Category Archives: benefits
Why means testing benefits is not efficient or fair
Means testing does not work like universal benefits, it denies people entitlements they have contributed to and are eligible for
There are increasing calls for means testing more benefits. These are fertile times for such proposals and they are grabbing attention. It comes at a time when the government is cutting back on public spending in the name of reducing the deficit and when more and more people are feeling the pinch and are worried about money.
Means testing has been introduced for child benefit and is now being suggested for a wider range of benefits, particularly for older people. High profile candidates have been the travel pass and the winter fuel allowance. All older people are currently entitled to these.
Anti-austerity marches taking place
The Trades Union Congress said workers and campaigners from across the UK would be involved with the London demonstrationTens of thousands of people are marching in protest at the government’s austerity measures.
Labour leader Ed Miliband, among dozens of speakers addressing crowds at the biggest march in London, received a mixed reaction. Other rallies are taking place in Glasgow and Belfast.
Demonstrators want the coalition to end public service cuts and instead create policies they say can create growth.
The government says austerity measures are vital to cutting the deficit.
Union leaders recently criticised Labour for supporting a public sector pay freeze.
Universal Credit: Disabled people 'to lose out'
17 October 2012 Last updated at 09:19
Universal Credit: Disabled people ‘to lose out’
Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson: “We want to bring to people’s attention how their benefits might change”
Up to half a million disabled people and their families stand to lose out under the government’s proposed Universal Credit, a report says.
The Children’s Society, Citizens Advice and Disability Rights UK say 100,000 households with children could have incomes reduced by up to £28 a week.
They are urging ministers to reconsider their plans.
But the government called the report “highly selective” and said it could lead to “irresponsible scaremongering”.
The Universal Credit will replace Jobseeker’s allowance, tax credits, income support, employment and support allowance – formerly known as incapacity benefit – and housing benefits with a single payment.
The system will be “piloted” in parts of north-east England next April and will come into force across Britain for new claimants from October 2013.
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