Welfare rights news and case law

1 October, 2019

Work and Pensions Committee requests detailed explanation of how technology is being used by DWP in assessment of claims and claimants’ identities

Letter to Secretary of State also questions Department's use of data to help detect and prevent fraud

1 October, 2019

Tribunal’s responsibilities when contemplating use of an informal interpreter at a hearing

CE/1015/2019
[2019] UKUT 261 (AAC)

30 September, 2019

Revocation and re-enactment of benefit uprating regulations for 2019/2020 in Northern Ireland

New statutory rules

30 September, 2019

Revocation and re-enactment of diffuse mesothelioma lump sum uprating regulations 2019/2020 in Northern Ireland

New statutory rule

28 September, 2019

Labour Party says it will scrap universal credit, replace the DWP with a Department for Social Security, and introduce a new benefit system based on dignity and respect

'Emergency package' of reforms will also include ending the five-week wait, suspending benefit sanctions, and scrapping the benefit cap and the two-child limit

27 September, 2019

Government seeks to reassure state pension recipients living in the EU that they will continue to be paid in the event of Brexit

Letter to be sent next week will also outline that pensions for those in the EU will be uprated for a further 3 years

26 September, 2019

Universal credit IT system one of many government projects where importance of good quality data was treated as an ‘afterthought’

Public Accounts Committee highlights how system design failings meant DWP could not monitor its treatment of vulnerable claimants such as those with mental health problems

26 September, 2019

DWP gives notice of plan to open its offices on weekday evenings and Saturdays

Extended hours to be introduced from March 2020 despite ‘test and learn’ pilots showing little evidence of significant demand, says DWP staff union

26 September, 2019

Scottish Social Security Secretary confirms there will never be a limit on the number of children in a family who are eligible for the Scottish child payment

Commitment not to limit eligibility also extends across all other Scottish social security payments, says Shirley-Anne Somerville

26 September, 2019

Public Accounts Committee to look at HMCTS progress in delivering its courts and tribunals reform programme

Inquiry launched following NAO report that found that HMCTS ‘must maintain a strong grip’ if it is to deliver reform that works better for everyone

26 September, 2019

Scottish Government publishes first annual progress report on performance of the Scottish social security system

Report covers period from 1 June 2018, when the Social Security (Scotland) Act 2018 received Royal Assent, to the end of March 2019

26 September, 2019

DWP sets out ‘adjustments’ to support universal credit claimants with sight loss

Advice forms part of new training initiative for Jobcentre Plus staff developed with the Royal National Institute of Blind People

25 September, 2019

New young carer grant in Scotland will be administered on a ‘first come, first served basis’ where there are conflicting claims

Cabinet Secretary also outlines the verification process for claiming the benefit

24 September, 2019

Resumption of Parliament following Supreme Court prorogation ruling results in all outstanding Bills remaining live

All Bills from the 2017 session, including the Domestic Abuse Bill, will have further opportunity to make progress when parliamentary session resumes on 25 September 2019

24 September, 2019

DWP issues further guidance on the payment of SDP transitional payments

LA Welfare Direct bulletin clarifies that payments are made separately to the universal credit award and will not appear on the statement

24 September, 2019

Welsh Government launches consultation on equality objectives, including long term aim to eliminate inequality caused by poverty

Equalities Minister also confirms that the socio-economic duty under Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 will be triggered in Wales

23 September, 2019

Welfare rights

Work and Pensions Committee requests detailed explanation of how technology is being used by DWP in assessment of claims and claimants’ identities

Letter to Secretary of State also questions Department's use of data to help detect and prevent fraud

Tribunal’s responsibilities when contemplating use of an informal interpreter at a hearing

Revocation and re-enactment of benefit uprating regulations for 2019/2020 in Northern Ireland

Revocation and re-enactment of diffuse mesothelioma lump sum uprating regulations 2019/2020 in Northern Ireland

Labour Party says it will scrap universal credit, replace the DWP with a Department for Social Security, and introduce a new benefit system based on dignity and respect

Government seeks to reassure state pension recipients living in the EU that they will continue to be paid in the event of Brexit

Universal credit IT system one of many government projects where importance of good quality data was treated as an ‘afterthought’

Public Accounts Committee highlights how system design failings meant DWP could not monitor its treatment of vulnerable claimants such as those with mental health problems

DWP gives notice of plan to open its offices on weekday evenings and Saturdays

Scottish Social Security Secretary confirms there will never be a limit on the number of children in a family who are eligible for the Scottish child payment

Public Accounts Committee to look at HMCTS progress in delivering its courts and tribunals reform programme

Scottish Government publishes first annual progress report on performance of the Scottish social security system

DWP sets out ‘adjustments’ to support universal credit claimants with sight loss

New young carer grant in Scotland will be administered on a ‘first come, first served basis’ where there are conflicting claims

Resumption of Parliament following Supreme Court prorogation ruling results in all outstanding Bills remaining live

DWP issues further guidance on the payment of SDP transitional payments

Welsh Government launches consultation on equality objectives, including long term aim to eliminate inequality caused by poverty

High Court rules that universal credit minimum income floor is not unlawful

Experience of universal credit claimants is ‘overwhelmingly bad’

73 per cent success rate in PIP appeals raises serious question about quality of DWP primary decision making