Work and Pensions Secretary, Amber Rudd has caused upset and shock by saying the 5 week wait for claimant’s first Universal Credit payment is acceptable. Unveiling a raft of “supposed” new announcements for Universal Credit, Rudd said of the 5 week period claimants have to wait; “at the moment I’m satisfied with what we’ve got”. This will come as a
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It is well know that Universal Credit is causing hardship, suffering even death. While the public are all too aware of this, employees of The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) are living it everyday. That’s why I’m proposing radical action. I will admit that this may not be the most popular of ideas but ask that you hear me
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This is the first in what I’m hoping will be a series of posts giving a comprehensive breakdown of Universal Credit, how it works for claimants and agents, and some of the fundamental flaws causing problems.
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A response from the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request,shows staff jobcentres are told to destroy evidence of foodbank referrals and stipulate; “it is not to be used for any other purpose, including to count/monitor the number of signposting slips issued” I came across this FOI on the website WhatDoTheyKnow, a website that
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Although the #FoodBankChallenge is doing well, I’ve decided to launch a summer holiday campaign to help boost donations for their busiest time of year. Well the #FoodBankChallenge has wielded some fantastic results for foodbanks across the UK and, even abroad. However, we cannot get complacent. It’s one thing to get a short term boost in donations, but it’s regular donations
Read moreThe DWP says “sanctions” are an important part of the benefits system and it is right that there is a system in place for tackling “those few” who do not fulfil their commitment to find work. But that position looks increasingly untenable. It is frequently suggested sanctions – the temporary suspension of someone’s benefits – are often wrong, harsh or
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Thiyis Ali’s account of how she has found Universal Credit. A truly harrowing read.
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Friday 15th June 2018 ∼ Alex Tiffin Universal Credit has taken significantly longer to roll-out than intended, may cost more than the benefits system it replaces, and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will never be able to measure whether it has achieved its stated goal of increasing employment. In today’s report, the National Audit Office (NAO) concludes that
Read moreThe High Court in London has ruled that the government acted ‘unlawfully’ in denying two men disability premiums on their Universal Credit claim. The Victorian Gothic style main entrance to the The Royal Courts of Justice public building in London, UK, opened in 1882. shutterstock Mr Justice Lewis, was told during a hearing in May that the men have been
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Well I got my £95.34 Universal Credit Payment on the 6th June. Last month it was 10.50 for two weeks this time it’s £6.89. I’ll lay out why now.
Read moreWhile Scotland and Wales see rises in the number of computers in libraries, England see’s a dramatic fall of 3000. Austerity isn’t working.
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Article exposing the pattern of increased foodbank use after Universal credit is introduced to an area
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St. Andrew’s Primary School and Nursery Class, Airdire, joined in on the #foodbankchallenge
Read moreUp to 2.6 million could lose out on free school meals by 2022 due to Universal Credit.
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