Welfare rights news and case law

25 September, 2017

Roll-out of universal credit in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule provides for the first claims for universal credit from 27 September 2017

25 September, 2017

Dietary requirements are not relevant when assessing a claimant's ability to prepare and cook a simple meal

CPIP/2723/2016

22 September, 2017

Introduction of universal credit in Northern Ireland

Department for Communities publishes postcodes where new benefit will be introduced from 27 September 2017

22 September, 2017

Housing benefit entitlement when liability for rent is to a former partner who jointly owns the property with someone else

CH/1241/2017

22 September, 2017

DWP develops IT solution to remove need for clerical processing of housing benefit ‘Stop Notices’

Notifications issued by the DWP when a housing benefit claimant moves onto universal credit will now be uploaded directly to local authority systems

21 September, 2017

Gingerbread calls on government to reverse cuts to work allowances in universal credit

New report looks at single parents’ finances, focusing on what has helped and hindered single parents in finding financial security

21 September, 2017

Chair of Work and Pensions Committee questions whether planned pace of universal credit roll-out is appropriate

Writing to the Work and Pensions Secretary, Frank Field seeks clarification of 'traffic light' scores for full service roll-out criteria

21 September, 2017

Welfare policy is undermining attempts to tackle homelessness

New research from the Chartered Institute of Housing finds housing associations are refusing nominations to households unable to pay rent due to limited welfare assistance

21 September, 2017

15 per cent of local authorities say Fraud and Error Reduction Incentive Scheme led to substantial improvements

However, new DWP research also finds that 44 per cent of local authorities reported either no reduction in housing benefit fraud and error or were uncertain if extra activities led to any local impact

21 September, 2017

Ability to establish a relationship when engaging with others requires evidence of more than mere reciprocation of exchanges

CPIP/1127/2017

20 September, 2017

Secretary of State concedes that where an employer fails to notify earnings on time, a universal credit award may be adjusted to make appropriate amendments

CUC/166/2017

20 September, 2017

Scotland’s First Minister announces details of new Scottish Young Carer Grant

Grant payments will be worth £300 a year, and will be in place from autumn 2019

20 September, 2017

Secretary of State concedes that balance problems caused by Meniere's disease may constitute a 'sensory impairment'

CE/3723/2016

20 September, 2017

Tribunals need to closely scrutinise HMRC submissions with 'studied scepticism' to uncover potential errors and omissions

CTC/982/2017

20 September, 2017

Circumstances when a tribunal should consider adjourning to seek further medical evidence

CPIP/958/2017

20 September, 2017

Amendments made by the Working Tax Credit (Entitlement and Maximum Rate) (Amendment) Regulations 2015 do not apply to previous tax years

CTC/862/2017

19 September, 2017

Minister for Social Security in Scotland confirms that bedroom tax will be fully mitigated without being limited by the benefit cap

Statement to Parliament also confirms the introduction of 'universal credit flexibilities' from 4 October 2017

18 September, 2017

Secretary of State can prevent a 'human and political catastrophe’ by pausing further roll-out of universal credit

We must begin to wonder what more evidence the government needs before it heeds the unanimous call we are hearing from front line providers, says chair of Work and Pensions Committee

18 September, 2017

Tax credit system is deeply flawed, says HMRC Chief Executive and Permanent Secretary

Jon Thompson tells Select Committee that level of error and fraud is likely to rise as a result of decisions by Treasury Ministers