Big changes to benefits

Big changes to benefits are on the way and thousands of people in the borough are likely to be affected by changes to the system which will see differences in how benefits are claimed, what they are called and who’s eligible.

The Welfare Reform Act sets out the Government’s plans for major changes to many current benefits including Housing Benefit.

The main elements of the act are:

The introduction of Universal Credit to provide a single streamlined benefit that will ensure work always pays.

A stronger approach to reducing fraud and error with tougher penalties for the most serious offences.

A new claimant commitment showing clearly what is expected of claimants while giving protection to those with the greatest needs.

Reforms to Disability Living Allowance, through the introduction of the Personal Independence Payment to meet the needs of disabled people today.

A new approach to Housing Benefit by capping the total amount of benefit that can be claimed.

Driving out abuse of the Social Fund system by giving greater power to local authorities.

Reforming Employment and Support Allowance to make the benefit fairer and to ensure that help goes to those with the greatest need.

Changes to support a new system of child support which puts the interest of the child first.

Localisation of Council Tax.

Universal Credit will go live nationally in October 2013 for new claimants. The remainder of current claims will be moved to Universal Credit from 2014, with the process being complete by 2017.