Tag: Department for Work and Pensions

The press release issued by the Department of Work and Pensions on 1 April 2023.

An additional £842 million is available from today (1 April 2023) to help the most vulnerable households across England with essential food and energy costs.

• Department for Work and Pensions’ £842 million Household Support Fund extension comes into effect today
• Extra money given to councils to provide further help to most in need with essential food and energy costs until 31 March 2024
• Vulnerable households and families encouraged to check their council website for details of support available

The funding, allocated by the Department for Work and Pensions to councils in England, will extend the Household Support Fund for another year.

Councils in England will decide how best to spend their allocation of the fund – now worth £2 billion across its lifetime – by drawing from local knowledge and making direct contact with people in the community.

They will be able to support the most vulnerable households in their local area – helping them with the cost of essentials like groceries, toiletries, and warm clothes, as well as providing further support with energy bills.

People can find out how much their area was awarded at gov.uk and are advised to check their council’s website or call their office to find out what support is available locally to them through the Household Support Fund.

Mims Davies MP, DWP Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression, said:

This significant extension to the Government’s Household Support Fund is hugely welcome – as it has already helped millions of vulnerable families across England through these financially-testing times and will continue to do so over the next year.

Last week, I visited one council that is using their allocation to well on a range of issues from food insecurity to tackling bed poverty.

There, the Household Support Fund has resulted in hundreds of cots and beds being provided to vulnerable households to increase comfort and wellbeing.

This is just one example of the important locally led schemes providing tailored support help to those that need it most in challenging times.

This fund is of course just one part of our extensive Cost of Living support package for families that is complementing our efforts to halve inflation – one of the Prime Minister’s top priorities – to reduce prices for us all.

Devolved administrations have also been allocated funding in parallel as a result of the Barnett Formula to spend at their discretion, bringing the total amount of new funding to almost £1 billion.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 30 March 2023.

• State Pension age rise to 67 will take place as planned between 2026-2028.
• Review within two years of next Parliament to reconsider rise to age 68.
• Delivers on Government responsibility to ensure the State Pension remains sustainable and fair across the generations.

The Government has confirmed the State Pension age will rise to 67 by the end of 2028, following a review published today.

After carefully considering expert evidence, including two independent reports, the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions has concluded the planned pension age rise from 66 to 67 for those born after April 1960 remains appropriate.

The Pensions Act 2014 requires the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to regularly review State Pension age. To inform this Review, two independent reports were commissioned – analysis from the Government Actuary based on life expectancy projections and the proportion of adult life spent in retirement, and findings from Baroness Neville-Rolfe which considered relevant factors including life-expectancy trends.

As the number of people over State Pension age increases, the Government must ensure it remains sustainable and fair for current and future generations.

The Government plans to have a further review within two years of the next Parliament to reconsider the rise to age 68.

This gives the Government appropriate time to take into account evidence which is not yet available on the long-term impact of recent challenges, including the Covid pandemic and global inflationary pressures. These events bring a level of uncertainty in relation to the current data on life expectancy, labour markets and the public finances.

This will ensure that the Government is able to consider the latest information to inform any future decision on the State Pension age. This will include life expectancy and population projections updated with 2021 Census data and the latest demographic trends, the economic position and the impact on the labour market of the recently announced package of measures to tackle inactivity.

Given the wide-ranging impacts of changing the State Pension age, it is important to take the time to get any changes right.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride said:

It’s essential the State Pension remains sustainable and fair across the generations. Our balanced approach will help achieve this and ensure we continue to provide security and dignity in retirement for millions of people across the country.

The Government remains committed to the principle of providing 10 years notice of changes to State Pension age, enabling people to plan effectively for retirement. All options for the rise to the State Pension age from 67 to 68 that meet the 10 years notice period will be in scope at the next review.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 20 March 2023.

An extra £22 million is being invested to extend free and impartial support for people making a Universal Credit claim.

• Over three quarters of a million people have already received support though Help to Claim.
• The support, now in its fifth year and delivered by Citizens Advice, provides support to guide people through the Universal Credit claim process.
• DWP is extending this with a further £22 million of investment to support people to make a new Universal Credit claim.

The ‘Help to Claim’ support will continue to be delivered independently for another year by Citizens Advice and Citizens Advice Scotland, following a further £22 million investment by the department. Citizens Advice have provided the Help to Claim support since its inception in 2019.

This additional investment will ensure that support is available to help people make a new Universal Credit claim and manage their claim until they receive their first payment.

Minister for Employment, Guy Opperman MP, said:

Help to Claim continues to assist thousands of people every year with over 800,000 people already receiving support since its introduction.

This additional investment will allow Citizens Advice to continue to provide this vital support following its extension for a further year.

This high quality and independent support comes in addition to the support already provided through our network of Jobcentres, with our staff standing ready to assist those in need of support.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:

As the cost of living continues to put household finances under pressure, our top priority is supporting the many people coming to us for help.

We’re glad to continue this important support. We’ve seen first-hand the difference our advisers make in helping people access Universal Credit.

We’ll continue to use our frontline insights and unique data to suggest enhancements to the benefits system, further helping the people we support.

People will be able to access the support and advice online or by telephone. For those who are unable to access support via these channels, individuals will be able to contact their local Jobcentre, where staff will help to identify the right support to meet their needs.

DWP remains committed to providing the best possible support for all claimants, including the most vulnerable in society, in both making and maintaining their Universal Credit claim.

Find out more about Help to Claim and how to access support online.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 16 March 2023.

Millions of people will benefit from specific support to look for work, acquire new skills and progress into better-paid jobs.

• Interventions focus on removing barriers to work for people at any age and career stage
• Parents on Universal Credit will be further supported with upfront childcare costs
• Boost to employment support for disabled people and those with health conditions building on reforms in landmark White Paper

Parents, over-50s, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions will have opportunities arising from changes announced in the Budget set to be delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions.

Overall, DWP measures at Budget represent an investment of £3.5 billion over five years to boost workforce participation and grow the economy. That includes:

• £2 billion investment in support for disabled people and people with long-term health conditions.
• £900 million investment in support for parents on Universal Credit.
• £70 million investment in support for over-50s.
• £485 million investment in support for unemployed people and people who are on Universal Credit and working fewer than full time hours.

Taken together, these measures tackle the challenges in the labour market, which are holding back the UK’s economic prospects, helping millions of people with specific support to look for work and progress into better-paid jobs.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride MP said:

We know many people want to work but there are very real barriers we need to break down to help them into employment.

This package of support helps people at any age and career stage to get into work, progress into better-paid jobs – growing the economy and filling the labour market with skilled employees.

These interventions are only the start of a long-term journey to drive down economic inactivity and mobilise more people into seeking employment, which I will continue to lead across Government.

Childcare

Parents on Universal Credit looking to move into full-time work will no longer be prevented from doing so because of high childcare costs.

The Universal Credit childcare cost cap will rise in the summer meaning the Government will pay more of parents’ childcare costs. For those with one child it rises from £646.35 to £951 and for two children the cap is up from £1,108.04 to £1,630, then increasing in line with CPI each year until 2027/28.

Parents will also be further supported with upfront childcare costs. This removes any gap in funds which would currently be claimed in arrears and eases parents into the childcare costs payment cycle.

Disabled people and people with health conditions

The Health and Disability White Paper, included as part of the Budget, sets out plans to rewire the benefits system for disabled people, shifting the dial onto what people can achieve and removing barriers to work.

A major element of this will be through the removal of the Work Capability Assessment, giving people the confidence to move into work while reducing the burden of unnecessary assessments.

A new Universal Support programme will support disabled people and people with health conditions into sustained work, with those eligible able to opt in to receive up to 12 months of provision, with the government spending up to £4,000 per person and funding 50,000 places every year. This will help them to move quickly into suitable work and, with wraparound support, help them sustain that employment for the longer-term.

Pioneer areas are already mobilising services to provide greater support, and then the programme will ramp up over time, expanding to support thousands more people.

Older workers

A new digital Mid-life MOT check will be introduced to help older workers understand what their employment choices now mean for the longer-term – reaching 40,000 people a year.

They will also benefit from a boost to skills and better access to training through the Sector-based Work Academy Programme (SWAP), Train and Progress and the new ‘Returnerships’ programme.

Jobcentre support

We are increasing jobcentre support for people on Universal Credit who could work more, helping them progress towards more paid work.

This includes around 80,000 more people, whose partners claim Universal Credit, being given access to full jobcentre support for the first time. They will be assigned their own work coach who will provide tailored support to help them find work quicker.

All those working less than half of a full-time week will also get full jobcentre support to look for more work as the Administrative Earnings Threshold increases to the equivalent of around 18 hours from 15.

And more young people aged 16-24 on Universal Credit will be able see a work coach in a Youth Hub or benefit from the expertise of our Youth Employability Coaches.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 6 March 2023.

Employers are being encouraged to better support women experiencing the menopause as the Government today appointed England’s first ever Menopause Employment Champion.

• Helen Tomlinson appointed new Menopause Employment Champion and calls on more employers to develop menopause policies
• One in four women experiencing menopause are reported to have considered leaving their job due to symptoms
• She will drive awareness of issues surrounding menopause and work while promoting the benefits for businesses and the economy when women are supported to stay in work and progress

Helen Tomlinson, Head of Talent (UK & Ireland) at The Adecco Group, has been appointed to the independent role by the Department for Work and Pensions and will work closely with the Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies.

As part of the voluntary role, Helen will focus on encouraging employers to develop menopause policies to create more supportive environments to help women experiencing menopause to stay and progress in work. She will carry out this work while continuing her employment at Adecco.

With 30 years’ experience in the recruitment and employability sector, Helen is ideally placed to take on the role having hosted a podcast on menopause and work which led to her working with Adecco to develop and introduce their menopause policy.

Launched in 2021, it has since been adapted for numerous external clients and includes training for managers and the creation of a menopause community of allies who advise women on how to support themselves to thrive in work whilst experiencing menopause.

Menopause Employment Champion, Helen Tomlinson said:

I have witnessed the transformational power that opening up conversations on the menopause can have in a workplace. By creating safe spaces by educating management and creating allies across workforces, women can be supported and empowered to manage their symptoms and thrive in work.

Less than a quarter of UK businesses currently have a menopause policy, but as I take on this role, I am determined that my generation of women in work will break the menopause taboo and have confidence that their health is valued.

I look forward to working with women and leaders across all sectors of work to address this gap and make a difference for current and future generations.

Department for Work and Pensions Minister, Mims Davies said:

Menopause is a major driver of too many women leaving the workforce early, often when they are at the peak of their skills and experience with so much more still to contribute.

We are committed to ensuring any stigma is addressed associated with menopause and its symptoms which can vary.

Working positively with employers is vital to ensure they can recruit and retain women experiencing menopause and stop women perhaps considering giving up their employment due to the impact.

I look forward to working closely with Helen, to achieve our goals of driving positive workplace change to help realise the full potential of women, businesses, and the economy by assisting women at any age and career stage to be properly supported and thrive in work.

Although not all women experience effects which prevent them from working, research suggests those with serious menopausal symptoms take an average of 32 weeks of leave from work, whilst one in four women report they have considered leaving their job due to experiencing the menopause.

The average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51, and this matters especially as women over 50 represent the fastest growing segment of the workforce, with a third of the working age population now over 50.

Indeed, 1 in 100 women experiencing menopause impact before the age of 40 with peri-menopause symptoms often during their 40s and some experiencing it mid-30s.

As Menopause Employment Champion, Helen will focus on workplace support and raising awareness of menopause related issues. This could include advising employers on small but significant changes they could make to the workplace, such as offering those experiencing symptoms more regular breaks, a choice of uniform or creating cooler spaces in offices for those experiencing hot flushes.

Helen will also work closely with the Women’s Health Ambassador Dame Lesley Regan whose work on the menopause centres on healthcare provision.

Women’s Health Ambassador Dame Lesley Regan said:

Having spent my professional career caring for women across their life course, I am acutely aware of the need to support menopausal women in every aspect of their lives.

The Menopause Employment Champion will improve the support we offer our workforce – keeping women in the workplace and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity to live her life to the fullest potential.

This is a further positive step in the implementation of the Women’s Health Strategy which is tackling many practical problems that women experience when trying to access the services they need to optimise their health and wellbeing.

I look forward to working closely with Helen Tomlinson in her new role.

Ahead of today’s announcement, Mims Davies and Helen Tomlinson visited the Whitbread-owned Premier Inn at London County Hall, as the Group has made the menopause a key part of its diversity and inclusion policy.

Janet Tidmarsh, Head of Diversity and Inclusion for Whitbread said:

The menopause is a key part of our robust Diversity and Inclusion strategy, particularly because 67% of our front-line workers are women.

We’re so proud to be on our journey to being accredited as a Menopause Friendly Employer and have made our workplace guide to the menopause available in six different languages. This makes sure it is as accessible as possible in order to enable teams and managers to be supportive for people experiencing menopausal symptoms.

Our Gender Equality inclusion network, which is run by colleagues across the business, has been instrumental in driving awareness and change and work is only going from strength to strength as we continue to invest in this important topic.

This latest announcement comes ahead of International Women’s Day this week and builds on the government’s delivery of an ambitious plan to improve the health and wellbeing of women and girls, set out in the Women’s Health Strategy, in which menopause features as a priority area.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 14 February 2023.

The DWP has signed the Age-friendly Employer Pledge, a nationwide programme run by the Centre for Ageing Better to promote age inclusive working practices.

The Department for Work and Pensions recognises the immense benefit that a multigenerational workforce brings and will encourage other government departments and employers to sign up.

Permanent Secretary Peter Schofield CB said:

“I am very proud that DWP is leading the way as a workplace where all our staff can thrive – whether at the start of their career or experienced members of the workforce.

“Signing this pledge shows our continued determination to support our colleagues throughout their working life. From offering Mid-life MOTs, our menopause network and embedding flexible working, we are committed to making DWP an inclusive place to work for all ages.”

DWP age champion and Finance Director General Catherine Vaughan said:

“We know that older staff provide invaluable expertise, skills and experience to the important work the Department does.

“I’m pleased that by signing the Age-friendly Employer Pledge we’re continuing to show how much DWP values an age-diverse workforce. This will provide a tangible boost to help all our staff feel valued and supported whatever their age.”

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 13 February 2023.

The review will examine how TPR is performing its role and where it can improve, providing greater efficiency and value to taxpayers.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Mary Starks to lead a review of The Pensions Regulator (TPR).

This is in line with the expectation that public bodies are reviewed each Parliament. The Minister for Pensions has asked Starks to aim to deliver the report in May 2023.

Stark’s previous experience includes serving as executive member of the Board and Director of Competition and Chief Economist at the Financial Conduct Authority. She has also served as Executive Director of Ofgem, focussed on innovation, customer behaviour and safeguarding public confidence while moving towards a net zero carbon and digitalised energy system.

Minister for Pensions Laura Trott MP MBE said:

All public bodies must ensure that they are accountable and working for taxpayers.

Mary Starks has a background working in the regulatory sector and with public bodies, which will help her to deliver effective recommendations.

TPR Lead Reviewer Mary Starks said:

I am delighted to be appointed to lead this review. The Pensions Regulator plays a vital role protecting the interests of savers and ensuring employees benefit from workplace pensions.

As well as drawing on my own regulatory experience, I look forward to hearing from stakeholders from across the pensions sector and working closely with the teams at DWP and TPR.

The lead reviewer aims to identify efficiency savings of more than five percent where possible.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 13 February 2023.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has announced the appointment of Sara Weller CBE as the new permanent Chair of the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS).

Sara has been serving as a non-executive board member since September 2022 and will formally take up the role of permanent Chair on 29 March 2023.

Her prior experience includes serving as Joint Managing Director of Sainsbury’s, Managing Director of Argos, and non-executive director and Responsible Business Committee Chair at Lloyds Banking Group.

Minister for Pensions, Laura Trott said:

It’s brilliant to see Sara appointed as the permanent Chair of MaPS Sara will bring a wealth of experience to this challenging but rewarding role, continuing the work of her predecessor in supporting people across the country with vital money guidance.

Economic Secretary to the Treasury, Andrew Griffith said:

I’d like to welcome Sara to her new post as Chair of MaPS, and to thank Sir Hector for his successful leadership over a number of years.

Sara’s expertise in delivering for the consumer will ensure MaPS is well geared in the years ahead – taking forward vital work enhancing the financial capability of people across the country.

Sara Weller CBE, said:

I am delighted to have been appointed as the second Chair of the MaPS, with great thanks to Sir Hector Sants for his stewardship of MaPS in its early years.

MaPS has a key role to play making impartial money guidance accessible to all, particularly so at the moment given the current economic challenges, and I look forward to working closely with our many partners, to help people right across the country feel more able to manage their money.

Outgoing Chair of MaPS, Sir Hector Sants said:

I warmly welcome the appointment of Sara as my successor. In her current role, as a non-executive, she has already made a significant contribution to the work of MaPS.

MaPS is an arm’s-length body of the DWP and provides free and impartial MaPS guidance across the UK, as well as debt advice in England. In providing these services it supports the policy delivery of DWP and HM Treasury.

The appointment was made following an open competition regulated by The Office for the Commissioner of Public Appointments. Sara will serve as Chair of MaPS for five years until 28 March 2028.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 8 February 2023.

Cohabiting parents with dependent children who need support following the death of their partner can apply for bereavement benefits from tomorrow (9 February 2023).

The government has extended the eligibility criteria for Bereavement Support Payment and Widowed Parent’s Allowance, helping thousands more grieving parents to access this support.

The benefits are designed to help parents with the financial impact of losing a partner. Previously it was only available to eligible bereaved parents who were married or in a civil partnership.

The law change will ensure more children in bereaved families are equally supported, regardless of their parent’s legal relationship status.

DWP Minister Viscount Younger of Leckie said:

Losing a partner is tragic and this change will mean more bereaved parents can access this support through a profoundly difficult time for them and their children.

It has been our priority to get this legislation right, so it is fairer to bereaved children with parents who were not married or in a civil partnership, and I am very pleased this is now confirmed in law.

Minister for Social Mobility, Youth and Progression Mims Davies MP said:

We have made this important change to help thousands more grieving parents access the financial support they need and deserve.

We know so many lone parents are doing their best to support their families through such a difficult time and our bereavement benefits offer a lifeline to help them adjust to the impact of this.

I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible to make an application, as crucially, some bereaved parents will also be able to receive backdated payments to ensure they don’t miss out.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has opened a special 12-month application window for bereaved parents with dependent children whose partner died before 9 February 2023. The bereavement benefit and amount they are entitled to will depend on when they lost their partner.

To qualify, claimants must have met the eligibility criteria for either Bereavement Support Payment or Widowed Parent’s Allowance on or after 30 August 2018.

This means those who lost their partner before 6 April 2017 might be able to receive the legacy benefit Widowed Parent’s Allowance, should they be found to have been eligible for this on 30 August 2018.

Similarly, a surviving parent who lost their partner on or after 6 April 2017 may be eligible for its replacement, Bereavement Support Payment, should they have been qualified for this on 30 August 2018.

Alison Penny MBE, Director of the Childhood Bereavement Network said:

We are relieved that at last, cohabiting families who have suffered the devastating loss of their mum or dad will now have the same access to bereavement benefits as married and civil partnered families.

These benefits are a lifeline for grieving families, helping parents and carers put their children’s needs first as they begin to adjust to a life that has changed forever.

Our charity estimates that thousands of families, some bereaved as far back as 2001, may be in line for a retrospective payment of the benefits they have missed out on, paid from August 2018. The 12-month window for claiming a retrospective payment will help Government and support organisations to raise awareness and give families time to understand the effect that a back payment could have on their wider tax and social security entitlements.

Claims for Bereavement Support Payment can be made online via gov.uk, over the phone or through a paper application form. Claims for Widowed Parent’s Allowance will be processed by paper. Paper applications can be downloaded from gov.uk or requested over the Bereavement Service helpline.

More details on the full eligibility criteria and claims process will be available on GOV UK from 9 February 2023.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 7 February 2023.

Over 8 million families in the UK will continue to receive direct financial support from Government, with the first of five Cost of Living Payments – worth £301 – hitting bank accounts this spring.

• Over 8 million families in the UK on means-tested benefits will automatically receive £301 this Spring, and over 6.5 million people on disability benefits in the country will receive a £150 payment this summer
• £301 payment is the first of five direct cost of living payments for the most vulnerable households, including pensioners and disabled people, with the total amount of support reaching up to £1,350
• Full breakdown released showing recipients of Cost of Living and disability payments by local authority and parliamentary constituency

After confirming the payment schedule for five cost of living payments through the 2023/24 financial year, The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has today announced in Parliament more detail on the support.

This includes estimates of how many people across the UK, and in each local authority and parliamentary constituency, will receive the first £301 Cost of Living Payment and the £150 Disability Payment, which follows on from up to £1,200 in support for low-income households in 2022.

Work and Pensions Secretary, Mel Stride said:

These direct payments will help people right across the UK over this year and the start of the next, as we continue to provide consistent, targeted and substantial support for the most vulnerable.

Our wider support package, including the Energy Price Guarantee, will ensure every household is being helped through this challenging period of high inflation, caused by Putin’s illegal war and the aftershocks of the pandemic.

Chancellor of the Exchequer, Jeremy Hunt added:

High inflation, exacerbated by Putin’s illegal war, is hurting economies across the world and making people poorer.

These payments are the next part of the significant support we are providing through this challenging time, with millions of vulnerable households receiving £900 directly into their bank accounts this financial year alongside additional help for pensioners and those with disabilities.

This latest payment will provide some temporary relief, but the best thing we can do to help families and businesses is to stick to the plan to halve inflation this year.

Exact payment windows and qualifying periods for eligibility will be announced in due course, but are designed to ensure a consistent support offer throughout the year. Payment windows will be broadly as follows:

• £301 – First 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2023
• £150 – 2023 Disability Payment – during Summer 2023
• £300 – Second 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Autumn 2023
• £300 – 2023 Pensioner Payment – during Winter 2023/4
• £299 – Third 2023/24 Cost of Living Payment – during Spring 2024

There are several benefits that could make claimants eligible for the £301 Cost of Living Payment, including Universal Credit and tax credits – through which 5.4 million households across the UK are expected to qualify, and Pension Credit, through which 1.4 million pensioner households are expected to be paid. 1.3 million will be eligible through legacy DWP benefits such as Jobseekers Allowance and Income Support, reaching a total of 8.1 million households.

Eligible individuals do not need to apply for payments, as they are made automatically. Those eligible for cost of living payments through tax credits, and no other means-tested benefits, will be paid by HMRC shortly after DWP payments are made.

This builds on the government’s wider support package, which includes further funding for the Household Support Fund, bringing its total value for October 2021 to March 2024 to over £2 billion. The fund is distributed to English councils, who know their areas best and are then able to offer direct support for those most in need in their local area. Every household with a domestic electricity supply is also benefitting from the Energy Price Guarantee, which is saving the average household around £900 this winter and a further £500 in 2023/24 by capping energy costs.

Benefits will also rise in line with inflation from April, which will see a 10.1% increase for pensioners and those on the lowest incomes, whilst the National Living Wage will see its biggest ever cash rise, bringing it to £10.42 an hour.

This all follows on from 2022’s support package, which included:

• A £650 Cost of Living Payment for means-tested benefit claimants, split into two payments, each of which supported over eight million households
• Further £300 and £150 payments, which reached over eight million pensioner households and six million disabled people respectively
• A £150 Council Tax rebate for all households in Council Tax bands A to D in England
• A £400 energy bill discount for all households, which will continue to run through March 2023