said
Full council tax relief to be axed in bid to save £1m
13 November, 2012
Low-income households in Exeter who were previously exempt from paying council tax will have to pay something towards their bill from next April
Government claim that universal credit will always make work pay for single parents is at risk of failure, new research shows
13 November, 2012
Universal credit will fail to provide all working single parent families with a route out of poverty, and act as a disincentive to work longer hours for some
Benefits reform under threat after IT glitch
12 November, 2012
National roll-out of flagship policy delayed by at least a year as costs soar and key personnel quit
Cutting housing benefit for under-25s 'is unworkable and irresponsible'
12 November, 2012
Crisis says move to save £1.8bn risks condemning thousands of vulnerable young people to homelessness
McCausland rules out call for six-month freeze on government's 'bedroom tax'
12 November, 2012
Northern Ireland's social development minister has ruled out any postponement of the "bedroom tax", due to be introduced in April next year
More Government support pledged to help young people escape benefits
12 November, 2012
DWP - young people who have never had a job or little recent work experience will take part in a new programme to help them escape a life on benefits
RLA/SAL Universal Credit Survey
09 November, 2012
Landlords in the PRS have rejected the Government's welfare reform plans for HB, and point to a lack of housing in the sector to cope with the Government's changes
HB Direct
09 November, 2012
November 2012 - includes information on Council Tax Support, Supported 'exempt' accommodation and Universal Credit, Temporary accommodation, Universal Credit and the HB Direct pilots
Employment and Support Allowance Claimant Journey
09 November, 2012
Stakeholder Information pack - November 2012
Knock, knock
09 November, 2012
Who's there? This is the question Aspire Housing is asking tenants during visits to their homes to find out who will be hit by the bedroom tax next April
Direct payment tenants taken to court
08 November, 2012
One of the HA's involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects has warned social landlords to get strict with their arrears policy ahead of UC
£5.67: the value of £1 spent on confidence and skills for tenants
08 November, 2012
With the Social Value Act coming into force next year, housing associations are fighting to prove their financial worth
Child benefit could be limited to two children for all families
07 November, 2012
All families could have their child benefit limited to their first two children in future under plans being considered by the Government
DWP: 36% of incapacity benefit claimants fit for work
07 November, 2012
Over a third of those currently claiming incapacity benefit have been reassessed as fit for some form of work, the DWP has announced
The cost of running a home
06 November, 2012
A guide from Wolverhampton Homes which aims to give an idea of those costs that tenants will have to budget for when running their own home
Between a rock and a hard place - the early impacts of Welfare Reform on London
06 November, 2012
CPAG Report
The best of British banking
06 November, 2012
A report by Accent on basic bank accounts for Consumer Focus
Changes to sanctions for Employment and Support Allowance claimants from 3 December 2012
06 November, 2012
Introducing a revised sanctions regime for Employment and Support Allowance claimants who are in the Work Related Activity Group
Trust launches welfare benefit advice phone line
05 November, 2012
Halton Housing Trust is launching a new phone service to help its customers get to grips with welfare reform and benefit entitlement
Direct payment to landlord scheme has cut private rents, says Freud
05 November, 2012
A temporary scheme to enable private landlords to receive direct housing benefit payments in return for dropping rents has been a success, welfare reform minister Lord Freud has said
PDF: Lost benefits - An article from February 2004
05 November, 2012
Disturbing results from a trial of direct housing benefit payments mean the government should think long and hard before applying the reform to the social sector
Bedroom Tax Guidance
05 November, 2012
CIH Scotland - This practice guidance is aimed primarily at Scottish social landlords - i.e. local authority landlords and registered social landlords
April is the cruellest month
05 November, 2012
Every time you think you have got your head around the impact of the April 2013 welfare changes you realise you have forgotten something that makes it even worse
London housing crisis: benefit bill soars as rents rise and wages lag
05 November, 2012
New government data on in-work households in the capital claiming housing benefit illustrates the impact of high rents, especially in the poorer suburbs
CLG Committee to hold inquiry on the on the implementation of welfare reform by local authorities
02 November, 2012
Consultation closing date 14.12.12
Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects- Emerging Learning
02 November, 2012
This is the second report in this series
NIFHA calls for bedroom tax delay
02 November, 2012
The Northern Ireland Federation of Housing Associations has called for a six month postponement to the introduction of the under-occupation penalty
Landlords plan bank account
02 November, 2012
A group of Greater Manchester landlords is working with local credit unions to set up a new type of bank account to help thousands of tenants who could be made worse off by welfare reform
Direct payments landlord wants policy u-turn
02 November, 2012
The CEX of Wakefield and District Housing who are involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects says he hopes the results will change policy to allow tenants to retain the choice to have HB paid to their landlord
Council stands to lose £70m in welfare shake-up
01 November, 2012
One of England's largest local authorities stands to lose £70m over the next five years as its tenants feel the brunt of welfare cuts
Housing benefit changes: Warning over affordable housing shortfalls
01 November, 2012
Plans to change the way HB is calculated could leave half of local authority areas in England with shortfalls of properties affordable to LHA claimants, the NAO
Government agrees to council tax benefit review
01 November, 2012
The government has accepted an amendment from the House of Lords requiring it to review its controversial council tax benefit localisation policy within three years
Welfare cuts will lead to shortfall in affordable homes
01 November, 2012
Decrease in government spending set to leave low income families with a stark choice: buy less food or move out
No regrets, says direct payments landlord
31 October, 2012
Family Mosaic says it's pleased it's taken part in the Direct Payment demonstration project as it has given it a better understanding of how to prepare itself and its tenants ahead of UC
Housing associations and provision for destitute migrants
31 October, 2012
Social landlords can take advantage of a pack that has been launched to prevent migrants being homeless
Implementing Universal Credit: will the reforms improve the service for users?
30 October, 2012
Report by CESI
Universal Credit a 'potential poverty trap'
30 October, 2012
Universal Credit has major flaws that will need to be addressed to avoid becoming a potential poverty trap, a new report has concluded
DWP issues warnings to households in benefit cap hotspots
30 October, 2012
Nearly 89,000 households across Great Britain may be affected by next April's household benefit cap, with 42% living in social housing, according to the DWP
Child benefit cuts 'may be illegal'
30 October, 2012
Cutting child benefit for middle-class parents breaks European laws by discriminating against Britons and is open to legal challenge, ministers have been told
DWP holds back data on direct payment pilots
30 October, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has insisted tenants are ready to manage their own money but is not yet releasing data from its direct payment pilot projects
Welfare reform creating 'absolute fear' in NI, churches tell MLAs
30 October, 2012
Proposed welfare reforms have created an "absolute fear" among the most vulnerable in society, church groups have told MLAs at Stormont
Should we legislate on family size?
29 October, 2012
We need an open discussion about what welfare is for according to Telegraph article
Monitoring the impact of recent measures affecting Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowances in the private rented sector in Northern Ireland
29 October, 2012
Research on Northern Ireland's private rented sector housing market
Lord Freud told to explain 'unique circumstances' of direct payments concession
29 October, 2012
A Labour MP has called for an urgent debate or statement from Lord Freud as to why he has let tenants in Northern Ireland continue to have HB paid directly to their landlord under UC
IDS plans 'two-child' family benefit cap
26 October, 2012
Families claiming child-related benefits may find the amount they are entitled to capped at two children, the work and pensions secretary said today
Two-child benefit cap 'not acceptable' - Cable
26 October, 2012
Business secretary Vince Cable has said the Liberal Democrats will not support Iain Duncan's calls to cap child-related benefits to families with two children
Landlords to access tenants benefit data
26 October, 2012
Housing associations in Liverpool have launched a new IT system with the city council's benefits service that will give them access to tenants' benefit data
Are banks turning their backs on state-sponsored Universal Credit accounts?
26 October, 2012
It appears not all is going to plan with the DWP's attempts to get a national payment supplier to offer 'budgeting accounts' for Universal Credit claimants
Lib Dems will not back child benefits cap
26 October, 2012
The Liberal Democrats will not back a call from the work and pensions secretary to cap child-related benefits for families with more than two children
Millions set aside to cover welfare costs
26 October, 2012
The UK's largest landlords are stockpiling cash in preparation for next year's onslaught of welfare reforms
Legal aid cuts 'will exacerbate benefit delays'
26 October, 2012
Charities have warned that delays in transferring successful asylum seekers from Home Office support to mainstream benefits could get worse when legal aid cuts kick in next year
No welfare concessions for Scotland and Wales
26 October, 2012
The Scottish and Welsh governments are unlikely to gain concessions on welfare reform, despite Northern Irish politicians successfully challenging the changes
Housing Benefit Spending: Busting the Myths
24 October, 2012
The growing government Housing Benefit bill is due to a shortage of social rented housing and increased subsidies for expensive private sector rents, new research from the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has revealed
More get unconditional support as Work Capability Assessment improvements continue
24 October, 2012
The percentage of people getting unconditional support through ESA has more than doubled since May 2025
Choosing a life on benefits is no longer an option
23 October, 2012
Jobseekers who repeatedly refuse to play by the rules face losing benefits for three years under tough new rules
Universal Credit: Northern Ireland to continue direct payments to landlords
23 October, 2012
Tenants in Northern Ireland will still be able to have their housing costs paid directly to their landlord, it has been announced
Peers win council tax benefit review
23 October, 2012
Peers have defeated the government on an amendment to the Local Government Finance Bill
Jobseekers to lose benefits for 3 years under new DWP rules
23 October, 2012
The DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) has introduced new rules that will see jobseekers who repeatedly turn down work have their benefits stopped for three years
SFHA: Benefit bill due to lack of social homes
23 October, 2012
The growing HB bill is due to a shortage of social rented housing and increased subsidies for expensive private sector rents, new research from the SFHA has found
Housing benefit limit only for future claimants
22 October, 2012
Plans to end housing benefit for under-25s would only apply to new claimants, the Department for Work and Pensions has said
Home Truths 2012: the housing market in England
22 October, 2012
This National Housing Federation report says that by the next election one million earners will be dependent on welfare to afford rent
Northern Ireland tenants 'worst hit' by bedroom tax
22 October, 2012
The bedroom tax will cost housing association tenants in Northern Ireland more than £70,000 a week, the chief executive of a membership body has said
Joining the dots on unemployment and welfare reform
22 October, 2012
There's a contradiction lurking behind the good news about falling unemployment: we seem to be succeeding in getting people back into work who don't want to be and failing with people who do
Workers will have to run down savings for Universal Credit, warns think tank
19 October, 2012
A think tank has warned how Universal Credit will penalise working families who have saved for their futures
Minister's domestic abuse warning about welfare reforms
19 October, 2012
Welfare reforms could make it harder for female victims of domestic abuse to leave violent partners, according to Welsh government minister
Industry pans payment control
19 October, 2012
Plans to introduce pre-payment cards to restrict how groups of people spend their benefit money risk stigmatising claimants, housing organisations have warned
Localising support for council tax: Transitional grant scheme
19 October, 2012
DCLG is making available an additional £100m for one year to support those LAs in developing well-designed council tax support schemes and maintain positive incentives to work
Is the benefit system too baffling to be solved?
18 October, 2012
Simplifying welfare is a top government priority. But why are benefits so baffling?
Tenants 'not confident' about direct payments
18 October, 2012
One in three social housing tenants on benefit are not confident they can keep up to date with rental payments if they receive their benefit direct, a report has found
Peer calls for disabled exemption to bedroom tax
18 October, 2012
A Labour peer has called for thousands of disabled people to be exempt from the bedroom tax
Labour blocks move to limit council tax benefit cuts
18 October, 2012
Labour peers have come under fire for refusing to back an amendment which would have spared thousands of benefit claimants from welfare cuts
Cameron 'standing up for wrong people' in benefit cuts row
18 October, 2012
David Cameron has been accused of "standing up for the wrong people" as charities warn that up to half a million disabled people will be worse off under Universal Credit
Holes in the Safety Net: The impact of Universal Credit on disabled people and their families
17 October, 2012
A report by the Children's Society, Citizens Advice and Disability Rights UK says 100,000 households with children could have incomes reduced by up to £28pw
It's time for a debate over statutory housing rights for single people
17 October, 2012
Already marginalised, single people will feel the brunt of the government's welfare cuts while sitting at the bottom of the housing waiting list
Council offering £25k payout to tenants who downsize homes
17 October, 2012
Camden Council is offering up to £25k for tenants to downsize to smaller homes
Lords fear bedroom tax will hurt disabled tenants
17 October, 2012
Peers have raised concerns about the impact of the bedroom tax on disabled people - and said discretionary housing payments will do little to help the problem
LIN Member Report October 2012 - How to tackle under-occupation
15 October, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Rebecca Wilkie.
Universal Jobmatch
15 October, 2012
Universal Jobmatch launches on 19 November 2012. This is DWP's new, free online job posting and matching service
120,000 troubled families could be legally banned from spending benefits on alcohol and tobacco
15 October, 2012
Troubled families living on benefits will be legally barred from spending welfare money on alcohol and tobacco, under plans being drawn up in Whitehall
Universal Credit: The benefit cut for workers that has 'escaped notice'
15 October, 2012
A Labour MP has hit out at plans to dock the benefits of workers under Universal Credit which he says has almost "escaped notice".
Disability benefit shake-up fears of organisations
15 October, 2012
Changes to Disability Living Allowance have already sparked protests in parts of the UK
Clegg vows to oppose age limit on housing benefit
15 October, 2012
Nick Clegg has vowed to oppose a 'blanket ban' on housing benefit for under 25-year-olds, but stressed further welfare cuts will be needed
171,000 single parents could lose their homes
12 October, 2012
More than 171,000 single parents could be forced to move home if housing benefit is axed for under-25s
Jury out on state-sponsored bank accounts for Universal Credit
10 October, 2012
Housing associations have given a cautious welcome to Government plans to subsidise for a year bank accounts that would help claimants manage monthly payments under Universal Credit
Technology could limit how benefits are spent
10 October, 2012
Think tank Demos has called for the government to use new technology to control how people spend their benefit
Landlord warns welfare cuts will hit house building
10 October, 2012
One of the largest developing housing associations in the south east has warned of a 'huge drop in housing capacity' if further changes are made in welfare and rental policy
PM confirms age limit plan for housing benefit
10 October, 2012
David Cameron has confirmed the government will look to end automatic housing benefit for under 25-year-olds
Minister announces £145m fund to boost financial inclusion
09 October, 2012
Lord Freud tells Conservative conference that he is working with the financial community to develop ways to increase financial inclusion
Osborne's housing benefit proposals 'will hit families with children hardest'
09 October, 2012
Charities say impact of cutting housing benefit for under-25s would be to discourage mobility and increase homelessness
Conservative conference: Welfare needs 'cultural shift'
09 October, 2012
The government will bring about a "complete cultural shift" in its efforts to end reliance on benefits, Iain Duncan Smith has promised
Cutting under-25's housing benefit will increase youth homelessness
09 October, 2012
History tells us that George Osborne's plan to remove housing benefit based on age instead of need will have a severe impact on young people
Why aren't councils claiming millions in DHP funds to help homeless tenants?
09 October, 2012
Freedom of Information request obtained by London Landlord Information Network which shows that hundreds of councils have underspent on their DHP pot
Tory MP outlines exemptions to under-25s benefit cut
09 October, 2012
Plans to stop under-25s claiming housing benefit would not affect anyone coming out of care or fleeing domestic violence, a parliamentary aide has clarified
Benefit pilot avoids arrears
08 October, 2012
A Scottish housing association claims to have so far avoided arrears in its universal credit direct payment pilot by not insisting on direct debits
Transforming Childcare, Changing Lives: Making sure that work pays
08 October, 2012
A position paper by the Centre for Social Justice
George Osborne in £10bn benefit cut vow
08 October, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne will tell the Tory conference that the government is determined to cut a further £10bn from the benefits budget to fight the deficit
Planning minister to raise direct payment concerns
08 October, 2012
An influential government minister has pledged to raise the issue of stopping paying HB direct to landlords with the DWP after concern with the impact of the policy on investment in new homes
NHF warns against housing benefit age limit
08 October, 2012
Housing organisations have warned against placing an age limit on housing benefit as chancellor George Osborne outlined plans for further welfare cuts to the Conservative Party conference
Anger mounts as chancellor commits Tories to £10bn of welfare cuts
08 October, 2012
Chancellor George Osborne has confirmed the Conservative Party's pledge to find £10bn of welfare savings by the first full year of the next Parliament, despite warnings from charities and housing providers
Cut rents, not benefits, Tories told
08 October, 2012
A politician has warned that further cuts to welfare for young Londoners could exacerbate rising homelessness and harm the economy
Bedroom tax: concern over homeless lodger scheme
05 October, 2012
Crawley BC has played down concerns tenants will be forced to take in a homeless lodger in its bid to mitigate the impacts of the Government's under-occupation penalties
HB Direct
05 October, 2012
October 2012 - includes information about welfare reforms and the benefit cap
Public want controls on benefit spending
04 October, 2012
The majority of the public want benefit spend monitored, according to a recent poll
Labour considers curbs on universal benefits to pay for social care
04 October, 2012
Pensions and winter fuel allowance of the better-off may be cut as party tries introduces new 'one nation' concept
Welfare reform ''an absolute disaster and train crash''
04 October, 2012
Controversial benefits changes being introduced by the Westminster government next year have been attacked as a "nightmare" for Wales in a blistering attack by a senior local government leader
Housing association steps up interventions on direct payment project
03 October, 2012
One of the HA's involved in the Government's direct payment demonstration projects says more interventions are being taken to collect unpaid rent
Housing associations call on DWP to answer 'big questions' on supported housing
03 October, 2012
The National Housing Federation is calling on the Government to answer the "big questions" on the future of housing benefit for supported housing
Hammersmith and Fulham to fix social housing tenancy term
03 October, 2012
A London council plans to bring in fixed term tenancies for people who apply for social housing from 2013
Food banks increase as Wales incomes fall £80 per month
03 October, 2012
Household incomes in Wales fell by an average of £80 per month in one year, official figures have shown
'Cack-handed' delivery threatens universal credit
03 October, 2012
Shadow employment minister Stephen Timms has slammed the government's welfare reform programme
Labour will make cuts to welfare budget if it wins 2015 election, says Liam Byrne
03 October, 2012
Shadow work and pensions secretary points to resentment of benefit claimants and says social security must be 'reinvented'
Changes to Jobseeker's Allowance sanctions from 22 October 2012
02 October, 2012
The new regulations introduce a regime of fixed period sanctions, to replace the existing sanction rules and move claimants closer to the sanction regime planned for Universal Credit
Welfare changes could restrict volunteering, warns Volunteering England
02 October, 2012
Volunteering England has voiced concern about the intention under universal credit to restrict the number of hours someone can volunteer
Hilary Benn: Bedroom tax is a shameful policy
02 October, 2012
The government's so-called 'bedroom tax' is a "shameful policy", shadow secretary of state for communities and local government, Hilary Benn has said
Universal Credit could exclude people without Internet access
01 October, 2012
People with little or no IT skills could have difficulty applying for the UK Government's new Universal Credit
Quids in: The impact of financial skills training for social housing tenants
01 October, 2012
Personal Finance Research Centre University of Bristol
Universal Credit: Claimants could keep fortnightly payments for two years
28 September, 2012
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud says Universal Credit claimants could keep fortnightly payments for up to two years with their cases reviewed periodically
Landlord halves rents to break benefit trap
28 September, 2012
A charity providing housing and support services for vulnerable people in Birmingham has set up a rent relief scheme for young people which will see their rents halved if they secure employment
Lib Dem conference: 'Millionaire' pensioners may face benefit cuts
28 September, 2012
The Liberal Democrats are looking at curbing all age-related universal benefits for pensioners with assets of more than £1m
Welfare bill could lead to increase in homeless
27 September, 2012
People on benefits could be made homeless if housing payments are no longer made directly to landlords as part of the proposed welfare reforms, an MLA has warned
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
26 September, 2012
This consultation concerned issues relevant to the implementation and operation of the appeals reform provisions in the Welfare Reform Bill
Universal Credit regulations date
26 September, 2012
Ministers have confirmed that Universal Credit regulations will be laid after the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Autumn Statement on 5 December
Universal Credit Announcements
26 September, 2012
In a letter to the SSAC the DWP has confirmed that initially exempt accommodation cases will still be handled as part of HB rather than as part of universal credit housing costs
Universal credit to exclude supported housing costs
25 September, 2012
Homelessness charities have welcomed a decision by the Department for Work and Pensions to exclude supported accommodation from universal credit
Iain Duncan Smith: Universal Credit 'not about cuts'
21 September, 2012
Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith denied that the plans were a cover for cuts, and said they would provide "positive incentives" for workers
Government eyes end to benefits and inflation link
21 September, 2012
The government is considering ending the automatic annual increase in benefits in line with inflation
London boroughs 'outsourcing waiting lists'
21 September, 2012
London boroughs are "outsourcing their waiting lists" and undermining the allocations policies of councils in other areas, according to a Conservative MP
Burgess vows to mitigate impact of welfare reforms
21 September, 2012
The new Scottish housing and welfare minister has vowed to help the poorest members of society cope with reforms to the benefits system which 'threaten to hit Scots hard'
Lord Freud: Supported housing 'won't be roped into Universal Credit'
20 September, 2012
Lord Freud has said that exempt supported accommodation "won't be roped into Universal Credit"
LIN Press release - Update on Universal Credit
20 September, 2012
Update on Universal Credit - includes information on supported housing, UC payment frequency, self-employed and budgeting accounts
Housing association warns sector after direct payments blow
19 September, 2012
Payment errors in the first 2 months of a project to pay tenants HB directly has seen a HA warn the sector over the importance of communication with LA's, residents and the DWP
Universal Credit: Freud lays down criteria for new bank accounts
19 September, 2012
Ministers are calling for a range of suppliers to explore the feasibility of new financial products to help benefit claimants budget and manage their money under Universal Credit
Cyberfraud threatens welfare reform, warns minister
19 September, 2012
Online security risks pose serious threat to government's universal credit welfare reform, says Lord Freud
Freud: New financial products to help Universal Credit claimants manage money
18 September, 2012
Ministers are calling for a range of suppliers to explore the feasibility of new financial products to help benefit claimants budget and manage their money
New monthly universal credit scheme to go ahead, says IDS
18 September, 2012
One of the biggest attempted reforms of Britain's welfare system will go ahead according to the Gov's timetable despite a host of warnings about what could go wrong
DWP clarifies advance payments' for Universal Credit claimants
18 September, 2012
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud says benefit claimants used to being paid fortnightly will be able to opt in for an advance payment to bridge them on to the monthly system of Universal Credit
Welfare reform is not ready and should be delayed for a year, says Labour
17 September, 2012
Opposition attacks universal credit scheme for having too many unresolved problems ahead of planned launch in 2013
The housing benefits cap means a wretched life for thousands in B&Bs;
17 September, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reform will leave families already on the lowest housing rung with nowhere to go
Benefit cap prompts B&B; fears for 26,000 families
17 September, 2012
The National Housing Federation (NHF) wants the Government to clarify next April's benefit cap rules
Benefits rules change to help people with cancer
17 September, 2012
More people suffering from cancer will get the unconditional help they need under new proposals published today
Universal credit timetable 'on track and on time'
17 September, 2012
Downing Street has dismissed calls to delay the introduction of the universal credit benefit system
Iain Duncan Smith moots plan to reshuffle benefits staff
14 September, 2012
Some of the 20,000 HB staff under threat by the forthcoming Universal Credit system could be found new roles dealing with Council Tax Benefit
DWP urged to subsidise new bank accounts ahead of Universal Credit
14 September, 2012
The Government should create a set of standards for 'Budget Accounts' (jam jars) - which safeguard rental income for housing associations according to new report
IDS refuses to publish Universal Credit business case
14 September, 2012
Labour's shadow work and pensions secretary Liam Byrne has criticised Iain Duncan Smith for refusing to publish the full plans behind Universal Credit
More than 1,000 of Hackney's private lets out of reach for benefit claimants
13 September, 2012
Only 143 of 1,585 properties available in Hackney in June 2012 were available under housing benefit levels
LIN Member Report September 2012 - Case Study - Helping Landlords to prepare for Welfare Reform
13 September, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner and Peter Hall
Landlord fears Universal Credit could deter self-employed
12 September, 2012
A housing association has warned the Government that strict new rules for Universal Credit could "totally undermine" efforts by landlords to support residents starting up their own businesses
IDS to look at 'social housing broadband tariff' for Universal Credit
12 September, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith says the Government will explore a 'social housing broadband tariff' to enable those to claim the new Universal Credit online
Ministers explore 'social housing tariff' for internet
12 September, 2012
The government will examine ways of introducing cut price internet access for social tenants as part of the roll out of universal credit
The Parent Trap: Childcare cuts under Universal Credit
11 September, 2012
The Children's Society has published a report raising concerns about the impact of the loss of support with childcare costs through Housing Benefit under Universal Credit
IDS urged to come clean on 'secret business case' behind Universal Credit
11 September, 2012
Work and pensions secretary Iain Duncan Smith says the Government has "absolutely nothing to hide" around the cost of implementing Universal Credit
'Fit for work' test changes due as new minister quizzed on deaths
11 September, 2012
Critics of the Government's work capability assessments - which sees private firm Atos administer the medical side of the 'fit for work' tests - wasted no time in grilling new employment minister
Housing association boss becomes credit union chair
11 September, 2012
The chief executive of a housing association has been appointed the chair of a credit union and plans to use his organisation's own resources to grow the union and expand its services
Universal credits and changes to benefit claims debate
11 September, 2012
The row over the new universal credits - with a government bid to simplify benefits - saw Welfare Secretary Iain Duncan Smith face questions from MPs in the Commons
Fortnightly payments to stay under universal credit
11 September, 2012
Benefits will continue to be paid fortnightly under the government's welfare reforms if recipients are unable to manage monthly budgeting
Editorial: Welfare reform cannot be an excuse for cuts
11 September, 2012
Moving from fortnightly to monthly benefit payments could increase the grip of pay-day loan skills on those in society who lack budgeting skills says this Independent editorial item
Housing associations talking to DWP over 'benefit verifier' role
10 September, 2012
Places for People and several other large housing associations have been in talks with the DWP about joint-working initiatives to smooth the roll-out of UC next year
Newham fears benefit cap blow for temporary households
10 September, 2012
The London borough of Newham wants the Government to drop planned restrictions on councils housing families outside of their area
Homeless Westminster families offered housing 54 miles away
10 September, 2012
Homeless families in Westminster are being offered accommodation as distant as Bletchley - 54 miles away
Fears raised over digital benefits
10 September, 2012
MPs have been warned that people from disadvantaged backgrounds may suffer if the government pushes ahead with plans to digitise the benefits system
Universal credit scheme will rot soul of low-paid, says Frank Field
10 September, 2012
Government's poverty tsar says welfare reform programme is 'practically unachievable' and heading for disaster
Tower blocks mooted for London borough’s B&B; crisis
07 September, 2012
A London council says the pressure on temporary accommodation in the borough is so bad that it may look at moving people to cheaper areas or start allocating flats in tower blocks to families
Charity concerned welfare reform is increasing homelessness
07 September, 2012
Homeless Link is concerned that welfare reform could be driving an increase in homelessness - as new figures show an alarming rise in cases of people losing their homes
It Shouldn't Happen Here
06 September, 2012
Parents go hungry to feed children, according to research from Save The Children
Housing association offers £10,000 to release spare bedrooms
06 September, 2012
To tackle the bedroom tax, Viridian has introduced an incentive scheme helping under-occupiers switch accommodation.
Plans to move Iain Duncan Smith is hardly reassuring for housing associations
05 September, 2012
According to reports, IDS was offered the Ministry of Justice role, with the Government keen on the hard-line approach of Chris Grayling to spearhead its further assault on the welfare bill
'Spare room tax' will affect disabled people says Bromford Group
04 September, 2012
People with disabilities in the West Midlands could be severely affected by changes to the benefits system, warns Bromford Group
Delivering the social fund at London-level: opportunities and risks
04 September, 2012
New CPAG report also highlights local authorities' concern that funding for start up and administrative costs of new schemes is inadequate
London borough facing £3m shortfall in council tax benefit shake-up
03 September, 2012
Islington Council says it's facing a £3m shortfall in funding to support residents with their council tax as a result of Government reforms
NHF commissions welfare reform study
03 September, 2012
The NHF has commissioned Ipsos Mori & Cambridge University to carry out a sector-wide assessment of how the gov's welfare changes will hit landlords and their tenants
Osborne prepares to cut welfare spending by a further £10bn
31 August, 2012
Leaked memo revealing 'sobering' Treasury plan likely to lead to friction within coalition as Lib Dems push new wealth tax
DWP confirms benefit cap inconsistencies ahead of Universal Credit
31 August, 2012
Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a 'small number of people' will be able to claim above the £500 cap
Plans for family homes scrapped
31 August, 2012
Landlords are revising development plans due to effect of bedroom tax
Supported housing rent row sparks care crisis
31 August, 2012
Benefit payment disputes leave supported housing providers running on empty
Frequently Asked Questions - Welfare Reform
30 August, 2012
Policy and practice officer, David Pipe, gives you the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tenancy reform
Huge drop in workless social households - ONS
29 August, 2012
The number of council/housing association households that are workless has fallen for the second year in a row
Five facts about welfare reform: findings from our work
29 August, 2012
Aspire Housing set out to explain how government changes would affect its tenants, with some important conclusions
Cameron's local Oxford council joins revolt over benefits change
28 August, 2012
Low earners will be £420 a year worse off, forcing councils to offset financial shortfall
Fear of poverty: just like it was in 1912?
27 August, 2012
Living in cuts-and-austerity Britain is generating the same anxieties as those expressed by the Edwardian poor, claims the Salvation Army
Reader's response: questioning the reward society
24 August, 2012
Rewards have failed to instigate behavioural change in the banking sector, so why should social housing be any different?
Derbyshire charity tries to stop 65% SP cuts
24 August, 2012
A Derbyshire charity has urged the local council not to cut housing-related support for vulnerable people in the city by 65 per cent.
Beating the bedroom tax
23 August, 2012
Landlords will do what they can to help under-occupying tenants, but concerns remain for disabled tenants
Economic pressures drive young adults home to roost
23 August, 2012
Families rediscover the financial benefits of intergenerational living as high house prices, increased unemployment and care issues take their toll, Aviva report says
Social tenants to accept bedroom tax penalty
22 August, 2012
Nearly half of social tenants who will be affected by the government's 'bedroom tax' are not prepared to move to smaller properties, research has found
Debate over Australia welfare 'credit card'
21 August, 2012
The Australian government is rolling out a radical new way of paying welfare benefits that may be instructive for other countries around the world
Simplifying the state pension
21 August, 2012
A White Paper will set out further details later this year
Government brands 'home swap' scheme a success
21 August, 2012
Almost 6,000 people a day are searching for social homes to swap on a government website
Case law argues London's priced out tenants are 'homeless'
21 August, 2012
Legal precedent demands that tenants unable to meet unaffordable housing costs are legally homeless - What does this mean in today's London?
Tenants in under-occupied homes will have to move
21 August, 2012
Tenants who live in homes with more bedrooms than people will be moved - or face losing their housing benefits
Government watchdog criticises fitness for work system
20 August, 2012
Richard Hawkes, Chief Executive of Scope, responds to reports of 'weaknesses' in the system set up to oversee the work capability assessment by the NAO
Your Homes Newcastle Take A Dramatic Approach To Tenant Arrears
20 August, 2012
Your Homes Newcastle has taken an innovative approach to arrears recovery as part of their ongoing staff development
Tenants on direct payment pilots pay rent on time
17 August, 2012
The majority of tenants of two landlords taking part in direct payment pilot projects have made their first rent payments on time
Scottish landlords braced for £12m hit
17 August, 2012
Rent arrears in Scotland are likely to soar by 50 per cent to £36 million because of welfare reforms imposed by the UK government, a new report warns
Publicising discretionary hardship fund criticised
17 August, 2012
A call on councils to more aggressively promote a hardship fund by the Department for Work and Pensions has been criticised
Feeling the strain - DHPs
17 August, 2012
An in-depth look at the system of Discretionary Housing Payments by Keith Cooper, Inside Housing
The impact of Welfare Reform on housing associations and co-operatives in Scotland
17 August, 2012
Scottish Federation of Housing Associations Report
Matchmaking service to reduce Scottish empty homes
17 August, 2012
A new matchmaking service is hoping to tackle Scotland's empty homes problem by introducing owners of vacant properties to would-be buyers
Publicising discretionary hardship fund criticised
17 August, 2012
A call on councils to more aggressively promote a hardship fund by the Department for Work and Pensions has been criticised
Government told to step-in if welfare cuts increase homelessness
16 August, 2012
A national charity wants a commitment from the Government to 'respond quickly' should welfare reform lead to a rise in homelessness
Charity demands welfare policy rethink as homelessness grows
16 August, 2012
Councils intervene in 199,000 cases in England but fewer houses are being built
DWP opportunities for local partnership working
16 August, 2012
DWP aspire to join up public services such as health, housing, transport, employment and skills to help local people back into work
Making every contact count: A joint approach to preventing homelessness
16 August, 2012
DWP report looking at how services can be managed in a way that prevents any household from reaching a crisis point where they are faced with homelessness
Housing Charity launches £100,000 rent fund
15 August, 2012
A charity has launched a £100,000 rent fund to help out young workers who may be affected by government cuts to benefits
Women's Aid concerns over Universal Credit and Housing Benefit changes
15 August, 2012
Charity Women's Aid has voiced concerns over the implementation of Universal Credit and changes to Housing Benefit
Landlord urges tenants to use 'jam jar' accounts
15 August, 2012
A west midlands landlord is encouraging tenants to set up 'jam jar' accounts with a local credit union to help them manage their finances once welfare reforms come into force
Universal credit penalties 'will increase debt'
15 August, 2012
Penalties for benefit recipients who run up debts - including rent arrears - are too high and will lead to hardship and a cycle of debt, a homelessness group has warned
Creating a reward society through the social housing sector
15 August, 2012
To get the society you want, you must reward the type of behaviour you want to see. Banks already know this, but what about housing providers?
Most expensive ever ex-council flat goes on sale for £1m
14 August, 2012
An ex-council flat in the London borough of Kensington has gone on sale for nearly £1 million.
IT firms fear council tax benefit collapse
14 August, 2012
A North London council says LA's are finding it difficult to find an 'affordable' IT supplier to devise a system for the Gov's new council tax benefit regime
Housing benefit caps see tenants move out of London borough
14 August, 2012
Over 30% of HB clmts in Camden who were claiming LHA when the caps were introduced last year have either moved out of the borough or have met the rent out of other income
LIN Member Report August 2012 - Welfare Reform Case Study - Vela Group
13 August, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Claire Turner, Lynn McPartlin and Anthony Scarre.
Welfare reform will leave social tenants perpetually poor
13 August, 2012
Households already struggling before the financial crisis are now find their incomes eroded, creating greater dependency
London borough fears Poll Tax return
13 August, 2012
The London borough of Camden fears the government's council tax benefit reform is like going back to the dark days of the Poll Tax - which saw rioting across British towns and cities
Tory councils failing to implement housing policies labelled 'disturbing'
13 August, 2012
Some councils are failing to implement the Gov's allocations reform that urge LA's to give additional priority to those in/seeking work or making a contribution to society
Why are older people exempted from the impact of welfare reform?
13 August, 2012
Elderly people commonly underoccupy property, overconsume assets, and put pressure on rent and house prices
Editor's blog: five unanswered questions about welfare reform
13 August, 2012
With the weight of expectation lying on their shoulders, housing providers wait for clarity and confidence from government
Should social landlords pass on the bedroom tax to tenants?
10 August, 2012
The tax on underoccupation could cost social landlords more than it saves. Reducing rent could be the answer
Councils stockpile benefits war chest
10 August, 2012
Councils are stockpiling money from a hardship fund that helps tenants hit by welfare reforms because they are expecting a huge jump in need next year
Bedroom tax offer for training tenants
10 August, 2012
Liverpool Mutual Homes is planning to pay the bedroom tax for tenants who complete training programmes or voluntary activities on its estates
Localising the social fund: moving too fast?
09 August, 2012
Councils are left with little time to prepare for the responsibility of awarding crisis loans and community care grants
DWP: 'no plans' to increase bedroom tax reductions
09 August, 2012
The DWP says it currently has "no plans" to amend the percentage reduction rates for the 'bedroom tax' that will hit social housing tenants next April
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
09 August, 2012
Council of Mortgage Lenders response (part 2) to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
LIN Press release - Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects
09 August, 2012
Evaluation of the Direct Payment Demonstration Projects- Emerging Learning
Housing benefit: 'Homes will have to be handed to the private sector'
09 August, 2012
Notting Hill Housing faces an end to 700 tenancies when the housing benefit cap hits London households next year
Government targets long-term sick as Work Programme numbers drop off
09 August, 2012
The Gov's bid to get more long-term sickness benefit claimants back into work is being held up by a backlog of reassessments, appeals and people deemed 'sicker than expected'
Calls for Edinburgh report on welfare reform
08 August, 2012
The impact of the government's welfare reform is likely to be scrutinised by Edinburgh Council
Universal credit doesn't help tenants off benefits and into work
08 August, 2012
New regulations remove the incentives that support unemployed residents back into work
What is 'vulnerable'?
08 August, 2012
If you thought the new Universal Credit regulations were done, dusted and ready for implementation, you'd be wrong.
Man made homeless over housing benefit cuts in tent protest outside council
08 August, 2012
A homeless man pitched his tent outside Swindon Council's offices after he claimed housing benefit cuts made him homeless - and was rehoused hours later
Working lives: preparing for direct payment of housing benefit
08 August, 2012
Vulnerable tenants will see housing benefit paid directly to their landlord despite Universal Credit. But who is considered vulnerable?
Fears over 38-day wait for Universal Credit
07 August, 2012
The Government should allow all Universal Credit claimants to opt for fortnightly payments for a temporary period
Hilary Benn: Council tax benefit reform like poll tax
07 August, 2012
Hilary Benn has slammed the government's council tax benefit reform, likening the policy to the poll tax
Welfare reform reinforces suspicion of social housing and its tenants
07 August, 2012
The coalition government disregards the complexity of the benefits system and personal hardship at its peril
Drop in families claiming housing benefit over £30,000
07 August, 2012
Nearly 1,400 families received in excess of £30,000 in housing benefit as of March 2012, official figures show
Lord Freud: 'We must allow people to run their lives independently'
07 August, 2012
The architect of welfare reform on how the DWP will tackle low pay and how the housing sector can help tenants off benefits
Refuges 'under threat' from shake-up of benefit rules
06 August, 2012
A charity that runs refuges for victims of domestic violence will have to close all its centres, because of planned changes to benefit rules
Wales to launch 'NHS-style' welfare service
06 August, 2012
Welsh housing minister pledges to create an 'NHS-type' welfare advice service to cope with a predicted spike in the number of people hit by welfare reforms
Judge rejects claims that work schemes are forced labour
06 August, 2012
Schemes to help unemployed people get work are not slave labour, a Judicial review has ruled
Half a million disabled people may lose benefits under reforms
03 August, 2012
Charities react with horror as Government announce Atos and Capita win 3 contracts to run a new work-capability check for disabled people
Council to sell empty homes for £1 to tenants hit by housing benefit cuts
02 August, 2012
Stoke-on-Trent Council wants to offer loans of £30k to families hit by housing benefit cuts to refurbish empty homes which it will sell to them for a £1
Universal Credit: Confusion over who informs DWP of rent changes
02 August, 2012
Housing Associations are seeking clarity over who will inform the DWP about annual rent increases under Universal Credit
Hunger strikers protest against housing benefit cuts
02 August, 2012
Three men have launched a hunger strike outside Camden Town Hall to protest against housing benefit cuts which they say have left them homeless and unable to access healthcare
Should we return to intensive housing management?
02 August, 2012
Reform of the social housing system means landlords must take advantage of new opportunities to meet tenants' needs
Barnet plans to remove Council Tax discounts
02 August, 2012
Barnet Council has proposed removing exemptions on empty properties and second homes, to cover costs of the Gov's planned 10% reduction in Council Tax support
DHPs - Public Consultation
02 August, 2012
Consultation seeking views on the Discretionary Housing Payments guidance manual. Consultation closing date 31.8.12
HB/CTB A6/2012
02 August, 2012
HB/CTB circular - Court of Appeal judgment: Burnip, Trengove and Gorry
Getting tenants online: housing officers as digital champions
02 August, 2012
There is a serious lack of personal digital skills in the UK and we need a new kind of housing officer who can train tenants
LIN Press release - DWP model documents
01 August, 2012
Support for Housing Benefit claimants to meet any rent shortfall - model documents
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
01 August, 2012
Crisis response to the SSAC consultation on Universal Credit
Broadband service to help Scunthorpe tenants get online
01 August, 2012
A superfast broadband scheme is due to be rolled out to social housing tenants in North Lincolnshire to encourage them to access the internet
Housing associations offer £50 cashback for tenants to switch to direct debit
01 August, 2012
Adactus Group tenants are being offered £50 cashback if they switch to paying their rent by direct debit
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
01 August, 2012
St Mungo's response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
A quick guide to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) for support organisations and advisers
01 August, 2012
DLA will be replaced by PIP for people of working age from 8 April 2013, even if they have an indefinite or lifetime award
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
31 July, 2012
NHF response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
Council house tenants in Devon paid to downsize
31 July, 2012
More than £700,000 worth of cash incentives have been paid out to social housing tenants in Devon to encourage them to move into smaller properties
Lib Dems plot revolt over Tory plans for more welfare cuts
31 July, 2012
Grassroots wants to fight next election with pledge to wipe out deficit by raising taxes on wealthy
Fairer by design: efficient tax reform for those on low to middle incomes
31 July, 2012
Tax rules favour mansion owners over council tenants
Social Security Advisory Committee's call for evidence on the Universal Credit regulations
31 July, 2012
CIH response response to the SSAC: Universal Credit and related regulations
Fears council tax benefit cut will jeopardise income
27 July, 2012
Councils across England are devising strategies to protect tenants and prevent arrears from rocketing due to a 10 per cent cut to council tax benefit
Benefit reforms will cause 'family breakdown'
27 July, 2012
New rules will leave young benefit claimants struggling to contribute towards their households' rent, leading to family breakdown, housing bodies have warned
Landlord warns welfare reform risks development
27 July, 2012
One of the UK's largest housing providers has warned that the Welfare Reform Act could affect its ability to build new homes
Fears council tax benefit cut will jeopardise income
27 July, 2012
Councils across England are devising strategies to protect tenants and prevent arrears from rocketing due to a 10 per cent cut to council tax benefit
HB/CTB A5/2012
27 July, 2012
HB/CTB circular - Welfare Reform Act 2012 sections 130 to 133 and the Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012
BBC and Channel 4 investigate the work capability assessment
26 July, 2012
BBC Panorama and Channel 4 Dispatches are both doing programmes on the work capability assessment (WCA) on Monday 30 July
Are social landlords prepared for universal credit?
26 July, 2012
Social housing can learn from the private rented sector to prepare for the government's new welfare scheme
Plan to cut 'bedroom tax' death exemption period under Universal Credit
26 July, 2012
Gov plans to cut the time allowed after a death before a tenant becomes eligible for 'bedroom tax' penalties is "harsh and unnecessary", according to NHF
Fears over benefit entitlement for supported housing under Universal Credit
26 July, 2012
A charity is awaiting a Gov response on the future of HB for supported housing amid fears that would see the system moving from "one of entitlement to one of discretion"
Housing association offers tenants up to £10,000 for spare rooms
26 July, 2012
Viridian housing association is offering tenants up to £10,000 to downsize ahead of new rules which come in next April penalising social tenants with spare bedrooms
Benefit reforms will cause 'family breakdown'
26 July, 2012
New rules will leave young benefit claimants struggling to contribute towards their households' rent, leading to family breakdown, housing bodies have warned
The poll tax is back from the dead - it's Cameron localism
25 July, 2012
The council tax benefit 'reform' is yet another example of the axe being devolved - and of the poorest being hit hardest
Tax and benefit policy: insights from behavioural economics
25 July, 2012
Institute for Fiscal Studies report
Charity links recession with £3 billion tax credit cuts
25 July, 2012
Child Poverty Action Group believes that the news of a deepening of the recession is linked to the £3 billion cut in tax credits
Universal Credit Regulations: SSAC call for evidence
24 July, 2012
Read this new briefing before sending your response to the Social Security Advisory Committee
Money management help for Newcastle tenants
24 July, 2012
Newcastle tenants are being offered assistance with budgeting, benefit advice and help with moving home
Work Capability Assessments - getting them right first time
24 July, 2012
The latest figures show that 55 per cent of new claimants who go through the Work Capability Assessment are found fit for some form of work
LIN press release - HB Direct and Service charges
24 July, 2012
Information on Housing Benefit Direct and Service Charges under Universal Credit
Freud names local authority pilot long-list for Universal Credit
23 July, 2012
The DWP have named fifteen local authorities in England recommended as potential pilot sites for Universal Credit
Freud: Bedroom tax will ease overcrowding
23 July, 2012
The coalition government's bedroom tax will ease overcrowding and help tackle the shortage of social housing, Lord David Freud has said
Tenant discovers 'bedroom tax' loophole
19 July, 2012
We learn this week that a tenant who had pored through the regs had discovered a loophole in the 'bedroom tax' regs and had duly informed their L/L
Welfare reform: direct payment landlord hires 20 staff to support tenants
18 July, 2012
WDH (part of the direct payment demonstration project) has recruited 20 previously unemployed people to offer support to tenants hit by welfare reform
Online push for Universal Credit claims
18 July, 2012
Claimants of a new universal benefit will be pushed to complete forms online when the new system starts next year
Benefit cap
17 July, 2012
Ad hoc statistics on early feedback from claimants who are at risk of having their benefit capped in April 2013
Government's radical vision to transform child maintenance system
17 July, 2012
The new and radically reshaped child maintenance system. Extra help for separated parents who want to support their children & new penalties for those who won't
Government claims benefit cap is already pushing people into work
17 July, 2012
1,700 claimants who may have been affected by next April's household benefit cap have moved into work with a further 5,000 requesting back-to-work support
Universal Credit benefit reforms 'threatened by IT system'
16 July, 2012
Flagship reforms of the welfare system are under threat because the IT scheme behind the project is £100m over budget and plagued by glitches
Work and the welfare system: a survey of benefits and tax credits recipients
16 July, 2012
DWP research report
When worlds collide: regeneration and the bedroom tax crisis
13 July, 2012
The government's policies on housing will hit the north hard, and with few local Conservative representatives who will fight back?
Disability and Universal Credit
13 July, 2012
Briefing, produced by Disability Rights UK, Citizen's Advice and the Children's Society
Landlord offers 'budgeting accounts' ahead of Universal Credit
13 July, 2012
Walsall Housing Group, is signing tenants up to new budgeting accounts - offered through its local credit union - ahead of Universal Credit next year
LIN Member Report July 2012 - Changes to the local housing allowance system: its effects on tenants and landlords
13 July, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
DWP to close bedroom tax loophole
12 July, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has pledged to close a loophole which would have inadvertently exempted long-term housing association tenants from the bedroom tax
Tenants tell landlord they can take 'bedroom tax' hit
12 July, 2012
A housing association in the North West says some of the 2,300 tenants it has started to contact about housing benefit cuts believe they can afford to stay in their homes
Yarlington Housing Group asks tenants to downsize
12 July, 2012
A housing association in Somerset has begun asking its tenants to consider downsizing to free up larger family-sized houses
Universal Credit and changes to in-work incentives
12 July, 2012
Three job entry payments are to be phased out in readiness for the introduction of Universal Credit which aims to improve work incentives
Bereavement Benefit for the 21st Century
11 July, 2012
New proposals for better supporting people on benefits after the loss of a spouse or civil partner have been set out by Lord Freud
Jobseeker's Allowance (Sanctions) (Amendment) Regulations 2012
11 July, 2012
Draft Statutory Instrument
Protecting disabled people should be a priority for housing associations
11 July, 2012
Disability related hate crime is rising, partly due to the welfare reform agenda. What can be done to tackle the problem?
Jargon warning after 40 different households ignore same benefit cut letter
10 July, 2012
Lambeth councillor warns social landlords to carefully consider communications to tenants around welfare reform after 40 households ignore benefit cut letter
Extra 20,000 'under-occupiers' to lose housing benefit entitlement
09 July, 2012
The Government has doubled the number of partial HB claimants it believes will lose all of their entitlement as a result of the new under-occupation rules
Universal credit to support payments to landlords
09 July, 2012
The government will have the ability to make payments of the housing element of universal credit direct to landlords from the start of the scheme
Universal Credit - frequently asked questions
09 July, 2012
Frequently asked questions on the Universal Credit benefits system.
YouGov: over 50% support housing benefit cut for under 25s
09 July, 2012
A YouGov poll has found that 53% of respondents support the Prime Minister's plans to cut housing benefits for the under 25s
Under 25s to be offered two-year council tenancies in London borough
09 July, 2012
Most young people under 25 will be offered 2 year fixed-term tenancies in Barnet, while the majority of new tenants will be offered 5 year terms
First Work Programme data shows promising signs
09 July, 2012
First Government data on the Work Programme suggests the scheme is having a positive effect in helping the long-term unemployed
Localising support for council tax
09 July, 2012
A statement of intent on information sharing and powers to tackle fraud
Government expands vital in-work support to disabled young people
06 July, 2012
Young disabled jobseekers on work experience will now be able to access the Government's Access to Work scheme
Welfare cuts: housing benefit claimants not welcome here
06 July, 2012
Only a fraction of private rented homes in Hackney are affordable under welfare reforms, and many L/L's are actively refusing to let to HB recipients
Deal struck to allow tenants without bank accounts to receive Universal Credit
06 July, 2012
The Government has struck a deal to allow tenants without bank accounts to receive the new Universal Credit directly from next year
Data-sharing and welfare reform
05 July, 2012
New powers from 2 July allow local authorities to share information with social landlords on who may be affected by the bedroom tax and benefit cap
Housing benefit cut 'will see rise in homelessness'
05 July, 2012
Poll shows majority concerned about fallout from Cameron's plan to end aid for under-25s
Petition calls for rethink on direct payment
05 July, 2012
Private landlords have set up a petition urging the government to rethink its approach to making housing benefit payments direct to tenants
Co-operative accommodation: towards a mutually agreeable housing
05 July, 2012
The PM's plans to remove housing benefit from the under-25s is symptomatic of a failed system - how can mutualisation help?
Child maintenance payments made by benefit claimants to double
03 July, 2012
Parents on income-related benefits who live apart from their children are to have the amount of child maintenance they must pay increased from £5 to £10 per week
DWP DLA Reform and Personal Independence Payment
03 July, 2012
Disability Benefits Consortium response - June 2012
Government 'clobbering the working poor' with benefit reform
03 July, 2012
There are fears the IT system won't be ready, that the policy is being rushed through - another of the Government's benefit reforms - Council Tax Benefit
HB/CTB A4/2012
03 July, 2012
Housing and Council Tax Benefit Circular - Housing Benefit size criteria restrictions for working age claimants in the social rented sector from 1 April 2013
Welfare cuts: welcome to the era of vouchers for the poor
02 July, 2012
Families in financial crisis are likely to be offered storecards/vouchers, under reforms that transfer responsibility for the social fund to LA's
Fighting talk
02 July, 2012
Now the dust has settled on the prime minister's controversial welfare speech it is worth reflecting on what signals have been sent and what it means
Housing Association and Welfare Rights Best Practice Guide
01 July, 2012
Scottish Federation Of Housing Association publication
Duncan Smith takes welfare reform crusade to US
29 June, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith has delivered a speech on the UK Government's welfare reforms to the House of Congress in Washington DC
Are social landlords prepared for universal credit?
29 June, 2012
Housing benefit will be paid directly to tenants from October 2013 - are social landlords prepared for the changeover - Guardian online poll
Fewer service charges to be covered by benefits
29 June, 2012
Proposed new rules could lead to fewer service charges being covered by housing benefit, sector experts have warned
New banking concept to protect rents
29 June, 2012
Gentoo is in talks with credit unions about setting up 'jam jar accounts' to protect its income stream
Benefit 'shock' in draft Universal Credit regs
29 June, 2012
Benefit claimants absent from home due to long-term hospital care will only be eligible for 6 months HB not 12 months, under the draft UC regulations
MPs 'surprised' at Cameron's attack on his Government's benefit reform
29 June, 2012
MPs have expressed "surprise" at the Prime Minster's attack on non-dependant deductions which have been reformed by his Government
For disabled people, the worst is yet to come
28 June, 2012
Disabled families face a drop in income that will place many of them in a "struggle for survival", according to a new report published by Demos
Make jobs, not cuts, to reduce reliance on the state
28 June, 2012
Most people want to work, so cutting welfare won't help: only a co-ordinated effort in Whitehall will truly reduce dependency
MSPs pass Scottish welfare changes
28 June, 2012
Proposed new laws to "limit the impact" of UK-wide welfare reforms in Scotland have been passed by MSPs
No sense in taxpayer funding '1 million spare rooms in social rented sector' - Chris Grayling
27 June, 2012
Mr Grayling was responding to another MP's concerns in the House of Commons about the impacts of the new under-occupation rules from April 2013
Plan to Remove Housing Benefit from Under-25s "Unfair" - SFHA
27 June, 2012
An idea put forward this week by the Prime Minister to scrap HB for under-25s has been described as unfair and counter-productive by the SFHA
Homeownership drop to create £8bn benefit bill
27 June, 2012
The cost of HB for elderly people will soar by £8b a year by 2060 unless steps are taken to address falling homeownership, a think tank has warned
Charities submit joint letter to Prime Minister
27 June, 2012
Shelter has signed a joint letter to the Prime Minister today, in response to Conservative Party proposals to cut housing benefit for under 25s
Cameron takes aim at non-dependant deductions
26 June, 2012
Prime Minister David Cameron has taken aim at non-dependant deductions (NDD) when referring to families who want their adult children to stay living at home
Long-term unemployed 'could have benefits cut'
26 June, 2012
Unemployment benefits could be cut for people who fail to get work over long periods of time, under Conservative plans to change the welfare system
David Cameron's 17 ideas to cut extra £10bn from welfare
26 June, 2012
David Cameron's proposals come on top of restrictions to benefits in the Welfare Act, to be introduced from 2013
Welfare Wales: 'Confusion' on regional benefits
26 June, 2012
Welsh ministers have accused the UK coalition government of "a great deal of confusion" over the idea of regional benefits
Housing figures criticise PM's benefit plans
26 June, 2012
Housing figures have criticised David Cameron's suggestion that housing benefit could be removed for under 25s pointing out many claimants are in employment
New tenure arrangements
26 June, 2012
NHF report - on the implications of current changes to legislation, regulation, funding and welfare for the way HA's manage their tenancies
Cameron to axe housing benefits for feckless under 25s
25 June, 2012
Prime Minister reveals housing benefit will be scrapped for under 25s and dole money will be stopped for those who refuse to find work
Cameron targeting social housing entry age with benefit bill assault
25 June, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith says the prime minister's discussion on welfare support is partly focusing on the average age at which people enter into social housing, currently 21
The Social Security (Information-sharing in relation to Welfare Services etc.) Regulations 2012
25 June, 2012
Data sharing regulations for social sector landlords which covers information referring to housing benefit, under-occupation, the benefits cap etc
Councils underspend payments for struggling households by £8m
25 June, 2012
A quarter of the £30m fund for discretionary housing payments left untouched compounds concerns over the scheme's efficiency
Is scrapping housing benefit for under-25s a good idea?
25 June, 2012
The prime minister David Cameron says the policy would save £2bn a year, and send out a clear message on welfare
Economic gap between young and old significantly worse since 2008 – study
25 June, 2012
Findings will fuel row over David Cameron's promise to shield pensioners while targeting welfare cuts on the young
Welfare speech
25 June, 2012
Speech by Prime Minister David Cameron on welfare, at Bluewater, Kent on Monday 25th June, 2012
Prime Minister David Cameron considers benefit cuts
24 June, 2012
BBC One's Sunday Politics video clip
Government to end extended payments
22 June, 2012
The new benefits system will disincentivise people to work by abolishing temporary payments which cover claimants' housing costs when they find a job
UK's largest stock-holding council in 'bedroom tax' avoidance bid
22 June, 2012
The UK's largest stock holding council says a new consortium will help tenants avoid benefit cuts and protect landlords' rental income
Benefit cuts blamed for rise in homelessness and B&B; use
22 June, 2012
Councils are blaming government cuts to HB for rising homelessness applications and a huge increase in the use of bed and breakfast accommodation
Scottish landlords issue warning over welfare cuts
21 June, 2012
The changes to welfare payments will put at risk efforts to improve social housing and build new affordable homes, according to housing reps in Scotland
Mind the digital housing gap
21 June, 2012
There is a huge amount of housing advice online that can guide through complex issues. But those most in need are the least able to take advantage
Housing benefit is out of control, but there is an alternative
21 June, 2012
Councils should be given an affordable housing grant to boost building, making rents - and subsidies - less expensive
Universal Credit and related regulations - a call for evidence
20 June, 2012
The closing date for responses is 27 July 2012
The Perfect Storm: Economic stagnation, the rising cost of living, public spending cuts, and the impact on UK poverty
20 June, 2012
Oxfam Report
Means testing older people - in whose interest?
20 June, 2012
As the Commons health committee launches its inquiry into funding social care, proposals for means testing could put an end to the principles of the welfare state
50,000 North East families to be hit by 'bedroom tax'
18 June, 2012
Up to 50,000 North East families could be affected by the so-called 'bedroom tax', figures from the National Housing Federation highlight
LHA landlords told to seek alternatives to eviction
18 June, 2012
The umbrella body for local authorities in London has warned against hasty evictions after a report found tenants in the capital are being hit hardest by benefit cuts
Landlord can't rehouse 'bedroom tax' families
18 June, 2012
A north east housing association is warning it has only 16 homes to rehouse 2,500 tenants affected by the 'bedroom tax'
Research shows 'worrying' impact of housing benefit cap
18 June, 2012
Study shows landlords in London are three times more likely to evict tenants on housing benefit than elsewhere in UK
Universal Credit regulations
18 June, 2012
Welfare reform draft regulations and policy briefing notes
Monitoring the impact of changes to the Local Housing Allowance system of housing benefit:summary of early findings
15 June, 2012
The first report from an independent research into housing benefit reform
Family Resources Survey
15 June, 2012
The Family Resources Survey from DWP, collects information on the incomes and circumstances of private households in the United Kingdom
NHF warns against bedroom tax rises
15 June, 2012
Federation also calls for landlords to say what defines under-occupation
DWP submits draft universal credit and benefit cap regulations to Social Security Advisory Committee
15 June, 2012
It was announced in parliament yesterday that draft universal credit regulations would be published shortly
Walsall's biggest social landlord eyes bigger credit union take-up
14 June, 2012
Walsall-based social landlord whg says it's working with its local credit union to support tenants hit by the Government's welfare reforms
LIN Member Report June 2012 - More money to spare: How local authorities are still failing to award discretionary housing payments
14 June, 2012
LIN June member report by Neil Merrick which looks at the DHP fund, which is one measure, that could help offset the impact of the Welfare Reforms
Direct payments: Council no longer fearing dramatic increase in arrears
14 June, 2012
One of the councils involved in the Government's HB demonstration projects says it no longer fears a dramatic increase in arrears
Lord Freud quizzed on bedroom numbers in heated welfare address
13 June, 2012
Lord Freud has been quizzed on how many homes he owned and how many bedrooms he had in a heated debate on welfare reform
LIN Memebr Report June 2012 - Making it Fit: a guide to preparing for the social sector size criteria
13 June, 2012
Toolkit published to help landlords prepare for the bedroom tax
Mandatory work activity scheme extended
13 June, 2012
£5million expansion of the Mandatory Work Activity scheme will require more jobseekers to do a month's full time activity to help them back into work
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
13 June, 2012
Government interim response to public consultation
Housing 2012: the sector must meet the challenge of welfare reform
13 June, 2012
Housing is key to the transformation of the welfare system and breaking dependency, says the minister for welfare reform
Direct housing benefit switch to 'shake' confidence of investors
12 June, 2012
CEX of Bromford Group warns Government that plans to pay HB direct to tenants will "shake" the confidence of institutional investors
Premium phone line fined for targeting vulnerable
12 June, 2012
A premium rate phone line claiming to help people on benefits find accommodation in the private rented sector has been fined £100,000
Universal credit in Scotland: why we're taking part in a direct payment pilot
12 June, 2012
Dunedin Canmore is the only Scottish housing association to trial direct payment of housing benefit early - here's why
Poorest hit hardest by £500million Council Tax Benefit cut
12 June, 2012
Analysis by the Local Government Association
Universal Credit will support young people in work
11 June, 2012
Young people will receive greater incentives to get into work under Universal Credit, Minister for Welfare Reform Lord Freud has said
Local Government Finance Bill: Localising support for council tax
11 June, 2012
Updated impact assessment
Lord Freud exclusive: 'Poorest should be prepared to take greatest risks'
11 June, 2012
24housing Editor Jon Land meets Welfare Reform Minister Lord Freud to talk about Universal Credit demonstration projects & under-occupation rules
Welfare and Poverty
08 June, 2012
There is both good and bad for poverty in current welfare reforms but on balance, our forecasts show the bad risks outweighing the good
Why strands of universal credit don't knit together
06 June, 2012
As far as welfare reform policy goes, universal credit is sheer lunacy, and any creaks in the system could lead to anyone feeling the axe
Government acts to restrict long distance moves
01 June, 2012
The government has issued proposals that would restrict the ability of councils to place homeless people in private accommodation outside their area
Face to face and telephone support under universal credit will be geared towards helping claimants use online channel, says Lord Freud
01 June, 2012
Speech by Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform, at the National Digital Conference
Landlords do not plan to reclassify their homes
01 June, 2012
The majority of England's largest social landlords have ruled out reclassifying properties to enable tenants to avoid the 'bedroom tax'
Reforms to Council Tax benefit 'could undermine Universal Credit'
01 June, 2012
Government plans to localise council tax benefit while cutting funding for it by 10% threatens to undermine the new Universal Credit system
Should rent charged be linked to the services tenants choose to use?
01 June, 2012
Darrin Gamble asks why housing associations don't just charge their customers for the services they need and use
Computer says no
31 May, 2012
Sixteen months from now, the first claimants will start receiving Universal Credit. How will the IT systems cope?
Benefits spending blows out by £9bn
31 May, 2012
Benefit spending will be £9bn higher than planned because of Coalition's failure to get people off welfare, research suggests
Benefit cap factsheet
31 May, 2012
From April 2013 the Benefit cap will be implemented for new and existing claimants via a deduction from Housing Benefit
'Sad indictment we can review taxes on pasties but not on bedrooms
30 May, 2012
A CEX has expressed disappointment that while amending its VAT plans for pasty products, the Gov is still pushing through its 'bedroom tax'
Amount of young adults living with parents rises 20%
30 May, 2012
Nearly 3 million young adults were living with their parents in 2011, an increase of nearly 500,000 from 1997 according to the Office of National Statistics
Waltham Forest Council suspends long-distance rehousing
29 May, 2012
A local authority in east London has suspended its policy of rehousing residents long distances away
Older people's housing: choice, quality of life, and under-occupation
29 May, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Work-for-free programme to be expanded by government
28 May, 2012
DWP plans to extend its scheme which forces the long-term unemployed to take unpaid work or lose benefits
A guide to Income Support
28 May, 2012
A guide for professional and voluntary advisers and others who want to know more about Income Support
Housing association offers vulnerable tenants financial advice
25 May, 2012
Riverside Housing Association is piloting a free money advice service for its tenants
Charity calls for rent cap as 600 families face being made homeless
25 May, 2012
A homeless charity has called for rent controls after it was revealed that 600 families face being made homeless because of housing benefit changes
Credit where credit's due - The provision of credit union services through post offices
25 May, 2012
Consumer Focus Report
Early roll out of Universal Credit to go live in Manchester and Cheshire
25 May, 2012
Universal Credit will go live in the Greater Manchester and Cheshire region in April 2013 – six months before the national roll-out
Fraud Guide
25 May, 2012
The Fraud Guide is used by DWP staff who investigate allegations of benefit fraud
Freud insists welfare reforms are cutting rents
25 May, 2012
Lord David Freud has insisted that rents are coming down as a result of the coalition's welfare reforms
Ruling could force 'bedroom tax' change
24 May, 2012
Charity warns - The Gov will have to amend the under-occupation housing benefit rules pending its decision to appeal against a recent court judgement
Direct payment could double rent arrears
24 May, 2012
Housing associations are anticipating rent arrears could double as a result of moves to pay housing welfare payments direct to tenants
GPs call for work capability assessments to be scrapped
24 May, 2012
GPs at their annual conference in Liverpool, have voted in favour of a motion calling for the end of the work capability assessment
New Universal Credit benefit to be tested in North West
24 May, 2012
The new single benefit, which the government claims will simplify the welfare system, is to be introduced six months earlier than planned
Housing Association bids to help residents caught in a new benefit trap
24 May, 2012
SHA is taking action to ensure its tenants are forewarned about new HB rules which could leave them up to £14 a week worse off
Going Back To Basics With Bank Accounts
24 May, 2012
South Tyneside Homes is looking to help council tenants manage their money by linking up with two high-street financial service providers
Violent offenders forced into shared accommodation by welfare changes
23 May, 2012
Attempts to protect tenants from harm are flawed, leaving dangerous and vulnerable people slipping through the net
Freud under fire for bedroom tax 'ruse'
23 May, 2012
Housing professionals have demanded the welfare minister 'own up' to the motivation for the government's controversial bedroom tax
Scots seek to limit impact of UK welfare reforms
22 May, 2012
Scotland's very own welfare reform bill starts its progress through the Scottish Parliament
Local authorities to carry over nearly £8m in unspent discretionary housing payments to 2012/2013
22 May, 2012
Details of the government funding to local authorities for DHPs in 2012/13 including carry over from 2011/12
Near 30,000 increase in housing benefit recipients pushes claims over 5 million
21 May, 2012
The number of people claiming housing benefit has topped 5 million, according to Government statistics
Support to help lone parents into work
21 May, 2012
lone parents will start getting the help they need to look for work earlier rather than stay on benefits
Changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
21 May, 2012
Questions and answers on the ESA legislative changes
DCH protests against welfare reforms
21 May, 2012
Campaigners will protest against the government's welfare reforms on Wednesday
Danger system will 'explode around the edges', warns housing boss
18 May, 2012
A CEX has warned there are "real dangers" in the way the Government is cutting welfare payments
Court ruling could force rethink on bedroom tax
18 May, 2012
The government could be forced to make changes to its controversial bedroom tax policy following a Court of Appeal ruling this week
Wounded heroes beat MoD in benefits battle
18 May, 2012
Wounded war heroes are to keep their disability benefits for life after the PM stepped in to halt a bid to cut them
LIN Member Report May 2012 - Welfare Reform - Key Changes to Benefits in 2012/13
17 May, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall
£25bn further welfare cuts? 'Froth'
17 May, 2012
Lord David Freud has dismissed reports that the prime minister is considering £25 billion of further welfare cuts as 'froth'
DWP chooses partners for Universal Credit pathfinder
17 May, 2012
The DWP has chosen partners for its Universal Credit pathfinder which will road test the system "end-to-end" six months before it comes in for real
Lord Freud urges 'rational approach' to bedroom definitions
17 May, 2012
The architect of the Government's welfare reforms has urged social landlords to take a 'rational approach' to bedroom definitions ahead of HB changes
The housing benefit drain from central London begins
17 May, 2012
A woman born and raised in Ladbroke Grove in west London has been moved out to Dagenham following the government's cut to housing benefit
Localising Support for Council Tax: Funding arrangements consultation
17 May, 2012
Consultation closing date 12 July 2012
Complex benefit system leading to fraud and error
17 May, 2012
New fraud and error figures show why fundamental reform of the benefits system is so vital, Ministers have said
Smartphones and tablets save £1m a year for frontline housing staff
16 May, 2012
ALMO Your Homes Newcastle has invested in new software that will help overhaul its tenant concierge service
MSPs support Scottish welfare changes
16 May, 2012
Proposed new laws to "limit the impact" of UK-wide welfare reforms in Scotland should be passed, MSPs have said
Personal Independence Payment user-centred design: Strand 1 report
15 May, 2012
DWP Research Report 794
Income support for lone parents with a child under the age of five
15 May, 2012
New commencement order in relation to the Welfare Reform Act 2009
'Victory for rights of disabled' as Government loses spare room benefit case
15 May, 2012
A charity is hailing a victory for rights of disabled people after Court of Appeal rules the HB regs size criteria discriminate against disabled
1000s on long term sickness benefits found 'fit for work'
15 May, 2012
New Government analysis reveals that thousands of people who have been claiming Incapacity Benefit for the past 15 years are in fact fit for work
Report questions legality of household benefit cap
15 May, 2012
The government may have broken equality laws when introducing the total household benefits cap, according to watchdog the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Judgement to force changes to benefit rules
15 May, 2012
Housing benefit rules for private rented tenants discriminate against disabled people and will have to be changed, the Court of Appeal has ruled
Welfare changes could harm work programme
15 May, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has failed to consider the impact welfare reform will have on its flagship employment programme, according to a group of MPs
Getting to grips with the nation's welfare
15 May, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's welfare reforms are welcome but we need to go further
Council severs link between homelessness applications and social tenancies
14 May, 2012
Hammersmith and Fulham Council is to sever the link between a homelessness application and a social housing tenancy as it overhauls allocations policy
Support for people on sickness benefits to get back into the workplace
14 May, 2012
Thousands of people who have been on sickness benefits for more than 15 years have been found fit to work and will now get support to help them back into a job, new analysis reveals
A welfare reform to test the Coalition's resolve
14 May, 2012
Reforming disability payments will be difficult, but reducing the welfare bill is necessary
It's not just London - now benefit cuts push claimants out of Cambridge
11 May, 2012
Anecdotal information suggests that some benefit claimants have started to move out of Cambridge to cheaper areas
Balancing rights and responsibilities - rebuilding the social security system in the 21st century
11 May, 2012
Malcolm Wicks argues many voters have lost faith in the welfare system and that to revive it the contributory principle needs to be restored
Shapps issues B&B; warning to councils
11 May, 2012
The housing minister has warned 20 councils to improve the way they deal with homeless people
Work scheme fails homeless
11 May, 2012
The government's flagship work programme has been accused of failing homeless people as another homelessness charity pulled out
Flat rentals hit record highs as tenants forced to pay small homes premium
10 May, 2012
The cost of renting a flat in the UK has a reached record high, with tenants being forced to pay a premium for smaller properties, according to property website FindaProperty.com
Housing providers' approaches to tackling worklessness
10 May, 2012
HACT and Inclusion report outlining how housing providers can increase the impact of employment and skills programmes aimed at getting residents into work
The woman who lives in a shed: how London landlords are cashing in
10 May, 2012
Council finds people living in everything from massively overcrowded houses to a walk-in freezer - and the problem is getting worse
Housing association leads way on direct benefit payments in Scotland
09 May, 2012
Dunedin Canmore Housing Association are the first social landlord in Scotland to take part in the DWP demonstration projects
Bedroom tax: 'In the eye of the perfect storm'
09 May, 2012
with less than a year before it comes into effect, how are those housing associations and their tenants preparing for it in the North of England
Save money, downsize
08 May, 2012
Landlord re-launches its 'downsizing' scheme to help assist tenants who may face difficulty with the HB, Welfare Reform, underoccupancy cuts
Employment and Support Allowance claimant journey
08 May, 2012
Stakeholder information pack which provides customer representative groups with an overview of the ESA claimant journey
Government gives one year's notice of benefit cap
08 May, 2012
Letters are being sent this week to households who may be affected by the benefit cap
More than 11,000 households claim benefits worth more than higher rate taxpayers' earnings
07 May, 2012
The figure was disclosed by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith before letters are sent to households this week explaining a new cap on benefits
Housing providers' approaches to tackling worklessness
04 May, 2012
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion report
Thousands get first warning they may lose their homes as Coalition's benefits cuts arrive
04 May, 2012
Over 90,000 people begin to hear how they will be affected by the new benefits cap
Thousands to learn if their homes are at risk
04 May, 2012
The National Housing Federation is urging councils to share information with housing associations as thousands of households find out their homes could be put at risk by benefit cuts
Landlords risk breaching loan agreements if they reclassify properties to protect their tenants from the 'bedroom tax'
04 May, 2012
Landlords risk breaching loan agreements if they reclassify properties to protect their tenants from the 'bedroom tax'
DWP 'undecided' over benefits claim from man with no legs
03 May, 2012
A man who has had both legs amputated is struggling to survive financially - because bureaucrats are still deciding whether or not he is disabled
Income and Expenditure form
03 May, 2012
Complete an income and expenditure form to ensure that income exceeds expenditure and a tenant has enough excess income to pay any rent shortfall
Working tax credit changes hit 200,000 households
02 May, 2012
Ministers said large proportion would be able to work extra hours to qualify, but figures suggest only 5% managed to do so
NHF Finance policy quarterly update
02 May, 2012
Spring 2012 - The update provides a snapshot of a range of finance policy issues including information on Welfare Reform
Monitoring poverty and social exclusion in Northern Ireland 2012
02 May, 2012
Joseph Rowntree report
Charity chief hits out at 'inhumane' work test
02 May, 2012
The government's test to assess whether individuals are suitable for employment is an 'inhumane ordeal' for homeless people, according to head of Crisis
Changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
01 May, 2012
On 1 May 2012 the Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduced two changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
Fears welfare reforms will increase fast-track evictions
30 April, 2012
Landlords will fast-track possession claims using ‘draconian’ legal measures to defend their businesses against the impact of welfare reform
Duncan Smith opposes Osborne's £10bn welfare cut
30 April, 2012
The work and pensions secretary has suggested £10 billion of further welfare cuts threatened by the chancellor would be opposed by his department
Government to set up 'beds in sheds' task force
30 April, 2012
A new national taskforce will be set up to tackle the issue of "beds in sheds" by taking action against criminal landlords and removing illegal immigrants
Peer pressure
30 April, 2012
The government's welfare reforms faced a fierce opponent in Lord Richard Best as he battled to protect society’s poorest people
Welfare Reform assessing the impact on children
30 April, 2012
Welfare Reform Bill reports by Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY)
Shapps: Newham Council's actions were 'borderline illegal'
30 April, 2012
Mr Shapps told The Guardian newspaper that the way Newham Council had treated the families was "unacceptable"
New Housing Benefit Regulations (Under-occupation)
30 April, 2012
Read how the draft regulations which govern how the size criteria, also known as the bedroom tax, will be applied. Explanatory cover note by DWP
'We're not a dumping ground for London's poor', says Derby councillor
27 April, 2012
A Derby councillor has hit out at proposals that could see London boroughs relocating homeless housing benefit claimants in the East Midlands
Dromey asks London councils to reveal numbers of displaced LHA claimants
27 April, 2012
Labour's Shadow Housing Minister and Shadow Minister for London have written to London councils asking how many homeless people are being housed outside the capital
Bedroom tax deal struck
27 April, 2012
RSL strikes deal with LA to continue providing 1 & 2 bed homes for homeless people, despite smaller properties being prioritised for tenants hit by bedroom tax
Minister's Benefit remarks refuted
27 April, 2012
Housing experts have criticised Grant Shapps over comments he made about housing benefit claimants in the wake of the news Newham Council plans to move hundreds of tenants outside the borough
Lord Freud calls on councils to pilot Universal Credit support
27 April, 2012
DWP and LGA joint prospectus calling on LA's to deliver pilots to support residents in preparation for the introduction of Universal Credit in 2013
Government's pledge on child maintenance arrears as new figures show thousands of CSA parents owe 5-figure sums
27 April, 2012
The Minister in charge of the child maintenance system has promised intensive action against irresponsible parents who have failed to support their children
Calls for Government to reform LHA following Newham re-housing row
26 April, 2012
Newham Council's plans to re-house 500 families 100 miles away claiming that they can't afford to stay in the borough with HB caps has provoked a media backlash
Newham's housing crisis is an issue of basic morality
26 April, 2012
Peaks & Plains Housing Trust discarded its letter in disgust at the 'lazy' approach to tackling policy change
Newham's housing crisis is a warning sign
25 April, 2012
The London borough's plea for Stoke on Trent to take tenants is indicative of a risky cocktail of pressures in the housing market
Waltham Forest admits moving residents to Luton, Margate and Walsall
25 April, 2012
Waltham Forest is the latest London borough to come under scruinty over its decision to house residents in other parts of the country due to a shortage of suitable homes
Westminster weighs up offer to house homeless in the East Midlands
25 April, 2012
A London borough is considering an offer from a hotel group to re-house dozens of homeless housing benefit claimants to Derby and Nottingham
Legal aid cuts threaten thousands of children
25 April, 2012
Campaigners have warned thousands of children could be hit by restrictions on legal aid in housing cases
Send Newham families to Stoke? It reflects a broken housing policy
25 April, 2012
Affordable homes are being demolished, while the budget for new builds is halved and the building industry stagnates
'Social cleansing' housing benefit cap row: Grant Shapps hits back
24 April, 2012
The government has defended its housing benefit cap after it emerged London's Newham council was trying to find homes for some families 160 miles away
The Newham Council letter to Stoke-based Brighter Futures Housing Association - in full
24 April, 2012
Here is the text of the letter from Newham Council to Stoke-on-Trent-based Brighter Futures Housing Association requesting that it leases accommodation to more than 500 families
Q&A;: Rehousing families on benefits
24 April, 2012
Newham council has been accused of "social cleansing" in London. What is meant by social cleansing, and what will it mean for the city?
Latest ESA assessment figures show majority fit to work
24 April, 2012
The latest figures show that 54 per cent of people who go through the Work Capability Assessment are found fit for some form of work
Fed warns Newham problems are 'tip of iceberg'
24 April, 2012
Moves by a London council to house families hundreds of miles away from the capital are just the 'tip of the iceberg' the National Housing Federation has warned
Families priced out by benefits cap
24 April, 2012
Shelter is urging the Government to consider the damage inflicted on families by cuts to housing benefit
Poorest will be hardest hit by 'botched' Universal Credit roll-out
23 April, 2012
The Government's "botched" roll out of Universal Credit threatens to penalise the poorest in society Unison warn
Bedroom tax: 'Why it's the homeless and the elderly that should be worrying'
20 April, 2012
The far-reaching impact of a policy trimming around the edges of benefit expenditure continues to claim new potential victims
Councils not asking landlords to lower rents
20 April, 2012
Three-quarters of private landlords have not been approached by councils about reducing rents in return for direct payment of local housing allowance
Tackling the bedroom tax: finding new homes for cash-strapped tenants
19 April, 2012
Liverpool Mutual Homes has launched a Mersey-wide lettings scheme to help tenants avoid the penalty for under occupation
Housing chief predicts 'acceleration' of Universal Credit claims
19 April, 2012
CEX believes the Government may look to 'accelerate' the transition of benefit claimants on to Universal Credit to achieve projected welfare savings
Grayling: Labour market showing more signs of stability but we still have challenges ahead
19 April, 2012
New figures published by the Office for National Statistics show another rise in employment, up 53,000 to 29.172m
DWP to 'leave out definition of bedroom' in under-occupation rules
18 April, 2012
The DWP is set to leave out the definition of a bedroom in its published regulations for the under-occupation penalties for social housing tenants
Car dealer hit with fine over benefit fraud
18 April, 2012
A man who bought and sold cars worth up to £540,000 has been found guilty of benefit fraud after failing to declare money earned while trading
Household incomes' biggest drop in 15 years as family finance squeeze goes on
17 April, 2012
Household incomes saw their biggest drop in 15 years in 2011 as the squeeze on family finances increased
Government to invoke controversial rule in bid to squash LASPO changes
17 April, 2012
The Ministry of Justice has confirmed that it will invite the House of Commons to invoke 'financial privilege' to overrule eight of the amendments
Right to Buy hits Westminster rents
17 April, 2012
Westminster Council has negotiated with owners of former council flats to lower rents for households affected by the housing benefit cap
LIN press release - Under occupation and under-35's
16 April, 2012
LIN press release and information leaflet
Docking child benefit 'will not improve outcomes for children'
16 April, 2012
Family Action chief executive Helen Dent has warned that docking parents child benefit 'will not improve outcomes for children'
LIN Member Report April 2012 - Validation of housing benefit by landlords in the private and social rented sectors
15 April, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil Merrick
Warning over housing benefit plan for under-25s
13 April, 2012
Attempts to simplify benefits through universal credit will fail if the government accepts a controversial proposal to stop out-of-work under-25s receiving housing benefit
Cutting housing benefit for under-25s ultimately saves nothing
13 April, 2012
Young housing benefit claimants are infantilised by policymakers, who are ignoring structural economic problems
Real Time Information PAYE pilot goes live at HMRC
12 April, 2012
HMRC has launched a pilot of Real Time Information (RTI) for PAYE.
Ending housing benefit for under-25s? A policy with more holes than a sieve
11 April, 2012
This out-of-touch plan, slipped out just before the bank holiday getaway, contains so many flaws that it surely can't be serious
'Bedroom tax is a complete change of direction for housing'
10 April, 2012
Discussion on the impact of the 'bedroom tax'
Concern over plan to withdraw housing benefit from under-25s
10 April, 2012
Government proposal would hit thousands of vulnerable young people, charities and campaign groups warn
A guide to The Social Fund (April 2012)
10 April, 2012
Technical guide giving detailed information about benefits and entitlements from the Department for Work and Pensions
Abundance of land, shortage of housing
10 April, 2012
The government's 'timid' planning reform will not solve the housing crisis, according to a new report by the Institute of Economic Affairs
Kicking out youth deprivation
05 April, 2012
The UK is one of the world's most developed economies but nearly 4m children are living in poverty, what can be done to improve their life chances?
Working tax credit change 'could force people to give up work'
05 April, 2012
Unison is calling on the government to re-think its "damaging policies" on higher thresholds for working tax credits
Homelessness: 'We're entering a very nasty period'
05 April, 2012
The country is entering a "very nasty period" as homelessness soars to levels "unseen for 25 years", Big Issue founder John Bird has warned
Family budgets hit by 'Bad Friday' bombshell
05 April, 2012
CPAG briefing on the cuts, which families will be affected and the consequences for child poverty
Important update briiefing on the Future of HB in supported and sheltered housing
04 April, 2012
Briefing paper
Get Set for Welfare Reform
02 April, 2012
LIN and PHHS can provide support for social sector landlords dealing with the Welfare Reforms
Cost of housing benefit grows as working households struggle to pay rent
02 April, 2012
Almost all new benefit claimants are in employment but hit by wage freezes and shorter hours, study finds
Bishop warns housing benefit cap will lead to 'torn and fractured communities'
30 March, 2012
The former Bishop of Southwark has warned that the Gov's housing benefit cap poses "a real threat to families living in central London communities"
The Growth of In-Work Housing Benefit Claimants: Evidence and policy implications
30 March, 2012
This research analyses the growth of HB claimant numbers in Great Britain in 2025/2011, including the rapid growth in the number of in-work HB claims
Welfare reform: the dangers to older people's housing
30 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Act will hit older people and their housing providers hard and risks overlooking important changes to vulnerable tenants
When affordable rents are no longer affordable
29 March, 2012
The Government is introducing a £500pw cap on household benefits from 2013, but at the same time, is raising the rents for those on the lowest incomes
Universal Credit: The impact on Passported Benefits
28 March, 2012
DWP have published the government's response to SSAC's report into the impact of Universal Credit on passported benefits
Landlord hands cash to credit union to target tenants without bank accounts
28 March, 2012
A housing association has donated nearly £4,000 to its local credit union in a bid to target residents without bank accounts and promote financial stability
DLA reform and Personal Independence Payment - completing the detailed design
27 March, 2012
Consultation closing date 30.6.12.
Crisis Loans - changes from April 2012
27 March, 2012
Details of two changes that will be introduced to the Crisis Loan scheme from 9 April 2012
Committee seeking views on welfare reform
27 March, 2012
A parliamentary committee in Scotland has called for suggestions for how Scotland should implement the Welfare Reform Act
Services cut for 46,000 vulnerable people
26 March, 2012
Over 46,000 vulnerable people have had care services scrapped/scaled back after council budget cuts terminated hundreds of support contracts
Support to help lone parents into work
26 March, 2012
Lone parents will start getting the help they need to look for work earlier rather than stay on benefits according to Work and Pensions Minister
Benefit IT system 'not fully operational' for launch
23 March, 2012
DWP admit the IT system handling direct payment of housing benefit to tenants will not be fully operational by the implementation date - October 2013
Landlords join up to avoid 'bedroom tax'
23 March, 2012
Landlords across Merseyside are launching a region-wide home swap scheme in a bid to protect their tenants and rental income from the impact of the government's 'bedroom tax'
Universal credit
23 March, 2012
In small halls across Northern Ireland, community leaders are starting to brief people about what they can expect from welfare reform
Universal Credit: Banks unlikely to deliver new financial products ahead of direct payments trial - DWP
22 March, 2012
DWP admit banks are unlikely to deliver new financial products to help social sector manage direct HB payments to tenants in time for demonstration projects
Social landlord considers 'affordability assessments' on prospective new tenants
22 March, 2012
Hyde Housing are considering carrying out 'affordability assessments' on prospective new tenants
Scope response to the Budget
22 March, 2012
Responding to the Chancellor's announcement of the possibility of a further £10 billion of cuts to welfare, Richard Hawkes, CEX of Scope, said:
Critics say cuts in housing benefits will hit most vulnerable
22 March, 2012
Case study - Stephen is a 28-year-old unemployed single man who is about to be hit by the so-called "bedroom tax"
Social landlord fears £1.3 million loss as 2,000 homes declared 'under-occupied'
21 March, 2012
2,000 properties owned by Liverpool Mutual Homes are officially under-occupied based on the Gov's definition of the term according to the landlord
Budget 2012: Child benefit cliff-edge tackled
21 March, 2012
Government plans to withdraw child benefit from parents who earn higher levels of income have been altered
Chancellor threatens further welfare cuts
21 March, 2012
George Osborne has today raised the prospect of further welfare spending cuts in the next spending review
Welfare reform fears prompt small rent increase
20 March, 2012
Knowsley Housing Trust is limiting its rent increase to tenants in preparation for the impact that welfare changes will have
Government urges councils not to slash spending on Supporting People
20 March, 2012
Councils must 'invest to save' and protect their most disadvantaged residents, Housing Minister Grant Shapps has said
Housing associations bolster rent arrears teams ahead of benefit changes
19 March, 2012
Housing associations are looking to bolster their rent arrears teams ahead of the Government changes to the benefits system, according to research by Badenoch & Clark
MP Adrian Sanders warns on regional benefits system
19 March, 2012
A localised welfare system would penalise deprived parts of the South West, a Devon MP has said
Grayling: Statistics show benefit reforms are justified
16 March, 2012
More than one third of people going through incapacity benefits reassessment have been found to be fit for work, according to the first set of official statistics
Welfare reform warning to Scottish councils
16 March, 2012
Audit Scotland has warned of 'significant implications' for councils over the introduction of the universal credit as part of the Welfare Reform Act
Scope responds to benefit reassessment figures
16 March, 2012
More than one third of people receiving incapacity benefits have been found to fit for work, according to the statistics published by the Government
Landlord's arrears fears over monthly payment of Universal Credit
16 March, 2012
A HA has spent thousands of pounds on debt advice and targeted campaigns to help tenants pay their rent and sustain their tenancies ahead of UC
Nearly 40% of incapacity benefit claimants...fit for work - DWP
16 March, 2012
Nearly 40% of incapacity benefit claimants have been reassessed as being fit for work, according to the Government
DWP to consult on social homes under-occupation
16 March, 2012
The government has said that it 'does not expect' changes to the shared accommodation rate to be applied to social housing tenants
Why the shared room rate doesn't add up
15 March, 2012
Forcing housing benefit claimants under 35 to share a house leaves vulnerable tenants such as single pregnant women at risk
Ending Child Poverty: Ensuring Universal Credit supports working mums
14 March, 2012
How will Universal Credit affect poor families? Report by Save the Children
MPs and peers to examine private rented sector
14 March, 2012
A Parliamentary group is to examine the impact welfare reforms will have on young people in the private rented sector
Westminster's new leader hits back at 'social cleansing' accusations
14 March, 2012
Westminster residents will be hit hard by the benefits cap, but the council's new leader, Philippa Roe, says they needn't go far
Benefit reforms 'will hit single working mothers' warns Save The Children
13 March, 2012
Single working mothers in Wales will be hardest hit by reforms to the benefits system, a charity has claimed
Changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
13 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Act 2012 introduces two changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) which come into effect on the 30 April 2012
Sex offenders forced into shared houses
12 March, 2012
Paedophiles and rapists who used to receive payments enabling them to live on their own could be moved into shared homes with women and children, due to housing benefit reforms
Landlords braced for impact of benefit reform
12 March, 2012
Social landlords are preparing to commit significant amounts of extra cash and resources to ready themselves for the impact of the Welfare Reforms
Grayling backs housing association paid work pilots for young unemployed
12 March, 2012
Unemployed young people will be given the chance to get on the career ladder thanks to a group of social housing providers
Risk warning issued over universal credit
12 March, 2012
The government is taking unnecessary risks through its plans to move to a centralised system for administering benefits, a welfare expert has warned
Conservative MP calls on landlords to pilot 'jam jar' accounts for Universal Credit
09 March, 2012
A Conservative MP has called for RSL's to pilot an existing type of bank account to help tenants better manage their finances ahead of Universal Credit in 2013
Minister Announces £6.6 Million Funding for Citizens Advice Cymru
09 March, 2012
Local Government and Communities Minister Carl Sargeant has announced funding of over £6 million for the next three financial years for Citizens Advice Cymru
Peers defeat Government over its proposed changes to legal aid reforms
09 March, 2012
Richard Hawkes, CEX of Scope, commented on the Gov's defeat in the House of Lords over plans to remove welfare benefit cases from the scope of legal aid
Direct payments: are rent arrears set to rocket?
08 March, 2012
Nearly a decade ago, L&Q; trialled paying housing benefit directly to social tenants with disastrous results. The group’s rent arrears nearly doubled
Landlords 'refusing to let to those on benefits', says council leader
08 March, 2012
Private landlords are starting to refuse to let to those on benefits, the leader of Brighton and Hove City Council told housing professionals
Welfare Bill turns law 'marking biggest reform for 60 years'
08 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill became law today containing some of the biggest changes to the system for 60 years
'The hours don't exist' - anger mounts over tax credit changes
08 March, 2012
Grant Shapps in TV spat with Shadow Defence Secretary Jim Murphy over the Government plans to make couples work longer to qualify for tax credits
Iain Duncan Smith: Welfare reforms realised
08 March, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith's Welfare Reform Bill has now become law marking an historic moment for the Coalition Government
LIN Member Report March 2012 - Welfare Reform - What Next?
08 March, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS.
Welfare Reform Act 2012: key issues
08 March, 2012
Read briefings on the key issues contained in the Welfare Reform Act 2012
Third of Londoners expect to leave due to high housing costs
07 March, 2012
Almost a third (30%) of Londoners say they expect to be driven out of the capital by the high cost of housing, a new survey by housing and homelessness charity Shelter reveals
Wrexham homeless inquiries soar to record level
07 March, 2012
A record number of people are contacting Wrexham council for advice on homelessness
Youth homelessness: Falling through the net?
06 March, 2012
Life for Britain's younger generation doesn't seem to be getting easier, young people now face an additional problem - of ending up on the streets
NICVA fears welfare reform will hit poor hardest
06 March, 2012
The body which represents the voluntary sector has warned that the government's welfare reform bill will take £500m a year out of the NI economy
Lords abandon new bid for statutory welfare review
06 March, 2012
A renewed attempt to get an independent review of the impact of the government's welfare reforms enshrined in law has been abandoned
Breaking the Bank : Family Fortunes
05 March, 2012
Families are facing an unprecedented squeeze on their finances and spending as little as £2 a day on food, according to charity Family Action
Evaluation of the Fit for Work Service pilots: first year report
02 March, 2012
This DWP report presents the findings from the first year of the evaluation of the Fit for Work service pilots
Free transport may go to 'offset welfare reform'
02 March, 2012
Free transport for better off pensioners may have to be withdrawn to help offset the impact of welfare reform in NI, according to minister
National Housing Federation disappointed over 'bedroom tax' result
02 March, 2012
The chief executive of the National Housing Federation has said it is 'hugely disappointing' that the government has succeeded in forcing its plans for a 'bedroom tax' through parliament
Rights of disabled people may be at risk, says Joint Committee on Human Rights
02 March, 2012
The Joint Committee on Human Rights (JCHR) has published its Report on the implementation of the right of disabled people to independent living
Benefit claims being 'cleansed' prior to Universal Credit
01 March, 2012
Benefit claims are in the process of being "case cleansed" ahead of the roll out of Universal Credit, the Government has said.
Welfare Reform Bill passes final House of Lords hurdle
01 March, 2012
The government's controversial Welfare Reform Bill has passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords
Cameron on Welfare Reform: 'An historic moment'
01 March, 2012
The Government's Welfare Reform Bill finally passed on Wednesday night after peers dropped their final resistance to the measures
Government promises independent review of 'bedroom tax'
01 March, 2012
The Government has promised to set up an independent review on the impact of the bedroom tax following the passing of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill
Changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
01 March, 2012
DWP information on ESA and the impact of Welfare Reform
Localising council tax support
01 March, 2012
The Local Government Finance Bill introduced on 19 Dec 2011 paves the way for the implementation of localised council tax support schemes in England in Apr 2013
Welfare Reform Bill reaches conclusion
01 March, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill came to the end of the consideration of amendments stage (ping pong) in the House of Lords on Wednesday 29 February 2012
Peer in bid to make welfare reform transparent
29 February, 2012
Crossbench peer Lord Richard Best has tabled a last-ditch amendment aimed at making the impact of controversial welfare reforms more transparent
Charities warn of welfare reform damage
29 February, 2012
One in four people in Wales will be affected by welfare reform, a coalition of poverty charities and voluntary organisations has warned
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - Stage 1 Analysis
29 February, 2012
The Welsh Govs Ministerial Task and Finish Group for Welfare Reform has commissioned a programme of work to assess the impact of the UK Govs welfare reforms in Wales
Three generations in one house? It's not as frightful as some people think
28 February, 2012
Guardian News report
Welfare Reform - Implications for Tenancy and Allocations Policies and Strategies
28 February, 2012
PHHS report which sets out the key welfare reform implications to consider building into social housing tenancy & allocations policies and strategies
Benefit reform 'could put 6,000 children into poverty'
28 February, 2012
The number of cases of child poverty in Wales will increase by 6,000 next year as a result of changes to the tax and benefits system
Fewer sickness benefit claimants helped back to work than expected
27 February, 2012
The Gov's drive to get people off long-term sickness benefits and back to work has suffered a setback
Benefits families could pay off £1m mortgage
27 February, 2012
Almost 100 families are raking in enough HB to fund a £1million mortgage, raising fresh doubts over the Government's cap, according to latest figures
London handed lion's share of £15m housing benefit support cash
27 February, 2012
London has received the lion's share of a funding package announced by the Government to help councils and benefit claimants hit by welfare cuts
Number of rough sleepers in England rises by a fifth
24 February, 2012
Charities warn homelessness will rise further as local authority and housing benefit cuts take effect
Shared home scheme for former homeless
24 February, 2012
A homelessness charity in London has set up a housing project to help people affected by housing benefit reforms
Cameron rejects call to correct private rents claim
23 February, 2012
David Cameron has refused to correct his claim that private sector rents are falling despite research carried out by Inside Housing that proves the opposite is true
Ken Loach: Government is 'cleansing' London
23 February, 2012
Ken Loach has accused the government of using benefit reform to 'cleanse' central London of poor people because it feels they disfigure the capital
Bedroom tax warning
23 February, 2012
The Scottish Gov has again warned the UK Gov that their Housing Benefit reforms will remove over £54 million a year from the Scottish economy
Massive drop in households claiming housing benefit over cap in Westminster
22 February, 2012
More than 1,000 households in Westminster are no longer living in homes requiring housing benefit higher than the new national caps, it has emerged
Government wins 'bedroom tax' vote
22 February, 2012
The government has comfortably won a vote on the controversial 'bedroom tax.'
Welfare Bill: MPs overturn Lords defeat on spare rooms
22 February, 2012
MPs have voted to overturn Lords' call for changes to the controversial plans for a so-called "bedroom tax", which is part of the Welfare Reform Bill
Bedroom tax vote will hit thousands, warns Federation
22 February, 2012
Thousands of families in social housing face being driven into poverty after the Gov rejected moves to protect vulnerable people from the bedroom tax
'Blow to thousands' as Government forges ahead with 'bedroom tax'
22 February, 2012
Thousands face being "driven into poverty" as a result of the Government forging ahead with plans to cut the HB of social tenants with spare rooms
Disabled people face unlimited unpaid work or cuts in benefit
21 February, 2012
Mental health groups and charities attack plans drawn up by Department for Work and Pensions
Benefit cuts will require extra support for migrants
21 February, 2012
Changes to HB mean government ministers, social housing providers and private landlords need to give more help to migrants, a new report has found
New disability tests 'must prove fair and accurate'
20 February, 2012
The gov must ensure new welfare assessments planned for disabled people are "accurate and fair" before they are rolled out nationally MPs have said
Government's bedroom tax 'could create future housing crisis'
17 February, 2012
The Government's proposed 'bedroom tax' could create a future housing crisis, according to a housing chief executive
Inside Housing proves Cameron rent claim wrong
17 February, 2012
A claim by the prime minister that private rents are falling as a result of welfare reforms was wrong according to research by Inside Housing
Housing benefit cap forces families to leave central London or be homeless
17 February, 2012
As schools struggle to cope with the disruption caused to children, a council officer declares: 'To live in Westminster is a privilege, not a right'
Government to overturn latest 'bedroom tax' exemption
16 February, 2012
The Gov is seeking to overturn a House of Lords amendment to the 'spare bedroom tax' which will cut the HB of social housing tenants with spare rooms
Government urged to rethink bedroom tax given second Lords defeat
16 February, 2012
The CIH is urging government to agree concessions on its proposed 'bedroom tax' before the Welfare Reform Bill is returned to the House of Commons
Ministers lose Lords welfare vote
15 February, 2012
Gov plans to cut the housing benefit of social tenants living in homes with spare rooms has been dealt another major defeat in the House of Lords
Fresh plan to overturn new welfare amendments
15 February, 2012
The government will seek to overturn the latest amendment to the welfare reform bill agreed by the House of Lords
Peers in new bid to exempt vulnerable from 'bedroom tax'
14 February, 2012
Gov's Welfare Reform Bill faces fresh opposition in House of Lords after crossbencher peer tables new amendments to limit the impact of the "bedroom" tax
Tax credit change could cost families £4k a year
13 February, 2012
Low income families with parents in part-time work could lose nearly £4,000 per year because of a change in tax credits, according to Labour Party
Oxford's emergency housing bill quadruples
13 February, 2012
More than £65,000 was spent by Oxford City Council putting people in emergency accommodation such as hotels in 2011
Poll backs one spare room limit for tenants
13 February, 2012
More than two thirds of Inside Housing readers think social tenants on housing benefit should be allowed to have one spare room
Speaking the language of benefits: how to explain welfare reform to tenants
13 February, 2012
Landlords need to be creative and professional to help residents cope with the government's radical changes to benefits
LIN member report - Money to spare: How local authorities are failing to award discretionary housing payments
10 February, 2012
This LIN member report is written by Neil merrick
Tenants see 'loss of £100,000' in first wave of housing benefit cuts
10 February, 2012
HB changes to non-dep deductions have cost tenants of a West Midlands housing association £100,000 - with a further £100,000 cut expected next year
CLG admits LHA rates claim error
10 February, 2012
The Communities and Local Government department has admitted incorrectly stating local housing allowance rates will continue to rise from April
Welfare reform calendar 2011 - 2013
10 February, 2012
The Welfare Reform Bill is about to receive royal assent and will radically alter the benefits system
Welfare Reform is 'greatest challenge to housing sector'
09 February, 2012
The Welfare Reform presents the 'greatest challenge' to the housing sector, according to the president of the Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH)
SDLP and British government in welfare talks
09 February, 2012
The SDLP have told the government they must show "flexibility and discretion" when it comes to changing the benefits system in Northern Ireland
Mandatory consideration of revision before appeal
09 February, 2012
DWP consultation - issues relevant to the implementation and operation of the appeals reform provisions in the Welfare Reform Bill - consultation closes 4.5.12
Flint: ban benefit payments for substandard homes
09 February, 2012
Private landlords whose homes do not meet minimum energy efficiency standards should be not be able to house tenants on housing benefit, the shadow energy secretary has argued
SDLP delegation to meet minister over benefits reform
08 February, 2012
An SDLP delegation is to meet the minister for welfare reform later to discuss changes to the benefits system
Peers urged to find new exemption to 'bedroom tax'
08 February, 2012
Controversial plans to cut the housing benefit of tenants living in homes with 'spare rooms' returns to the House of Lords next Tuesday
Localism, Welfare Reform and Housing Market Change: Identifying the issues and responding to the challenge
08 February, 2012
HB cuts could see private landlords 'subdivide' homes for smaller families displaced from social housing leading to overcrowding and homelessness
Impact of welfare reform on the south east housing market - opportunity or hindrance?
08 February, 2012
A CIH report claims that the proposed welfare reforms present serious challenges for the south east & a benefit cap may not be enough to incentivise people to work
Slashing benefits is a breeze when you disregard the detail
08 February, 2012
Warnings over the unfairness of cuts to child benefit and other payments are simply being ignored by the government
Disabled people experiencing 'benefit scrounger' abuse
07 February, 2012
The government's focus on alleged fraud and overclaiming to justify cuts in disability benefits has caused an increase in resentment and abuse directed at disabled people
Government advisor warns of benefit cap harm
07 February, 2012
Plans to cap benefits at £26,000 could harm vulnerable families and needs to be rolled out carefully, a government adviser has warned
Minister calls on landlords to boost credit unions ahead of likely Post Office link-up
06 February, 2012
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has called on councils and social landlords to help boost their local credit unions
Government benefit cap 'based on myths'
03 February, 2012
The Government's proposed benefits cap is based on a set of myths, a leading charity has claimed
Anger as government halts welfare bill changes
03 February, 2012
The government has come under fire for seeking to use a parliamentary mechanism to prevent further attempts by the House of Lords to change the Welfare Reform Bill
Watchdog shuts down sale and rent back market
03 February, 2012
The Financial Services Authority has shut down the market for businesses that buy homes from struggling homeowners and then rent them back to them
MPs reverse Lords welfare defeats
02 February, 2012
MPs have overturned a series of defeats inflicted on the government's welfare reform bill in the House of Lords
Lords amendments to Welfare Reform Bill beaten
02 February, 2012
The government has succeeded in overturning a series of crucial amendments made by the Lords to the Welfare Reform Bill
Councils forced to meet housing benefit shortfall
02 February, 2012
Local authorities are having to dig into their own budgets to help people meet housing costs, according to government figures
Councils fail to spend £1m earmarked for people at risk of homelessness
01 February, 2012
Six local authorities spend only half the DHP money allocated to them for needy families by the Department for Work and Pensions
Benefit cap: Landlord backs 'nine-months grace' for claimants
01 February, 2012
A housing association has welcomed reports that the Government is to introduce a nine-month transitional period for families affected by the £26,000-a-year benefits cap
'Bedroom tax could cripple me', says father
01 February, 2012
Housing association Bromford is calling for choice and incentives for customers, not penalties, as a planned 'bedroom tax' is discussed in the House of Commons
Labour tables welfare motion as Shapps backs bill
01 February, 2012
The Labour party has tabled a motion calling for the benefit cap to be set by an independent body according to local circumstances, ahead of a series of crunch votes on the Welfare Reform Bill
Under occupation cuts 'would not deliver savings'
01 February, 2012
Proposed cuts to HB for under occupation would cause severe hardship for tenants and not deliver the expected savings, analysis has found
Welfare reform bill - benefit cap Commons live debate
01 February, 2012
Welfare reform bill - benefit cap Commons live debate from the Guardian
The impact of Universal Credit Programme visits to local authorities
01 February, 2012
Feedback and benefits
Analysing the impact of the UK Government's welfare reforms in Wales - stage 1
01 February, 2012
Ministerial Task and Finish Group on Welfare Reform stage 1 report
Benefit cap to halt development of family homes, housing groups warn
31 January, 2012
Nine of the UK’s biggest RSL's in the South East have warned that the £500 a week benefits cap could see them pull out of building family-sized homes
Landlord estimates arrears bill hit ahead of direct payments pilot
31 January, 2012
David Ashmore, GreenSquare CEX, reveals the landlord's "best estimate" on the impact of direct payments on its arrears bill and considers what's ahead
Welfare reforms 'will halt building of family homes'
31 January, 2012
The coalition government's welfare reforms will prevent landlords from building family-sized homes, a report claims
The impact of cutting housing benefit on under-occupiers in social housing
31 January, 2012
Research reveals the real cost of the bedroom tax
Iain Duncan Smith defiant over benefits cap but concessions expected
30 January, 2012
Removing child benefit from the Government's proposed welfare cap would be "ludicrous" Iain Duncan Smith has said
Labour to back welfare benefits cap
30 January, 2012
Labour party expected to vote in favour of a benefits cap, providing it is set higher in expensive areas such as London
Housing experts warn of homelessness threat
30 January, 2012
The Gov has been warned that its plans for welfare reform are likely to have an impact on homelessness figures and increase the use of B & B's by LA's
Labour wants benefit cap to be set locally
30 January, 2012
Labour has called for the proposed total benefits cap to be set locally rather than at the national limit of £26,000
Tenants demand protection from welfare cuts
30 January, 2012
Campaigners are calling on social landlords not to evict tenants who fall behind on rent payments because of housing benefit cuts
Housing chief calls for child benefit probe after welfare cap rejection
27 January, 2012
A housing boss has called for more clarity on how child benefit is spent - after peers in the House of Lords rejected plans to include it in the £26,000 benefit cap
Housing associations urged to back NHF 'bedroom tax' campaign
27 January, 2012
The NHF is calling on housing associations to support a new campaign to fight a 'bedroom tax' on tenants considered to be under occupying their homes
Don't expect the Tories to regret this bloody battle over benefits
27 January, 2012
Guardian news report
Peers press for details on benefits help
27 January, 2012
The government has come under pressure to publish details of promised transitional arrangements to help people affected by the impact of the proposed total benefits cap
CIH: expect child benefit victory to be overturned
27 January, 2012
The CIH is urging L/Ls to prepare for the consequences of the proposed benefits cap, despite a key defeat for the Gov in the House of Lords this week
London boroughs to be hit hardest by benefit cap
26 January, 2012
54% of London's boroughs contain more than 1,000 households that will be worse off as a result of the government's forthcoming benefit cap
Landlords take 'bedroom tax' fight to MPs
26 January, 2012
Landlords are throwing their weight behind a campaign to stop a 'bedroom tax' on tenants deemed to be underoccupying their homes
Welfare reform: Government suffers massive defeat in House of Lords
26 January, 2012
The Government has suffered a sixth defeat in the House of Lords over its controversial welfare reform plans
PM attacks Labour for 'hypocritical' benefit stance
26 January, 2012
David Cameron has accused Labour of 'hypocrisy' for voting to change the way the £26,000 total benefits cap is calculated despite backing the policy in principle
Welfare reform: Housing association reveals direct payment plans
25 January, 2012
The CEX of Wakefield and District Housing, discusses the landlord's involvement in the 12-month direct payment pilot and what it hopes to learn
Grayling: Majority of sickness benefit claimants 'fit for work'
25 January, 2012
The majority of new sickness benefit claimants are able to do some sort of work, Employment Minister Chris Grayling has insisted
Ex-Archbishop Carey attacks bishops over benefit cap
25 January, 2012
Former Archbishop of Canterbury Lord Carey has criticised Church of England bishops for opposing the government's £26,000-a-year cap on benefits
Assessment of equity release pilot schemes
25 January, 2012
Are equity release schemes the solution for older people? Joseph Rowntree report assesses pilot schemes run by three Local Authorities
Welfare reform: household benefit cap Q&A;
24 January, 2012
Ministers say a £26,000 cap on the amount of benefits families can receive will cut the deficit and incentivise people to find work - fidn out more
Government undeterred over benefits after Lords defeat
24 January, 2012
The government has vowed to press ahead with controversial plans to limit welfare payments despite a defeat in the House of Lords
Welfare reform bill: child maintenance and social fund - live discussion
24 January, 2012
After the defeat in the Lords on the benefit cap, the government faces fresh opposition over its plans for child maintenance, and the social fund
Benefit cap defeat 'flies in face of public opinion' - DWP
24 January, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) says last night's defeat of the £26,000 a year benefits cap in the House of Lords "flies in the face of public opinion".
Landlord to 'rigorously test' direct benefit payments in pilot
24 January, 2012
A housing chief says piloting direct benefit payments to social tenants ahead of Universal Credit will help the landlord "rigorously test the new system" ahead of its implementation in 2013
Benefit cap defeat will be reversed, says Clegg
24 January, 2012
Nick Clegg says ministers will seek to overturn a Lords defeat for plans to cap benefits for households at £26k when the bill returns to the Commons
DWP Stakeholder Bulletin - January 2012
23 January, 2012
This bulletin includes updates on amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill and an update on the switch from DLA to Personal Independence payments (PIP)
DWP additional statistical analyses
23 January, 2012
Including DLA statistices, without reform: 2025/11-2015/16
Available rented housing cuts in your area: download the data
23 January, 2012
The cuts to HB will leave many people searching for cheaper places to stay. Have a look at the impact of this through the country by downloading this data
Welfare reform bill: household benefit cap Lords debate - live discussion
23 January, 2012
The government is under pressure over proposals critics say will plunge tens of thousands of children into poverty
The Essential Guide to Squeezed Britain
23 January, 2012
The proportion of low and middle income (LMI) earners aged under 35 and renting has more than tripled from 14% in the late 1980s to 47% now, according to the Resolution Foundation
Benefit cut raises housing concerns for u'25s
23 January, 2012
Homelessness charities have raised concerns about the ability of young people to access housing in the private sector following housing benefit cuts brought in this month
Housing benefit cap: can you live on 62p a day?
22 January, 2012
The housing benefit cap will mainly hit stable families on low incomes. Surely this can't be what George Osborne wanted
Paddy Ashdown takes on coalition over benefits cap
22 January, 2012
Former Lib Dem leader says he will vote against government on welfare changes because of effect they would have on children
Leak reveals benefits cap will hit 100,000 children
22 January, 2012
Official figures show many families will be pushed into poverty by coalition reform
Landlord keen on credit union investment ahead of Universal Credit
20 January, 2012
A Merseyside-based housing association says it could invest in its local credit union to support its tenants under Universal Credit
Private tenants urged not to bury their heads in the sand
20 January, 2012
Private tenants in receipt of housing benefit have been urged to contact landlords to negotiate rents. News article by landlord Portfolio
Mixed reaction to Universal Credit direct payment pilots
20 January, 2012
CIH welcomes the direct payments trial with Housing Associations, but the RLA have slammed the trials claiming Private Rented Sector tenants have been "let down"
Benefits cap not about punishing people - Duncan Smith
20 January, 2012
Iain Duncan Smith has told the BBC a planned benefits cap is not "about punishing people", and has said people are "not suffering" under his reforms
Lodger rules to ease impact of bedroom tax
20 January, 2012
Tenants will be able to keep rental income from lodgers without it affecting their benefit entitlement under proposed rule changes
No Scottish housing association or council named in DWP's direct benefits pilot
19 January, 2012
There are currently no Scottish LA's or HA's signed up to pilot the direct payment of housing benefit to social tenants
Welfare amendments face government fight
19 January, 2012
The government will seek to overturn all amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill when it returns to the House of Commons later in the year
Housing Benefit claims rising
19 January, 2012
The number of housing benefits claimants in Great Britain has risen by more than 130,000 to 4.9 million according to statistics released by the DWP
Welfare reform bill - household benefit cap live discussion
19 January, 2012
Government faces further controversy as Lords prepare to debate proposed £26,000 family benefit cap
Lords fail to halt Government on Disability Living Allowance shake-up
18 January, 2012
The Government has narrowly avoided defeat in the House of Lords over its plans to replace the Disability Living Allowance
ALMO offers up to £2,000 for tenants to downsize
18 January, 2012
South Lakes Housing which manages some 3,500 homes in Cumbria is providing up to £2,000 for tenants to voluntarily downsize
Charities see increase in food bank demand
17 January, 2012
The demand for food parcels is rising, according to charities across Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire
The cuts in London: where will Lucy live?
17 January, 2012
A case study looking at the impact of Government Housing Benefit caps
Council poised to lift tower block restriction to avoid 'costly' B&B; use
17 January, 2012
Runnymede Borough Council is considering lifting a restriction on allocating tower block flats to young families following an increase in housing demand
Benefit cut to leave 14,000 Manchester tenants worse off
17 January, 2012
Plans to cut the HB from tenants living in homes with spare rooms from 2013 would leave 14,000 social housing residents in Manchester worse off
Government has 'no plans' to change benefit cap
17 January, 2012
The Department for Work and Pensions has said there are no plans to change the £26,000 cap on benefits despite calls from senior Liberal Democrats
Personal Independence Payment: assessment thresholds and consultation
17 January, 2012
DWP consultation closing date 30.4.12
Peer backs call to halt 'rushed' disability benefit cuts
17 January, 2012
A crossbench peer who has joined calls from charities demanding the Gov halts its scrapping of DLA saying the plans risk throwing years of progress into reverse
Benefit caps leading to people 'vanishing from neighbourhoods' - Westminster tenant
17 January, 2012
A tenant in Westminster has revealed how caps on HB in the private rented sector are leading to people 'vanishing from his neighbourhood'
Government set to repeat benefit assessment mistakes, warns Scope
17 January, 2012
Scope says up to two million disabled people risk losing financial support because Personal Independence Payment, will use a flawed eligibility assessment
60% of landlords displaying 'No housing benefit tenants' in ads - survey
16 January, 2012
60% of landlords are refusing to accept anyone on HB, stating 'no housing benefit tenants' in their adverts, according to a SpareRoom.co.uk survey
Concessions offered over disability benefit changes
16 January, 2012
Ministers are set to make further concessions over controversial proposed changes to disability benefits
Hughes warns benefit cap will 'break up families'
16 January, 2012
The deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats has attacked the government's plans to cap benefits as part of its overhaul of the welfare system
Welfare reform bill - cuts to disability benefits
16 January, 2012
The House of Lords prepares to debate controversial reforms to disability living allowance
David Cameron considers extra £25bn of welfare cuts
16 January, 2012
David Cameron is considering ordering billions of pounds in extra welfare cuts proposed in a confidential Downing Street policy paper, The Daily Telegraph can disclose
Cameron clarifies 'rents are falling' claim
13 January, 2012
Downing Street has issued a statement clarifying claims in the House of Commons that rents are falling as a result of the Government's HB reform
Peers launch second benefit plans rebellion
13 January, 2012
The government is facing a second battle inside a month to get housing benefit reforms agreed by the House of Lords
MPs call for single body to 'oversee' benefits
12 January, 2012
There should be a single body responsible for overseeing the 'interaction' between different benefits, according to Commons public accounts committee report
Government urged to re-think welfare changes after crushing Lords defeat
12 January, 2012
The Government has been urged to re-think its welfare reform plans after they were dealt a crushing blow in the House of Lords last night
Housing benefit reforms: a huge gamble on rent cuts
12 January, 2012
The government's hope that the cut in housing benefit will result in landlords lowering their rents could backfire.
Number 10 defends PM's private rents claim
12 January, 2012
Number 10 has defended the prime minister's claim that private rents are falling as a result of the coalition government's welfare reforms
David Cameron claims housing benefit cuts have slashed rents
11 January, 2012
David Cameron claims the Gov's HB cuts have brought down rent levels across the country, despite evidence to suggest they are continuing to reach record highs
Benefits system has given people 'false sense of security'
10 January, 2012
Labour leader Ed Miliband says he is not against a household benefit cap and a fairer allocations system for social housing
Local Housing Allowance caps risk 'ghettoising low-income families'
10 January, 2012
New HB caps for existing tenants in the private rented sector risk 'ghettoising low-income families', according to a London charity
Welfare reform bill - live discussion
10 January, 2012
Debate intensifies as controversial welfare reform bill enters crucial period in passage through Westminster
The Lords are the last hope to soften the blows aimed at the poor
10 January, 2012
Poor and disabled people are in line for a battery of financial hits of unprecedented intensity under welfare reforms
The impact of welfare reform on housing (CASE report)
10 January, 2012
This paper finds a number of policy areas where perceived short-term savings are likely to be overshadowed by a set of complex problems in the longer-term
Disabled vent anger at 'sham' welfare consultation
09 January, 2012
A report based on consultation responses to the Gov's DLA reforms, claims the Gov 'misled' MPs & peers over the 'hostility' to disability benefit reforms
Councils forced to call on B&Bs;
06 January, 2012
Councils in London are being forced to place more people in emergency accommodation as tenants are squeezed out of private rented sector housing
Government inflated cost of benefit defeat
06 January, 2012
The government's claim that its 'bedroom tax' defeat will cost taxpayers around £300 million in lost savings has been disputed by the NHF
Social security 'reforms' are a litany of welfare cuts
06 January, 2012
Labour has ducked the fight so far, but the truth will out: this is the tightest squeeze on children's living standards yet seen - Guardian news article
Families with children to be worst affected by benefit cuts - IFS
05 January, 2012
Families with children are going to fare much worse than childless couples as a result of benefit cuts, research by the IFS reveals
Impact of housing benefit cap 'worse in Wales' - CIH
05 January, 2012
More than 30,000 homes in Wales will be out of reach of people on HB as a result of the Government's HB cap, according to CIH
Families with children hit by tax and benefit changes
04 January, 2012
Families with children will be hardest hit by tax and benefit changes aimed at cutting the deficit, according to the Family and Parenting Institute
Housing benefit cuts injure us all
03 January, 2012
The effects of removing support from those most vulnerable to homelessness will be felt across society
Benefits change prompts affordable house shortage fear
02 January, 2012
Benefit system reforms could mean that in many parts of the UK there will be a shortage of housing for families on a low income
Available rented housing cuts in your area: download the data
02 January, 2012
The cuts to housing benefit in Jan will leave many people searching for cheaper places to stay,this Guardian report looks at the impact of the cuts
Housing benefit cuts: 'It's not as if we're living in luxury'
02 January, 2012
Case studies looking at the impact of the coalition's latest cost-cutting measure
Last Christmas with the kids
29 December, 2011
Changes to local housing allowance could block separated parents from having access to their children
Unemployment set to rise in 2012, suggests CIPD
28 December, 2011
Unemployment will rise further in 2012, peaking at 2.85m in 2013 from 2.64m currently, says the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development
Announcement on direct payment pilots delayed until New Year
23 December, 2011
The Gov has put back the date it will announce the 6 housing Associations & councils who will road test direct benefit payments to tenants to next year
MSPs to withhold consent from UK Welfare Reform Bill
22 December, 2011
MSPs are set to formally protest against changes to the UK benefits system, which some claim will see cuts in payments to the most vulnerable
Where's the peace and goodwill for those on housing benefit?
21 December, 2011
There was no room at the inn for Mary and Joseph,& there's little Xmas cheer for those who will struggle with their rents once the HB cap kicks in
Build to Let: Rethinking the use of housing benefit to help families out of temporary accommodation
20 December, 2011
NLGN report - building new homes for social rent across 10 London boroughs would be cheaper than housing people in B&Bs; and temporary accommodation
Local Government Finance Bill
20 December, 2011
Localising support for council tax - Impact assessment
Duncan Smith's answer to the housing crisis won't help the poorest
20 December, 2011
Housing benefit reforms could price the low-paid out of the rental market
Localising support for council tax in England:
19 December, 2011
Government's response to the outcome of consultation
Lord Freud: Government to review direct payments to tenants
16 December, 2011
The Government has announced it is to review its plans to pay housing benefit direct to tenants under the new Universal Credit system
DWP anger at defeat of bedroom tax
16 December, 2011
A Department for Work and Pensions source reacted angrily to the government's shock House of Lords defeat over welfare reform
Government loses bedroom tax vote after peer brands it 'cruel nonsense'
15 December, 2011
The Gov faced a fierce backlash in the House of Lords where plans to dock the HB of tenants living in homes with a spare room were defeated
Council Tax changes won't benefit Londoners
15 December, 2011
London Councils have called on the government to rethink its plans for changes to the Council Tax Benefit scheme
Peers urged to back 'bedroom tax' amendment
14 December, 2011
Ahead of the crunch vote in the House of Lords on under-occupation, The Times has published a letter from David Orr, CEX of the NHF
Charities bracing for increase in youth homelessness
14 December, 2011
From January, a change in housing benefit will mean more people will be classed as single young people when claiming for private rented accommodation
Making the case for universal childcare
14 December, 2011
IPPR briefing paper which argues that the provision of universal childcare should be a strategic priority for public service and welfare reform
Crucial vote on bedroom tax imminent
14 December, 2011
Housing organisations are lobbying peers ahead of a crucial Lords vote this evening on controversial plans for a 'bedroom tax'
Council cuts: the Manhattanisation of central London
13 December, 2011
Westminster's proposed 'civic contract' foreshadows increasing social inequality in the capital
Welfare reform testing NI's 'parity principle'
13 December, 2011
Will Northern Ireland and England have two different welfare systems?
Bereavement Benefit for the 21st Century
12 December, 2011
This consultation seeks views on how bereavement benefits payments should support future working-age widows, widowers and widowed civil partners.
Peers urged to halt 'grossly unfair' spare bedroom tax
12 December, 2011
Housing bodies in Eng, Scot and NI are calling on the Gov to water down plans to penalise social housing tenants living in homes with a spare room
Landlord offers tenants cash incentive to downsize
12 December, 2011
Tenants living in under-occupied homes are being offered cash incentives to downsize by A2Dominion housing association
Tenants face £26 a week cut for under-occupation
09 December, 2011
Social tenants on housing benefit who are deemed to be under-occupying their homes stand to lose up to £26.65 a week under government plans
Homeless households increase by 13%
09 December, 2011
Recession, cuts, and high rents have contributed to an 'alarming' leap in the number of homeless people in England
Ministers urged on Welfare Reform Bill
08 December, 2011
Scottish ministers have been urged to think about new laws to soften the "significant" impact of planned changes to the UK benefits system
Mortgage support shift a danger, say lenders
07 December, 2011
Lenders have raised concerns about potential changes to the way support is given to those struggling to pay their mortgage
Transcript of the speech by Minister for Welfare Reform Lord David Freud
07 December, 2011
Capita Welfare Reform Conference on 6 December 2011. He talks about the Universal Credit and Support for Mortgage Interest payments.
Camila Batmanghelidjh says government must 'wake up' to needs of vulnerable young
07 December, 2011
Camilla revealed that when her organisation started 15 years ago 60% of the children who sought its help were homeless. Today, the figure is 84%
Austerity: the rise of the Royle family lifestyle
07 December, 2011
Recession has led to a boom in "multi-generational households" seeking shelter from financial hardship.
LIN member report - Latest news on Welfare Reform
06 December, 2011
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS
Written ministerial statement by Minister for Disabled People Maria Miller
06 December, 2011
Announcement that a consultation placed in the wider context of the reform of the care and support system will take place in spring 2012
Freud: Support for Mortgage Interest must be fair and affordable
06 December, 2011
A Call for Evidence into how Support for Mortgage Interest (SMI) might operate for claimants in the future has been published
Universal Credit may not hit tenants until 2017
06 December, 2011
Almost 500,000 HB claimants could continue to receive their money in the same way up to 4 years after the implementation of Universal Credit
Housing benefit caps force families out of town
06 December, 2011
Benefit caps are pushing the poorest families out of inner-city areas into already overstretched boroughs
Housing benefit cuts: young people face a homelessness 'perfect storm'
06 December, 2011
Recession and spending cuts have already caused a spike in youth homelessness
Martha Lane Fox: almost half offline population lives in social housing
05 December, 2011
The UK digital champion calls on housing professionals to play their part in bridging the digital divide
Child Support Maintenance Calculation Regulations 2012: technical consultation
05 December, 2011
Consultation closing date 23 February 2012
Debt advice could save landlords £50 million
05 December, 2011
Housing associations should invest in debt advice programmes to avoid evictions and tackle homelessness, a new study claims
Single people face Housing Benefit changes next month
04 December, 2011
From 1.1.12 single people aged from 25-34 who rent from a private landlord will only be entitled to the Housing Benefit shared accommodation rate
Get Britain working
02 December, 2011
Get Britain working - back to work support from Jobcentre Plus - FAQs
Digital December
02 December, 2011
DWP is launching a digital December campaign to get people online
Proposed changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
02 December, 2011
The Welfare Reform Bill currently going through Parliament is proposing two changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
Spending cuts blamed for rising benefit bill
02 December, 2011
Housing bodies have blamed government spending cuts for adding nearly £2 billion to the cost of housing benefit over the next five years
Cuts fail to halt £2bn rise in housing benefit costs
01 December, 2011
Housing benefit costs will rise by nearly £2 billion by 2016 despite government efforts to cut the bill
Ministers announce U-turn on mobility benefit cut
01 December, 2011
Controversial plans to axe some benefit payments to disabled people living in care homes are being dropped
Lone parent obligations: work, childcare and the Jobseeker's Allowance regime
01 December, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) report
Lord Freud resists benefit cap amendments
29 November, 2011
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has faced more questions in parliament from peers worried about the proposed benefit cap for workless households
Scottish Housing Benefit changes
28 November, 2011
Information briefings from the Scottish Gov considering the impact of these measures on households in Scotland and on Scottish housing policy
£1bn scheme will 'provide hope' to young jobless
25 November, 2011
The three-year youth contract scheme will give employers subsidies worth £2,275 to take on 160,000 18-to 24-year-olds for six months
Clegg quizzed over benefits freeze to fund new £1bn job contracts
25 November, 2011
Nick Clegg has been quizzed over reports suggesting the Gov's new £1bn package to provide work for the jobless will be funded by a benefits freeze
Benefit threat to human rights
25 November, 2011
Whitehall plans to cap benefit for workless households could violate the Human Rights Act, according to the Equality and Human Rights Commission
Benefits cap to hit 5,000 Westminster tenants
25 November, 2011
Up to 5,000 private tenants in Westminster are going to be directly affected by the benefits cap from 2013
LIN member report - How to survive Welfare Reform, top tips
24 November, 2011
This LIN member report is written by Peter Hall, Director, PHHS
Disabled 'suicidal' over Welfare Reform Bill
22 November, 2011
Planned changes to the UK benefits system have left disabled people "suicidal", campaigners in Scotland have said
Freud rejects change to calculation of cap
22 November, 2011
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has indicated the government is not willing to change the way the proposed £500pw cap on benefits is calculated
Family settlement threat to housing benefit tenants
18 November, 2011
People on housing benefit could be stopped from bringing a member of their own family to the UK from overseas under new proposals
Ex-Offenders Exempt from Housing Benefit Caps
17 November, 2011
HB caps surrounding the shared accommodation rate have come under strong opposition by housing experts, as blanket caps will not affect ex-offenders
London boroughs could buckle over housing benefit cuts
16 November, 2011
Cheaper London boroughs could buckle as a result of housing benefit cuts in the private sector, a politician in the city has warned
Personal Independence Payment
15 November, 2011
From 2013 the Government is proposing to introduce a new benefit called Personal Independence Payment
Personal Independence Payment (proposed replacement for DLA)
15 November, 2011
LIN press release and information leaflet
New council tenants must look for work - or lose their home
14 November, 2011
Council tenants in Wandsworth who 'fail to improve their employment prospects' could be evicted from their home
Benefit warning to 'under-employed' tenants
14 November, 2011
Employed tenants could have their housing benefit cut if they do not work enough hours and do not look for more or better paid work.
Top tips: managing cuts to Supporting People funding
12 November, 2011
Comments from the Guardians discussion about Supporting People funding
Welfare reform to hit 133,000 London households
11 November, 2011
Does the Cap fit? An analysis of the impact of Welfare Reform in London. A research report commissioned by London Councils
Community work for the long term unemployed
10 November, 2011
People unemployed for more than two years who haven't secured sustainable employment could be referred onto compulsory community work placements
Welfare Reform Bill Universal Credit - Equality Impact Assessment
10 November, 2011
This assessment provides a brief outline of the relative impact of Universal Credit on the different groups as defined by equality legislation
New tenancy being looked at for direct payments switch
10 November, 2011
A new type of tenancy agreement is being considered to reduce the impact of HB being paid directly to tenants under Universal Credit
Deadline for direct payment pilot has now closed
09 November, 2011
The deadline for social L/L's wanting to apply to take part in the Department for Work and Pensions direct payment of benefit pilots has now closed
Universal Credit: crunch decisions to be made on housing payments
08 November, 2011
Government ministers will meet this week as they look to define the 'vulnerability criteria' for social sector landlords
Tenants take their welfare reform concerns to Parliament
08 November, 2011
Tenants from 15 housing associations have taken their concerns about proposed welfare reforms to Parliament
Incapacity Benefit Reform: the local, regional and national impact
08 November, 2011
A new report reveals for the first time the likely impact of the reforms to incapacity benefits that are currently underway
Voices of well-being
08 November, 2011
New research from WRVS shows services older people believe are crucial to their well-being are suffering as a result of government cuts
Social housing reform:
06 November, 2011
Which areas will become unaffordable for low-income households?
Top tips: how to solve the problem of under-occupation
05 November, 2011
Comments from the Guardians discussion about about how to solve the problem of under-occupation
LHA claimants up by 63% in London borough
04 November, 2011
Claimants of Local Housing Allowance (LHA) in London suburb Redbridge have shot up by 63%, new Government figures show
Grieving mother wins battle to stay in 'underoccupied' home
02 November, 2011
A woman who was told to leave her 'underoccupied' home just days after her son died has won her battle to stay - see news report from 24dash.com
Benefits changes 'will hit poorest'
02 November, 2011
Reforming benefits could undo attempts to improve life chances in Wales, First Minister Carwyn Jones has warned
Next steps for moving claimants onto Universal Credit are announced
02 November, 2011
The timetable for the introduction of the new Universal Credit has been published by the government
Lib Dems break ranks on housing benefit cuts
01 November, 2011
According to PoliticsHome, 3 Lib Dem MPs have broken ranks on the Government's cuts to housing benefit by demanding that the legislation be dropped
The impact of cutting housing benefit on underoccupiers in social housing
31 October, 2011
Housing Futures report
Benefits cut for offenders could rise to £25
29 October, 2011
The maximum amount that people on benefit can have docked to pay fines will increase to £25 a week, the government has said
'Draconian' benefit caps to 'force families out of London'
28 October, 2011
The executive member for housing at Islington Council,said on the 'Future State of Welfare' programme,benefit caps are going to have a huge impact
Britons back squeeze on welfare benefits, suggests poll
27 October, 2011
British people are overwhelmingly in favour of having a welfare state, but most want it tightened up, a poll for BBC News suggests
Government has 'no estimates' of arrears from under-occupancy cut
26 October, 2011
Under Government plans,working-age social tenants face HB cuts if they are deemed to be living in homes "too large for their needs"
Welfare Reform Bill committee stage: day eight
26 October, 2011
The House of Lords continued to debate the Welfare Reform Bill in Grand Committee - line by line examination - for the eighth day
Universal Credit
25 October, 2011
Information updated with a case study from Colchester Borough Council on realising the benefits of e-claim
Government reforms to the Work Capability Assessment start to show results
25 October, 2011
Latest figures reveal an increase in the number of people assessed for the higher rate of ESA but 38% of people are still found fit for work
Vulnerable tenants 'likely to be higher than 10%'
24 October, 2011
According to June Barnes, East Thames Chief Executive, ahead of the Universal Credit pilot
Lord Freud refuses to budge on direct payments to tenants
21 October, 2011
An amendment which would have given tenants the choice to have their HB paid directly to their landlord under Universal Credit has been withdrawn
Fear that tenants might 'board up windows' over under-occupancy cut
20 October, 2011
Lord Freud has come under fire in the House of Lords over the definition of a "bedroom",in a Welfare Reform debate over benefit cuts
Peer lets rip at 'claustrophobic' benefit cut for spare room tenants
20 October, 2011
A Labour peer has taken aim at the Government's plan to cut the housing benefit of tenants with spare rooms in a speech in the House of Lords
'More than a million families' to lose out in Pickles' council tax benefit cuts
18 October, 2011
Under government proposals to replace Council Tax Benefit with local authority-run schemes more than a million families could lose out
Court rules to allow discriminatory impacts of Housing Benefit cuts
17 October, 2011
The High Court of Justice has passed down judgment in favour of the Government in a Judicial Review brought by Child Poverty Action Group
The Housing Report: Edition 1
17 October, 2011
The Housing Report is a new project aimed at holding the Government to account for the promises it has made across a range of areas of housing policy
The impact of cutting housing benefit on under-occupiers in social housing
17 October, 2011
New research has revealed the impact housing benefit changes would have on social housing tenants under-occupying their homes
Peers urged to 'stand by tenants' in direct payments battle
12 October, 2011
Housing bodies call on the Gov to accept an amendment to the Welfare Reform Bill which would enable tenants to choose who receives their HB
Child and working-age poverty
11 October, 2011
Universal Credit not enough to prevent a decade of rising poverty - report by the Institute of Fiscal Studies
DWP: Perceptions of welfare reform and universal credit
10 October, 2011
Report presenting findings of a study carried out between Dec 10-Jan 11 which explores the views of claimants, staff, employers and the wider public
Social landlord in direct payments pilot ahead of Universal Credit
10 October, 2011
East Thames housing association is to pilot direct benefit payments to tenants ahead of the introduction of Universal Credit from 2013
How social sector landlords can be paid benefits direct
05 October, 2011
LIN member report by Claire Turner looks at how, following Welfare Reform, HB payments could continue to be paid directly to social sector landlords
How private sector landlords can be paid benefits direct
05 October, 2011
LIN member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN, looks at how HB payments could be paid directly to private sector landlords
Bridging the affordability gap
28 September, 2011
Research indicates the £26k benefit cap will leave larger families facing shortfalls
Social housing and benefits system 'should reward the right people'
27 September, 2011
At the Labour Party Conference Ed Miliband has said the current welfare system needed 'fixing' as it wasn't delivering the right results
Welfare worries
26 September, 2011
Universal Credit at the top of The Treasury "to watch" list, at risk of running over schedule, over budget or failing to be launched at all
LIN welcomes direct payment pilots but remains concerned over the lack of tenant choice
19 September, 2011
London Landlord Information Network press release
Friendship backs call for rethink on welfare changes
19 September, 2011
Friendship Care and Housing is backing Welfare Action Week by calling on ministers to rethink changes to housing benefit rules
Leaked letter reveals Michael Gove's concerns over Universal Credit
16 September, 2011
A leaked letter has revealed concerns about the switch to the new Universal Credit system from 2013 and its impact on vulnerable families
Direct payments scare off private landlords
16 September, 2011
Private sector landlords are set to snub social tenants if direct payment of housing benefits is implemented, a group has claimed
Immigrants have children for benefits, says Asian peer
14 September, 2011
The UK's first female Asian peer has used a debate in the Lords to criticise Pakistani and Bangladeshi families for having too many children
Lord Freud: direct payment of housing benefit will end if arrears spiral
14 September, 2011
Government plans will protect social landlords from tenants who fail to pay their rent under universal credit
Anger as Welfare Reform Bill debate 'squirreled away' from public scrutiny
14 September, 2011
Peers have agreed to hold the committee stage of the Welfare Reform Bill away from the main chamber of the House of Lords
Lord Freud reveals direct payments pilots at NHF conference
14 September, 2011
Welfare reform minister Lord Freud has announced half-a-dozen pilots that will test out direct payments to social housing tenants
Under Universal Credit the majority of claimants renting in the social sector will begin receiving benefits direct
14 September, 2011
Six Demonstration Projects are being set up to trial direct payments to Housing Benefit claimants living in social sector housing
English language training for job seekers on benefits
14 September, 2011
Jobseekers whose lack of English is preventing them from getting a job will have to attend English language training or lose benefits
Residents back direct payment of benefits to landlords
14 September, 2011
New research shows nine out of ten social housing residents support direct payment of benefits to landlords
Speech by Lord David Freud, Welfare Minister
14 September, 2011
At the National Housing Federation Annual Conference
Public accounts committee's question welfare reforms
13 September, 2011
Concerns raised about Whitehall's ability to deliver welfare reforms, while at the same time cutting £2.7bn from the DWP
Discretionary Housing Payments data 2025/11
13 September, 2011
Discretionary Housing Payments data for the year 2025/11 by local authority, their allocation and the proportion actually used by the LA
Welfare benefits to be paid monthly
13 September, 2011
Many welfare benefits will be paid monthly in an effort to prepare people for the world of work, ministers have said.
Universal Credit
12 September, 2011
Information on Universal Credit briefing notes has been updated by DWP
Top tips: the financial impact of welfare reform
10 September, 2011
What impact will the government's welfare reforms have on local government finance?
Lone parents combining work and welfare: the role of mini jobs and other interventions
01 September, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion CESI) report
One in five Lib Dem voters 'to desert party over welfare reforms'
22 August, 2011
According to a YouGov poll
Private landlords 'to stop offering Local Housing Allowance tenancies' due to payments cap
22 August, 2011
According to a report by 24dash.com
Contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
16 August, 2011
Proposed changes to contribution-based Employment and Support Allowance
Local Housing Allowance and the reform of Housing Benefit
09 August, 2011
This note discusses the implementation of the LHA since 7 April 2008 and proposals for the future reform of Housing Benefit
10-point guide to housing benefit changes and what they mean for social care
08 August, 2011
News report from Communitycare.co.uk
Housing Benefit: implications of the June 2025 Budget and October 2025 Spending Review
04 August, 2011
Outline of the measures aimed at reducing Housing Benefit expenditure set out in the June 2025 Budget and the October 2025 Spending Review
The work programme
03 August, 2011
The DWP Work Programme is a major new payment-for-results welfare-to-work programme that has now launched throughout Great Britain.
DWP Local Authority Omnibus Survey - Wave 22
03 August, 2011
Three in five local authorities think that local housing allowance changes will affect decisions about discretionary housing payments
Localising support for council tax in England
02 August, 2011
Local government consultation. Closing date 14th October 2011
HB reform transition fund
02 August, 2011
DWP announces successful bidders to the £4m HB reform transition fund
Incapacity benefit reassessment not yet understood by claimants say MPs
26 July, 2011
DWP report concluding the Governments aims for IB reassessment are not being communicated properly to claimants leading to fear & anxiety
Reinvent the welfare state with salary insurance?
26 July, 2011
People who lose their jobs could receive up to 70% of previous earnings for up to six months - Guarian news report
Government accused of 'social cleansing' in High Court housing benefit battle
21 July, 2011
24dash.com news report
Amendment to planned welfare reforms
19 July, 2011
An exemption in HB regs will protect some previously homeless people from the extension of the Shared Accommodation Rate for 25-34 year olds
The Housing Benefit (Amendment) Regulations 2011
19 July, 2011
Link to the Regulation change made to the Shared Accommodation Rate that will protect some previously homeless people
Unfair Shares
19 July, 2011
A report on the impact of extending the Shared Accommodation Rate of Housing Benefit by the Centre for Housing Policy and Crisis
Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing
19 July, 2011
DWP consultation on proposals to change how HB helps those living in supported housing in the social and voluntary sector with their rent
Government's Welfare Reform Bill delayed
15 July, 2011
The Government has been forced to delay the 2nd Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill until 13.9.11.
New taskforce to crack down on benefit cheats
13 July, 2011
A new Mobile Regional Taskforce to combat fraud will be visiting all high risk postcodes across the country re-examining claims
Landlords 'refusing to take people under 34' ahead of housing benefit cuts
13 July, 2011
The chief executive of homelessness charity Thames Reach says private landlords are already refusing to take people under the age of 34
Focus report: Homelessness
06 July, 2011
Local Government Ombudsman highlights councils failings over legal duties to homeless people
Eric Pickles warns David Cameron of rise in homeless families risk
04 July, 2011
A leaked letter, from the office of Eric Pickles has warned that welfare reform will make 40,000 more families homeless
Housing benefit cuts: Tory flagship prepares to give 5,000 households their marching orders
04 July, 2011
Telegraph article
Market-pegged social rents & local income distributions
01 July, 2011
Report looks at the interaction of potential new higher rent levels with the total benefit cap proposed by the government
Table of Councils decreasing Local Housing Allowance rates
30 June, 2011
Based on the new LHA rates from April 2011
Discretionary Housing Payments (DHP)
29 June, 2011
Everything tenants and landlords need to know in order to make a successful claim for a Discretionary Housing Payment. Member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN
Money on the move
24 June, 2011
The introduction of a universal credit has left landlords wondering if benefits will bypass them and leave rent unpaid
Review of the provision of passported benefits under Universal Credit
22 June, 2011
DWP consultation on possible approaches. Consultation start date: 15 June 2011. Consultation end date: 22 July 2011
UK Housing review June 2011
21 June, 2011
Chartered Institute of Housing report by Hal Pawson and Steve Wilcox
DWP Worklessness Co-design
14 June, 2011
DWP has been working with five Local Authorities to Co-design solutions to local issues of worklessnessin order to address local problems.
Getting in, staying in and getting on:Disability employment support fit for the future
09 June, 2011
An independent review of the Government's specialist disability employment programmes by RADAR, the UK's largest disability campaigning organisation
New Enterprise Allowance
07 June, 2011
Extra help to unemployed people who want to start their own business
Customer insight into employment support for long-term Incapacity Benefit claimants
01 June, 2011
Centre for Social and Economic Inclusion (CESI) report
Making work pay in London under Universal Credit
01 June, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) report
Under occupancy penalty could force struggling families into hands of loan shark
31 May, 2011
David Orr calls government plans on under-occupation penalty harsh and regressive
Housing Benefit and welfare reform: impact of the proposed changes on black and minority ethnic communities
03 May, 2011
Paper by the Race Equality Foundation
Worrying times ahead for homeless in England
20 April, 2011
Homeless link research indicates that cuts are already hitting homelessness services
DWP delivery plan 2011-12
08 April, 2011
How DWP will implement the government’s programme of welfare and pensions reform
Fairness finally restored to the Housing Benefit system as new rules come into force
01 April, 2011
DWP press release
Welfare Reform April 2011 (private sector)
01 April, 2011
Welfare reform and the forthcoming changes to Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance. Member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN
Housing Benefit - Local Housing Allowance private rented sector
01 April, 2011
LHA Information Leaflet
Welfare Reform April 2011 (social sector)
01 April, 2011
Welfare reform and the forthcoming changes to Housing Benefit and Local Housing Allowance. Member report by Claire Turner, Director, LIN (report added to site 5.10.11)
Work, welfare and worklessness: what role for local authorities in a changing landscape?
01 April, 2011
Centre for Economic and Social Inclusion (CESI) report
The impact of Welfare Reform Bill measures on affordability for low income renting families
07 March, 2011
Shelter policy research report
The Impact of Welfare Reform Bill measures on affordability for low income private renting families
07 March, 2011
Shelter research report
Welfare Reform Bill 2011
16 February, 2011
On 16 February 2011 the Welfare Reform Bill was introduced to Parliament. The Bill legislates for the biggest change to the welfare system for over 60 years.
Personalising welfare to work: the case for personal welfare budgets
01 February, 2011
In this CESI paper, Inclusion's Think Tank, supported by the Shaw Trust, presents the case for personal welfare budgets.
Benefits cap to hit 5,000 Westminster tenants
25 January, 2011
Up to 5,000 private tenants in Westminster are going to be directly affected by the benefits cap from 2013, according to the man responsible for housing in the borough
Consultation responses to 21st Century Welfare
11 November, 2025
On 11 November 2025 the Government published its report on the responses to the consultation
Universal credit - Welfare that works
11 November, 2025
The Coalition Government's plans to introduce legislation to reform the welfare system by creating a new Universal Credit
21st Century Welfare - Calling time on Benefits Culture
03 August, 2025
The proposals set out within the document were open for consultation until 1 October 2025
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
07 April, 2008
The Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance, Information Sharing and Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2008
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance and Information Sharing) Amendment Regulations 2007
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Rent Officer (Housing Benefit Functions) Amendment Order 2007
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
08 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (State Pension Credit) (Local Housing Allowance, Information Sharing and Miscellaneous) Amendment Regulations 2008
Local Housing Allowance Legislation
02 October, 2007
Housing Benefit (Local Housing Allowance, Miscellaneous and Consequential) Amendment Regulations 2007
Welfare Reform Act 2007
30 September, 2007
Welfare Reform Act 2007 (Commencement no 4 and Savings and Transitional Provisions) Order 2007
'Punishing the poor': Manchester anti-cuts protesters to march in honour of bedroom tax suicide victim
30 November, -0001
Bedroom tax protestors to march across Manchester to honour the memory of a grandmother who ended her life after losing £80 a month from her benefits