There is no session this week as the summer break continues on the meantime here is a summary of what has been happening over the last two weeks. The group will return on Monday 8 September.
Welfare and Sickness Trends
Nearly 2.8 million people are now out of work due to long-term sickness, pushing the share of Universal Credit claimants with no work requirements to 46%. With 8 million claimants overall, DWP faces rising costs, strained work coaches, and growing pressure for reform.
Housing and Right to Buy
Since 1980, 1.9 million council homes have been sold, eroding local authority assets by an estimated £326 billion. Over 40% of former council homes are now in the private rental sector, increasing Housing Benefit spend and reducing councils’ ability to meet local housing need.
Productivity and Workforce
Public sector productivity is still 4–5% below 2019, costing the economy around £80 billion a year. Healthcare is the biggest drag, nearly 10% down. In Scotland, absence rates are at record highs and nearly a third of the workforce is nearing retirement age.
Council Tax Pressures
Cases in Wirral, Slough and Northumberland highlight recurring challenges: mistaken arrears demands, low hardship fund take-up, and record arrears of £26.4m. Councils must balance firm collection with fair treatment.
Finance, Reform and Risk
Funding reforms from 2026–27 will create clear winners and losers, with inner London set to lose up to 12% while outer London and Yorkshire may gain. Reform UK’s early claims of council savings have drawn scrutiny, while central government has stepped in to support Woking’s £2bn debt.
Technology and risk were also front of mind
AI tools showing gender bias, data breaches costing an average of £2.23m, and new DWP systems to speed up case handling.
Conclusion
From welfare reform and council tax pressures to data risks and funding changes, the sector faces intense operational and financial strain.
The Independent Revenues & Benefits Discussion Group continues to provide a vital forum for expert analysis, shared learning, and open debate at a time of significant policy flux.
For more information or to join future sessions, contact Malcolm Gardner at Visionary Network. info@visionarynetwork.co.uk
Files to download
Please note that the handout contains additional slides covering other items of interest in the news and job adverts, which are provided in partnership with Business Smart Solutions (https://www.businesssmartsolutions.co.uk/).