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15/07/2013
Benefit Cap Roll Out Begins
The roll out of a benefit cap has begun in England, Scotland and Wales, with couples and lone parents capped at £500 a week and a £350 cap for single people.
It is part of the largest overhaul of the benefits system since the 1940s, with the Department of Work and Pensions estimating that some 40,000 households will be affected.
A revision of the benefit system was lead by Iain Duncan Smyth, who claimed that people where being discouraged from looking for work due to the current system.
Critics however have argued that the revisions fail to tackle underlying issues, including the cost of housing and the difficulty in finding work.
The key benefits affected by the cap include: jobseeker's allowance, child benefit, child tax credits and housing benefits.
Disability Living Allowance, its successor the Personal Independence Payment, and industrial injuries benefit and war widow or widower's pension will not be affected by the cap.
It is claimed that the cap has been introduced to bring benefits in line with the average family income, with Mr Duncan Smyth saying: "The limit of £500 a week ensures no-one claims more in benefits than the average household and there is a clear reason for people to get a job - as those eligible for Working Tax Credit are exempt."
The cap is expected to be fully implemented by September 30, when it will become part of the Universal Credit System.
(MH)
It is part of the largest overhaul of the benefits system since the 1940s, with the Department of Work and Pensions estimating that some 40,000 households will be affected.
A revision of the benefit system was lead by Iain Duncan Smyth, who claimed that people where being discouraged from looking for work due to the current system.
Critics however have argued that the revisions fail to tackle underlying issues, including the cost of housing and the difficulty in finding work.
The key benefits affected by the cap include: jobseeker's allowance, child benefit, child tax credits and housing benefits.
Disability Living Allowance, its successor the Personal Independence Payment, and industrial injuries benefit and war widow or widower's pension will not be affected by the cap.
It is claimed that the cap has been introduced to bring benefits in line with the average family income, with Mr Duncan Smyth saying: "The limit of £500 a week ensures no-one claims more in benefits than the average household and there is a clear reason for people to get a job - as those eligible for Working Tax Credit are exempt."
The cap is expected to be fully implemented by September 30, when it will become part of the Universal Credit System.
(MH)
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12 August 2013
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
30 October 2006
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
Campaign to crack down on benefit cheats launched
The government has launched a campaign which aims to crack down on benefit cheats. The 'No Ifs, No Buts' campaign stresses the message that there are no excuses for committing benefit fraud. It is estimated that almost £1 billion was lost last year through benefit fraud, compared to £2 billion in 2001.
05 November 2013
Three Single Mothers Lose Benefit Cap Legal Challenge
Three single mothers and their children have lost a legal challenge to the Government's benefit cap, it has been reported. In July 2013, a cap was introduced in England, Scotland and Wales, which set the same level of benefits for couples or single parents.
Three Single Mothers Lose Benefit Cap Legal Challenge
Three single mothers and their children have lost a legal challenge to the Government's benefit cap, it has been reported. In July 2013, a cap was introduced in England, Scotland and Wales, which set the same level of benefits for couples or single parents.
22 January 2013
MPs Back Proposed 1% Benefit Cap
A controversial plan to cap working-age benefit rises at 1% has passed through the House of Commons. Labour MPs have failed to block the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill, which will cap the benefit rises until 2016, passed by 305 votes to 246.
MPs Back Proposed 1% Benefit Cap
A controversial plan to cap working-age benefit rises at 1% has passed through the House of Commons. Labour MPs have failed to block the Welfare Benefits Up-rating Bill, which will cap the benefit rises until 2016, passed by 305 votes to 246.
25 October 2012
Child Benefit Cap Under Consideration
The work and pensions secretary has announced he is considering a proposal to cap child-related benefits for families at two children. Iain Duncan Smith said stopping the current system, where families get more benefits the more children they have, was part of changes being considered.
Child Benefit Cap Under Consideration
The work and pensions secretary has announced he is considering a proposal to cap child-related benefits for families at two children. Iain Duncan Smith said stopping the current system, where families get more benefits the more children they have, was part of changes being considered.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
