On 24 March 2025, a diverse panel of experts and practitioners convened for a robust discussion on the latest developments in the United Kingdom’s welfare system. With topics ranging from the migration to Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants to the broader implications of pathways to work reforms, the session provided a…
Category: Universal Credit
Pathways to a More Empowering Welfare State: Winners, Losers, and the Cost of Inaction
The recent “Pathways to Work” green paper lays bare the escalating cost and inherent dysfunctionality of a binary welfare state—one that categorises individuals simply as either capable or incapable of work. This approach, particularly when applied to supporting those with genuine disabilities, is proving both economically unsustainable and socially regressive. As argued in Abundance by…
VN Monday Discussion Group 4/11/24 The Autumn Budget
On 4 November 2024, the Independent R&B Discussion Group met to examine the latest budget and its implications for local services, public spending, and policies affecting welfare and business rates. Led by Malcolm Gardner, the session provided detailed insights from experts in local government finance and welfare, with a focus on emerging policies and the…
14/10/24 VN: Monday Discussion Group Minimum Income Floor, Six Month Warnings & Pension Credit Take-up
The Independent R&B Discussion Group held on 14 October 2024, covered a range of topics related to government reports, pension credit uptake, and Universal Credit issues. Below is a summary of the key points from the discussion, with comments attributed to various speakers. Overview of the Government Reports Malcolm Gardner initiated the conversation by noting…
Jan 1 2024 Revenues and Benefits Update Pack
Happy New Year. I wanted to drop you a quick message during our holiday break. I’ve prepared a pack with the latest updates on revenues and benefits, covering what’s been happening with council finances and recent developments from the last couple of weeks. There’s some positive news about the funding settlement, although it still doesn’t…
Impact of Council Tax Rises Creates a Multifaceted Post-Code Lottery
The predicted council tax rises in the UK are projected to have a greater impact on households with lower incomes residing in the northern regions compared to those in the southern regions. This inequality stems from a combination of various factors: 1. Nature of Council Tax System: The Criteria for Determining Council Tax Bands: The…
Monday Discussion Group 26/11/23 Autumn Statement, the Good, the Bad and the Ugly
In our last meeting of 2023, we’ll be back on January 8, 2024, we covered the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement and its effects on the Revenues and Benefits department, along with its impact on citizens and stakeholders. We went through various topics, including changes in business rates, unexpected effects on council tax reduction schemes, and how…
Autumn Statement In a nutshell
Regarding benefits, there is a 6.7 percent increase, aligning with September’s inflation figures. This translates to an average enhancement of £470 for approximately 5.5 million households. Originally, ministers contemplated utilizing October’s inflation figure of 4.6 percent, potentially saving £3 billion but adversely impacting nine million households amidst the escalating cost of living. In addition, LHA…
How we are working with Local Authorities to improve welfare service delivery
Manu Peleteiro Co-founder at Inbest Local Authorities play a pivotal role in administering benefits, emergency grants, and vital welfare services. They are at the forefront of supporting their vulnerable residents during the Cost-of-Living crisis – and now the looming mortgage crisis. However, ensuring all residents receive their rightful entitlements presents the following challenges: Consequently, a staggering…
Monday Discussion Regarding the State of Fraud Risks
In our recent Monday discussion group, we delved into the question of whether fraud has become a diminished risk, warranting less concern than in previous years. This intriguing subject sparked a comprehensive dialogue, enriched by the examination of contemporary statistical data. The figures indicate a moderate decrease in various forms of fraud—including benefit, insurance, and…