The DWP is preparing to roll out to social landlords a new direct payment system, to replace the four weekly third party creditor schedule for Managed Payments to Landlords and UC Scottish Choices Direct Payments. The four weekly payment schedule will still be used, however, for third party deductions against arrears of rent.
The Work and Pensions Committee, under its new Chair, Stephen Timms MP, has launched an inquiry into Universal Credit, in particular, focussing on the effect and consequences to claimants of the five-week wait for first payment.
SFHA has submitted evidence to the Scottish Parliament’s Social Security Committee Inquiry on benefit take-up.
Ahead of the dissolution of Parliament, the House of Commons Work and Pensions Committee has published two reports highly critical of welfare policy and has called for the reversal of the benefit freeze by increasing levels by CPI + 2% for the next four years.
The Supreme Court has ruled where there was a ‘transparent medical need for an additional bedroom’, which was not catered for in regulation B13 (5) and (6), there was unjustified discrimination on the ground of disability, contrary to article 14 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
SFHA has joined the Trussell Trust’s #FiveWeeksTooLong campaign.
SFHA has submitted evidence to the House of Commons Scottish Affairs Committee’s Inquiry into Welfare in Scotland – highlighting concerns over the shortcomings in the administration of Universal Credit.
SFHA seeks member support for Challenge Poverty Week
Scottish Parliament unanimously supports new emergency powers in the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill.
Update on the impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) on social security services in Scotland.
Bill introduced to Scottish Parliament on 31 March.
Funding of £350 million to support welfare and wellbeing.
Roundtable cancelled as a preventative measure against the Covid-19 emergency.
Work and Pensions Committee calls for submissions to its inquiry on Universal Credit.
National Audit Office launches consultation to help inform investigation into process of making a claim and getting to the first payment.
Completion date for Universal Credit to be delayed until September 2024.
