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05/11/2013
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.
The move prompted three single mothers and one child from each family to launch a legal challenge against the new legislation. Lawyers acting on behalf of the women, who are all from the London area, said the measures were "cruel and arbitrary".
They added that the cap breached the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights. The challenge was supported by the Child Poverty Action Group and the Women's Aid Federation.
However, Lord Justice Elias and Mr Justice Bean said that while many considered the cap as "too parsimonious", they ruled that the regulations brought in by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith were lawful and did not breach human rights.
Following the High Court judgement, a spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "We are very pleased that the court has ruled that the benefit cap complies with the European Convention on Human Rights.
"The benefit cap sets a fair limit to what people can expect to get from the welfare system – so that claimants cannot receive more than £500 a week, the average household earnings."
(JP/CD)
In July 2013, a cap was introduced in England, Scotland and Wales, which set the same level of benefits for couples or single parents.
The move prompted three single mothers and one child from each family to launch a legal challenge against the new legislation. Lawyers acting on behalf of the women, who are all from the London area, said the measures were "cruel and arbitrary".
They added that the cap breached the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child and the European Convention on Human Rights. The challenge was supported by the Child Poverty Action Group and the Women's Aid Federation.
However, Lord Justice Elias and Mr Justice Bean said that while many considered the cap as "too parsimonious", they ruled that the regulations brought in by Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith were lawful and did not breach human rights.
Following the High Court judgement, a spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions said: "We are very pleased that the court has ruled that the benefit cap complies with the European Convention on Human Rights.
"The benefit cap sets a fair limit to what people can expect to get from the welfare system – so that claimants cannot receive more than £500 a week, the average household earnings."
(JP/CD)
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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.
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.
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.
30 July 2013
Families Lose Housing Benefit Challenge
The High Court has ruled that the reduction in housing benefit introduced in April does not breach human rights. The verdict was delivered in response to a challenge by 10 families, who brought a judicial review into lower payments for those deemed to be living in homes larger than needed.
Families Lose Housing Benefit Challenge
The High Court has ruled that the reduction in housing benefit introduced in April does not breach human rights. The verdict was delivered in response to a challenge by 10 families, who brought a judicial review into lower payments for those deemed to be living in homes larger than needed.
15 July 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.
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.
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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.
