Staff – operational news

Operational news

CSF/251/2016

Self-employment as a Big Issue seller may not be genuine and effective self-employment for the purposes of establishing a right to reside.

[2017] UKUT 155 (AAC)
The tribunal considered the Appellant’s finances in the round as indicating the level of income she required and the extent to which the Big Issue income provided a real contribution towards it. The relevance of the state benefits was that they formed the bulk of what the Appellant relied on. Her earnings were a top-up but were not 'meaningful' income. More >

added 10 May 17

Universal Credit implementation

Work and Pensions Committee writes to Secretary of State following a 'near unanimous set of concerns' raised during its inquiry into the benefit implementation.

There was a near unanimous set of concerns about its implementation, including:

  • claimants waiting 12 weeks or more for their first payment, resulting in hardship and distress;
  • vulnerable claimants struggling to adapt to receiving universal credit as a single monthly payment;
  • the seven waiting days at the start of a claim, for which claimants receive no benefit, adding to claimants' financial difficulty;
  • rent arrears amongst universal credit claimants rising;
  • poor communications between landlords, support organisations and the Department where universal credit ‘full service’ is operating; and
  • universal credit inadequately supporting claimants in emergency temporary accommodation.

added 3 May 17

Extended access to Motability cars

DWP Minister confirms extended access to Motability cars for up to six months for claimants not entitled to enhanced rate mobility component.

The government has confirmed changes to support for those who lose entitlement to a Motability car when transferred from disability living allowance (DLA) to personal independence payment (PIP).

Penny Mordaunt confirmed that Motability has agreed to extend its transitional support package for DLA claimants who are not entitled to the enhanced rate mobility component when transferred to PIP. The extension allows claimants to retain their car for up to eight weeks after their DLA payments end, an increase from the current three-week period.

In addition, Ms Mordaunt confirmed that customers who are eligible for transitional support payments of up to £2,000 -

‘… will be able to retain their car for up to six months, including during the processes of reconsideration or appeal. For those who take advantage of this option, the level of transitional support payment will be reduced.

The Minister added that, once the full guidance for claimants is available, a copy will be placed in the House of Commons Library.

added 26 Apr 17

Universal Credit training

We have now booked for an external trainer – Rhoda from CA Taunton – to come and train us ready for UC. Paid staff training will be on 27/4/17 and the first volunteer session will be on 11/5/17. An email will be sent out to volunteers who have a place on this first session this week. Further sessions will be provided in-house, dates to be arranged in May.

added 20 Apr 17

Update: the caseworker training on 27 April at the Salvation Army office behind the Playhouse - to access you go through the Tudor Mall and turn right. 9.30am start, will run to approx 4pm.
added 26 Apr 17