Welfare rights news and case law

7 March, 2008

Council tax benefit worth £1.8bn going unclaimed

Eligibility rules are complex and poorly advertised, says Local Government Association

7 March, 2008

Amendments to national insurance contribution rules

New statutory instruments

6 March, 2008

Government wrong to assume that employers will be part of the solution in realising its welfare to work objectives

New DWP research

6 March, 2008

Social Security Advisory Committee calls for review of Third Party Deductions from benefit

DWP should investigate rationale for scheme's existence and whether it is based on consistent policy intentions

6 March, 2008

ID cards showing holder’s right to benefit to be introduced for non-EEA foreign nationals

New scheme to be rolled out from November 2008

6 March, 2008

Government consults on whether the benefit system creates unnecessary barriers to independent living

Office for Disability Issues launches cross-government 'Independent Living Strategy'

5 March, 2008

Determination of disputes relating to a claimant’s national insurance contribution record

CP/4205/2006

5 March, 2008

Doctors to be given support to help claimants see that 'work can be part of the solution, not part of the problem'

GP education pilot programme to be rolled out nationally, says Work and Pensions Secretary

5 March, 2008

Routes onto benefit of recent incapacity benefit claimants

New DWP research

5 March, 2008

Revised HB ‘localities’ introduced in London

Announcement follows delay as a result of injunction taken out by Westminster City Council

5 March, 2008

Housing tax credit needed to support the growing number of home-owners at risk of repossession

New report from the Joseph Rowntree Foundation

5 March, 2008

Data transfers to resume between local authority housing benefit departments and the DWP

New means of encryption developed following Revenue loss of child benefit data

5 March, 2008

80% of claimants satisfied with the service they receive from Jobcentre Plus

Results are testament to the professionalism and expertise of our staff, says Work and Pensions Minister

4 March, 2008

Miscellaneous amendments to child support legislation

New statutory instrument

4 March, 2008

Inquiry into the DWP’s carers strategy

Work and Pensions Committee calls for evidence

4 March, 2008

Home Responsibilities Protection for partners of child benefit claimants

New statutory instrument

3 March, 2008

Whether accommodation funded under the Supporting People scheme provided on a commercial basis

CH/2491/2007

3 March, 2008

Pensions Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 receives Royal Assent

Changes provide solid foundation for the future, says Social Development Minister

3 March, 2008

Further investment needed if the government is to meet its target of halving child poverty by 2010

New report from the Commons Work and Pensions Select Committee