Welfare rights news

Those in the highest council tax bands to be protected from April 2017 council tax increases, and additional support to be provided to families on low incomes across all council tax bands

2 March, 2016

Transfer of functions between Northern Ireland departments

New statutory rule

2 March, 2016

Earnings factors relevant to the calculation of an additional state pension

New statutory instrument

1 March, 2016

52 week limit in permitted work to be abolished, Lord Freud announces during Welfare Reform and Work Bill debate

In addition, House of Lords votes in favour of amendment calling for review of impact of proposed ESA cuts before regulations are made

1 March, 2016

Lord Freud announces one year delay in capping housing benefit for social sector tenants in supported accommodation

Limiting housing benefit to local housing allowance rates will now only apply to new or re-let tenancies from April 2017

1 March, 2016

Government sets out terms of reference for independent review of state pension age

Review will focus on deciding future state pension age arrangements and will not cover existing arrangements before April 2028

1 March, 2016

Scotland to set up new benefits agency

Agency will oversee the administration of devolved benefits

1 March, 2016

Delay in introduction of universal credit ‘surpluses and self-employed’ regulations

New statutory instrument

1 March, 2016

Benefit uprating 2016/2017

New statutory instruments