Welfare rights news and case law

28 November, 2016

Benefit uprating 2017/2018

New rates now available

28 November, 2016

Contributory benefits and the payment and collection of Class 2 contributions

New statutory instrument

28 November, 2016

Revaluation of ‘protected payments’ in new state pension awards

New statutory instrument

28 November, 2016

A bed is unlikely to amount to an aid for dressing and undressing / mobility descriptor 2(c) and ability to walk more than 50 metres with walking aids

CPIP/3352/2015

25 November, 2016

Bach Commission asks whether ‘polluter pays’ principles could improve DWP decision making and 'raise money for legal services'

Report into 'crisis in the justice system' suggests that Department should face levy if too many claimants succeed in challenging decisions on their benefit entitlement

25 November, 2016

Minister for Communities sets out planned duration of welfare reform mitigation measures in Northern Ireland

Responding to written question in the Assembly, Paul Givan also confirms that further measures will be introduced in early 2017

25 November, 2016

Abolition of community care grants and crisis loans in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule

25 November, 2016

Revocation and replacement of regulations impacting on the right to reside rules for means-tested benefits

New DWP guidance

25 November, 2016

Tribunal must identify grounds of supersession and date from which it takes effect when dealing with a decision to withdraw an existing award of PIP

CPIP/1693/2016

24 November, 2016

Chair of Standards Committee in Northern Ireland welcomes 'very creditable set of results' for decision making accuracy in the Social Security Agency

Decision makers exceeded accuracy benchmarks set for five of six benefits between January 2015 and December 2015

24 November, 2016

First contract under newly devolved employment support powers to be awarded by the Scottish Government

Initial one-year contract will come into effect from April 2017 ahead of the full Scottish programme of employment support starting in April 2018

23 November, 2016

Universal credit taper to be cut from 65 per cent to 63 per cent

Delivering his 2016 Autumn Statement, the Chancellor says the change will 'increase the incentive to work and encourage progression in work'

23 November, 2016

Tax credit, child benefit and guardian’s allowance uprating 2017/2018

New rates now available

23 November, 2016

Scottish Government sets out ‘split competence’ approach to devolved welfare

Secretary for Communities, Social Security and Equalities highlights need for Scottish Parliament to hold legislative competence 'for a while' before taking on responsibility for delivery

23 November, 2016

SSAC decides not to formally refer regulations removing universal credit housing costs from 18-21 year olds

However, Committee raises concerns about DWP's failure to consult with health experts when drawing up exemptions to the policy

22 November, 2016

Damian Green confirms that devolved employment programmes in Scotland will be voluntary

However, Secretary of State questions whether a voluntary system will secure value for money or produce successful outcomes

22 November, 2016

Whether daily visits to the pub indicate an ability to engage with other people for the majority of the time

CPIP/2523/2016

21 November, 2016

DWP and DCLG launch consultation on new funding model for supported accommodation sector

Government statement confirms it 'values the role' supported housing plays and is 'committed to protecting and boosting' the supply of supported housing

21 November, 2016

LHA cap for general needs social housing tenants deferred until April 2019

Work and Pensions Secretary also announces transitional protection from the cap for tenants moving from housing benefit to universal credit after April 2019