Welfare rights news

13 January, 2006

Government confirms that CSA has no target for processing applications

However service levels are 'generally being met', Agency's chief executive says

13 January, 2006

Financial assistance scheme payments and benefit overpayments

New DWP guidance

12 January, 2006

Local Government Association expresses concern about the use of HB sanctions to tackle anti-social behaviour

Proposals are inequitable and could lead to hardship

12 January, 2006

Housing Benefit Matching Service

New DWP guidance

12 January, 2006

Hospital downrating (Northern Ireland)

New statutory rule

12 January, 2006

Hardship to continue as a result of delay in introducing tax credit reforms

Citizens Advice evidence to the Treasury Select Committee

12 January, 2006

DWP’s plans to replace Remote Access Terminals being jeopardised by lack of local authority cooperat

Failure to respond to request for information could have 'significant impact' on rollout of new system

12 January, 2006

Cancer patients missing out on up to £200 million a year in disability benefits

'Scandalous' says chair of the Commons Public Accounts Committee

11 January, 2006

Social Security Advisory Committee annual report 2004/2005

In its 25th year, still an important and challenging role to perform

10 January, 2006

Using HB sanctions to tackle anti-social behaviour

Government publishes new 'Respect Action Plan'

9 January, 2006

Local Government Association calls for urgent reform of council tax benefit

Changes should be made ahead of Lyons' inquiry report on local government funding

9 January, 2006

Financial assistance scheme payments and benefit overpayments (Northern Ireland)

New statutory rule

9 January, 2006

DWP staff vote in favour of industrial action

Two-day nationwide strike due to take place later this month

6 January, 2006

Management of the Appeals Service and the Employment Tribunals Service to be brought together

However local work of the two organisations will continue to be distinct and separate

5 January, 2006

Significant fall in complaints about housing benefit administration

Local authorities can look back over the last four years with satisfaction, says DWP

5 January, 2006

DWP establishes cross-departmental team to explore automatic take-up of council tax benefit

Minister expects report in Spring 2006

4 January, 2006

Absent parents who fail to pay child support could be tagged

Secretary of State plans to 'get tough with those dads who are not paying for their kids'

3 January, 2006

Incapacity benefit system perpetuates hardship

Government releases new figures ahead of welfare reform green paper

30 December, 2005

Publication of government report on future of CSA delayed

Secretary of State says there are some 'very, very, very hard choices' to make