Tag: DWP

Audit Office report condemns Universal Credit roll-out

“The Department has kept pushing the Universal Credit rollout forward through a series of problems. We recognise both its determination and commitment, and that there is really no practical choice but to keep on keeping on with the rollout. 

“We don’t think DWP has shown the same commitment to listening and responding to the hardship faced by claimants. Maybe a change of mind set will follow the publication of the claimant survey on 8 June. We think the larger claims for Universal Credit, such as boosted employment, are unlikely to be demonstrable at any point in future. Nor for that matter will value for money.”  

Amyas Morse, head of the National Audit Office, 15 June 2018 Continue reading Audit Office report condemns Universal Credit roll-out

Edinburgh loses £4.1 MILLION because of “toxic Tory” welfare cuts

SNP MSP GORDON MACDONALD DEMANDS DEVOLUTION OF SOCIAL SECURITY POWERS

Freedom of Information figures supplied by the Department for Work and Pensions have shown that Edinburgh has lost out on £4.1M because of Tory cuts to disability benefit. Continue reading Edinburgh loses £4.1 MILLION because of “toxic Tory” welfare cuts

McVey urges city councillors to attend two-child limit demo

“This treatment is cruel and it is inexcusable” – City of Edinburgh Council Leader Adam McVey

SNP Council leader, Adam McVey, has called on all City of Edinburgh councillors to attend a demonstration, on Thursday and show their opposition to the UK Government’s Two Child Cap and associated “Rape Clause”. Continue reading McVey urges city councillors to attend two-child limit demo

Rally on the Mound: Activists urge UK Government to axe two-child cap and rape clause

One year on since its implementation, activists are stepping up the pressure on the Department of Work and Pensions to scrap the now infamous family cap and associated rape clause. A demonstration will be held on Thursday (19 April) at 5.30pm on The Mound. Continue reading Rally on the Mound: Activists urge UK Government to axe two-child cap and rape clause

Freeman to argue case for UC flexibility

The rationale for introducing Scottish Universal Credit (UC) choices will be outlined by Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman when she gives evidence to the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee inquiry into the roll-out of UC this morning. Continue reading Freeman to argue case for UC flexibility

Doing things differently: Scottish social security applicants guaranteed support

Anyone applying for social security assistance under Scotland’s new system will have a right to have someone with them during assessments or meetings, under new Scottish government plans. In a change from the current system, the amendment to the Social Security (Scotland) Bill lodged by Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman would ensure any applicant has the right to be accompanied if they need or want it.

The minister described the step as proof that Scotland would “do things differently”. Continue reading Doing things differently: Scottish social security applicants guaranteed support

‘Abject Failures’: yet another call for halt to Universal Credit roll-out

Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman and COSLA Community Wellbeing Spokesperson Kelly Parry, have joined forces to demand a halt to the full service roll-out of Universal Credit in Scotland. In a joint letter to Secretary of State for Work and Pensions David Gauke, they raise a number of ‘abject failures’ of the new UK Government system. Continue reading ‘Abject Failures’: yet another call for halt to Universal Credit roll-out

Report sets out ‘”devastating impact” of Westminster’s welfare cuts

Low income families across Scotland will be thousands of pounds a year worse off per year because of welfare cuts imposed by the UK government, a new report has found. The Scottish Government report, ‘the Impact of UK Welfare Policy on Families with Children’, looks at what the policies implemented since 2015 will mean for families. Continue reading Report sets out ‘”devastating impact” of Westminster’s welfare cuts