Tag: Department for Work and Pensions

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 21 February 2024.

The UK Government recently launched its Occupational Health Innovation Fund which has provided £1m funding to 10 projects to develop innovative new models of OH, using technology to improve the capacity and capability of OH providers and increase access for SMEs. Phase Two of the fund is expected to start in April.

• Dame Carol Black, an experienced health policy advisor, will lead a new Taskforce to improve employer awareness of the benefits of Occupational Health in the workplace.
• Only 45% of workers in Britain currently have access to some form of Occupational Health service.
• The Taskforce is part of the government’s drive to tackle in-work sicknesses and help grow the economy.

Businesses will be urged to tackle in-work sickness and stop people falling out the workforce, following the appointment of Dame Carol Black as the Government’s new Occupational Health Tsar.

Dame Carol, who has decades of experience in medicine and policy advisory while having chaired multiple government reviews, will head up a Taskforce that will produce a voluntary occupational health framework for businesses – which will include setting out minimum levels of occupational health needed to stop sickness-related job losses, and help businesses better support those returning to work after a period of ill-health.

Just 28% of employers in Britain provide some form of occupational health, with large employers (89%) nearly three times more likely than Small-Medium Enterprises (SMEs) (28%) to do so.

This much needed framework – expected this Summer – will form part of the Government’s drive to reduce inactivity levels and waiting list times.

Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill MP, added:

Millions of working days are lost each year through sickness. We are helping businesses tackle this challenge head on so we can help boost productivity and grow our economy.

The work of Dame Carol and her expert Taskforce will be crucial as we drive down absenteeism, which we know is holding back British businesses and really focus on making occupational health support available to all.

Our £2.5bn Back to Work Plan will also help one million people, including those with long-term health conditions and disabilities, find work and reap the benefits it has to offer.

Only 45% of workers in Britain have access to some form of occupational health, and with an estimated 1.8 million workers reporting work-related ill health in 2022/23, the government is acting to tackle long-term sickness to help people stay and succeed in work.

The Taskforce comes as the Government gets a £64 million pilot of a new WorkWell service underway, which will help 60,000 people with health conditions stay and succeed in work through integrated employment and health support.

The Taskforce will meet for the first time today aiming to increase access and uptake of occupational health through:

• Increasing information and visibility for employers on occupational health and the benefits of quality occupational health provision in retaining employees in the workplace.
• Empowering employers to play an active role in improving employee health.
• Removing barriers by focusing on SMEs with restricted finances and by ensuring that the Framework is applicable across sectors.
• Complementing other existing health and disability workplace initiatives, including where occupational health is required in law.

Dame Carol Black, Tsar of the Occupational Health Taskforce, said:

It is a privilege to Chair the new Taskforce which will review occupational health services available to employees across businesses of all shapes and sizes and then create a framework to support better employee health and wellbeing. We will encourage employers to embrace practices that prevent or reduce ill-health related job loss.

We know the impact high sickness absence and presenteeism has on businesses and their productivity, which is why I am so pleased to work with other members of the Taskforce to ensure occupational health support is in place for employees and employers alike.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Helen Whately MP, added:

A healthy economy is only possible with a healthy workforce.

We want more people to be able to benefit from good occupational health, especially employees in small businesses, because we know it works.

This Taskforce will set us on the path towards a healthier workforce, in turn boosting productivity and economic growth.

The UK Government recently launched its Occupational Health Innovation Fund which has provided £1 million in funding to 10 projects to develop innovative new models of Occupational Health, using technology to improve the capacity and capability of providers and increase access for SMEs.

A show and tell event demonstrating the innovative tools and resources will be held at the Department for Health and Social Care today. It will be attended by the Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill, and Minister for Health and Social Care, Helen Whately.

Additional Information

• Dame Carol Black is currently Chair of the British Library, the Centre for Ageing Better, and Think Ahead, the Government’s fast-stream training programme for Mental Health Social Workers. She co-chairs NHS England/Improvement’s Expert Advisory Group on Employee Health and Wellbeing. In 2022 she was appointed Independent Adviser to the Government on combatting misuse of drugs. Dame Carol has completed four independent reviews for the UK Government: of the health of the working-age population in 2008 as National Director for Health and Work; of sickness absence in Britain in 2011 as co-chair; of employment outcomes of addiction to drugs or alcohol, or obesity, in 2016; and on illicit drugs, demand, supply and treatment.
• In the Spring Budget, the Chancellor announced a wide-reaching £2billion package to support disabled people and people with health conditions to start, stay and succeed in work. This included two OH consultations. One was led by HMT/HMRC: Tax Incentives for Occupational Health, and the other by us Occupational Health: Working Better, which sought views on ways of increasing employer uptake of occupational health.
• At Autumn Statement 2023, the Occupational Health: Working Better consultation response took account of stakeholder feedback and outlined plans to imminently establish an Expert Group Task and Finish to support the development of a new occupational health Voluntary Minimum Framework.
• Further guidance will be published on GOV.UK in due course as the group begins its work to transform occupational health provision.
• Employee access to Occupational Health: (Employee research Phase 1 and 2 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))
• Employer provision of Occupational Health: Department for Work and Pensions Employer Survey 2022 – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• Sickness absence stats: Sickness absence in the UK labour market – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)
• HSE work-related ill-health stats are from here: Statistics – About HSE statistics

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 16 February 2024.

More than a quarter of a million workplace training places for benefit claimants have been delivered in just three years, new data reveals.

• 266,000 workplace training places delivered – boosting skills and long-term economic growth
• Target hit early as more than 80,000 jobseekers start already this year
• Programme tackling skills shortages in key sectors as £2.5bn Back to Work Plan expands employment support for over a million people

The latest figures show that in the last financial year 81,190 places were delivered – smashing the 80,000 target two months ahead of schedule. It brings the total number since the Sector-based Work Academy Programmes (SWAPs) was set up to 266,330.

As part of the government’s long-term plan for growth, these programmes give jobseekers a unique work opportunity with six-weeks on-the-job training and experience before a guaranteed interview, helping them prepare for and move into work.

There has been 266,330 starts on a SWAP since 2021, with 81,190 in the latest financial year – smashing an 80,000 target for the year two months early.

Unlike traditional work experience, SWAPs are often backed by employers looking to fill active vacancies. Businesses help craft these programmes, so that participants gain the skills and experience right for their roles.

Some of the most popular places were in sectors with the highest number of vacancies including:

• 36,810 in construction;
• 25,900 in security;
• 21,250 in hospitality;
• 19,930 in logistics and freight

Secretary of State for Work & Pensions, Mel Stride MP said:

Hundreds of thousands are taking full advantage of SWAPs and it’s easy to see why – these programmes are a great way for people to learn new skills and gain on the job experience, giving them the very best opportunity to get back into work and succeed.

Whether it’s over 50s returning to work or those just starting out, SWAPs are not only getting thousands onto the career ladder, they are helping businesses fill vacancies with staff who can hit the ground running.

Building on this delivery milestone, our £2.5bn Back to Work Plan will help over a million people to start and succeed in work.

From coding to matchday stewarding, becoming a fitness instructor or learning to mix cocktails in hospitality, there’s a breadth of courses backed by big industry names to appeal to jobseekers of any age, background and experience out there.

20-24 year olds made the most starts on SWAPs of any age group at 40,700, while 38,040 starts have been made by workers over 50 providing practical experience to kickstart professional careers at any age.

London saw the highest take up of SWAPs with 45,630, followed by the South East region with 28,250. This was followed closely by the North West with 28,130.

Mark, from Truro who secured a full-time job in the NHS after his SWAP said:

When I became unemployed the support I received through my local Jobcentre really improved my confidence and helped me to identify the transferable skills I had.

My Work Coach told me about the NHS SWAP which I didn’t think would be for someone like me. However, here I am back in work with a full-time role as a Clinical Imaging Assistant. I would encourage anyone looking for a new line of work to do a SWAP as it opens so many doors for a brighter future.

Diane, 58, from Devonport also secured a role with District Health Care and said:

When I first visited the Jobcentre I was low on confidence as I had been told by an employer that they were looking for someone younger. I was lacking motivation but with the support from my Work Coach I was helped to update my CV and they encouraged me to take part on a care SWAP. The SWAP helped to boost my confidence, identify the skills I had and the future is looking bright as I have now secured a fulltime role thanks to the support that I was provided with.

A further 80,000 starts are expected to be delivered next year which will see even more benefit claimants supported into work.

The milestone comes as the DWP’s Back to Work Plan is set to help over a million people, including those with disabilities and long-term health conditions to break down barriers to work.

Mary Macleod, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said:

Offering pre-employment support to jobseekers is critical in helping more people into work and to transform their lives. With many job seekers facing barriers to employment and employers struggling to recruit, programmes like DWP’s SWAPs have done a great job of tackling two problems with one solution.

Giving jobseekers the holistic and effective employment support needed to help them find and stay in work will also enable employers to tap into a wider talent pool of candidates, showing the clear business benefit for getting involved.

Additional Information:

• SWAPs provide jobseekers with 6 weeks pre-employment training, vocational training run by a local college or training provider, work experience with an employer and a job interview with an employer in the sector at the end of the programme.
• SWAPs are available for jobseekers claiming Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) or Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) in England and Scotland.
• SWAPs are backed by some of the biggest business industry representatives including the British Chamber of Commerce, the Learning and Work Institute as well as sector bodies such as Build UK.
• SWAPs are free with claimants continuing to receive benefits whilst taking part.
• Jobseekers or benefit claimants should contact their local Jobcentre Plus for more information about local SWAP opportunities available to them. Jobseekers looking for a job can use the Find a Job website on gov.uk.
• See the full breakdown of statistics for Sector-based Work Academies here: Written questions and answers – Written questions, answers and statements – UK Parliament.

This includes:

• 266,330 starts in total
• 81,190 in the latest financial year
• 38,040 for over 50’s
• 960 for over 65’s
• 40,700 for 20 – 24 year olds
• 31,710 for 25 – 29 year olds

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 8 February 2024.

New group comprised of government and pension industry representatives to look at helping savers track their pensions.

Members will discuss the design and implementation of the proposed new consolidation system as part of new Small Pots Delivery Group.

This represents a vital step in delivering greater value for money which could benefit the average saver by £700 at retirement.

A new group designed to help savers track their pensions was launched yesterday (7 February) by Pensions Minister Paul Maynard.

The new system is designed to put savers first and ensure a better functioning pension market. It involves a small number of authorised schemes working to consolidate small pension pots on behalf of savers.

Pensions Minister Paul Maynard said:

Deferred small pots are costly, inefficient, and hard to keep track of.

This group will help in crafting a cost-effective and efficient system, ensuring better financial security and greater value for money for millions of savers.

Deferred small pots are small pension pots left inactive, often from a previous job, and typically contain small amounts of money.

Currently, these are a drag on the pension system making it harder for people to make informed decisions about – and keep track of – their pension, reducing the amount they may have in retirement. Some savers even lose track of their pots altogether due to having multiple pots from different jobs.

The successful introduction of Automatic Enrolment in 2012 brought millions of workers into workplace pension saving, often for the first time. In 2022 for example, employees across the UK saved £116 billion into their pensions – a real-terms increase of £29 billion compared to 2012.

However, with this has come rapid growth in the number of deferred small pots – without intervention this could result in annual administrative costs by 2030 of up to £225 million.

Helping to deliver on the chancellor’s Mansion House reform package, the new Small Pots Delivery Group will provide recommendations on how best to implement the proposed multiple default consolidator approach – which was set out in the government’s consultation response in November 2023.

Further Information:

• This work comes on top of wider initiatives, including multiemployer Collective Defined Contribution (CDC) schemes, the Value for Money Framework, and the development of decumulation products. Combined, these could improve the opportunity for investment and deliver better outcomes for members.
• The Delivery Group will be chaired by the DWP and has representation from:
• The Financial Conduct Authority
• The Pensions Regulator
• Pension and Lifetime Savings Association
• Association of British Insurers
• Pensions Administration Standards Association
• Chartered Institute of Payroll Professionals
• Association of Pensions Lawyers
• Which?
• Federation of Small Businesses
• Confederation of British Industry
• Chair of the industry led Small Pots Coordination Group
• Pensions Policy Institute

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 26 January 2024.

Families struggling with energy bills are being urged to speak to their council for Household Support Fund help.

• Over £360m has already been spent on helping people with energy and water bills.
• Councils have provided boilers, loft insulation and can help with the cost of essentials such as food and bills.

People struggling with the cost of energy bills this winter are being encouraged to speak to their council about the financial help available from the Department for Work and Pensions’ Household Support Fund.

The Government has invested over £2 billion into the Fund since it launched, with new statistics now showing more than £360 million has been paid to households for support with energy and water costs between October 2021 and March 2023.

With colder temperatures in recent weeks, the Fund can be used to make homes more energy efficient, as well as help households with bills.

Kingston upon Hull Council have used the Fund to pay for hundreds of boilers and radiators for residents, while others have benefitted from loft insulation, new thermostats, and radiator valves.

Pensioners in Swindon Borough Council have been allocated tens of thousands of pounds ahead of winter for tailored heating support, including fuel and energy grants as well as repairs and maintenance to heating systems.

The Fund is part of the government’s work to deliver a brighter future for Britain, building long-term economic security and stability, as well as a Britain where hard work is rewarded, and families are supported. That is why the government has worked to bring inflation down by more than half while cutting taxes which will help make the income of hardworking people go further.

Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill MP, said:

The Household Support Fund is there for anyone who needs a helping hand. This Fund allows councils to help in all kinds of ways – from providing heating support, like boilers and insulation, to other needs, such as kitchen essentials, free school meals and warm clothing.

Now inflation has more than halved, and the economy has turned a corner, anyone who feels they need help this winter should get in touch with their local council to find out how this Fund can help them.

As well as heating support, the Fund can help with other needs, such as kitchen essentials, free school meals and clothing to help people during the colder months.

The Fund sits alongside wider government support worth an average £3,700 per household – including up to £900 in direct Cost of Living payments for those on means-tested benefits. As well as this, three million households are expected to benefit from the £150 Warm Home Discount and over 11 million pensioner households received up to £600 in Winter Fuel Payments in December last year.

Working age and disability benefits are also set to rise by 6.7% from April, following last year’s inflation-matching 10.1% rise, and millions of private renters will benefit from boosts to the Local Housing Allowance for 2024-25.

As well as the Household Support Fund, there’s a range of support available to struggling households. Through the Help for Households campaign, people have access to information and support on a range of issues – from Cost of Living Payments to help with childcare costs, mental health advice and more.

To find out what support you may be eligible for go to Help for Households – Get government cost of living support.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 18 January 2024.

The Social Security Advisory Committee welcomes 6 new members.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has appointed the following new members to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC):

Les Allamby
Rachel Chiu
Daphne Hall
Stephen Hardy
Jacob Meagher
Suzy Walton

In addition, existing member Bruce Calderwood has been re-appointed to the Committee for a further term of three years.

Confirming the appointments, Parliamentary-Under-Secretary for DWP, Viscount Younger of Leckie, said:

I am delighted to welcome Les, Rachel, Daphne, Stephen, Jacob, and Suzy to the Social Security Advisory Committee, and also to welcome back Bruce for a further term. Collectively, the new appointments bring a formidable wealth of knowledge, experience and diverse perspectives which will further enrich the advice that the Committee provides to the DWP Ministerial team.

Dr Stephen Brien, SSAC Chair, said:

These appointments are a very welcome addition to the current Committee membership. The diversity of the new appointments will bring with it an impressive mix of knowledge, skills, and insight to our work on a broad range of issues that affect many people in our society who find themselves in vulnerable situations. I look forward to working with our new colleagues.

About the Committee

Established in 1980, the Social Security Advisory Committee is an independent statutory body. It provides advice to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions on proposals for the amendment of secondary legislation and on general social security matters.

The Commissioner for Public Appointments regulates all appointments made to SSAC by the Secretary of State. All such appointments are made in accordance with the Governance Code for Public Appointments.

SSAC members receive a daily fee of £256.80, for a time commitment of 2 to 3 days a month.

About the appointees

Les Allamby

Les holds several public appointments including Discretionary Support Commissioner for Northern Ireland. Les is a former member and vice-Chair of SSAC (2005 to 2014).

Les has been appointed from 1 February 2024 to 31 January 2029.

Bruce Calderwood

Bruce is a trustee of Avenues, a group of charitable companies providing support for people with complex needs. He is a former senior civil servant who served both in the Department of Health and DWP.

Bruce has been reappointed from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026.

Rachel Chiu

Rachel is a co-founder and director of Spring Housing Association and is a trustee of IKON.

Rachel has been appointed from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028.

Daphne Hall

Daphne is an editor at Rightsnet and is the Vice Chair of the National Association of Welfare Rights Advisers.

Daphne has been appointed from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026.

Stephen Hardy

Stephen is a Professor of Law at the University of Hull and a Judicial Office Holder.

Stephen has been appointed from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026.

Jacob Meagher

Jacob is a practising barrister (England and Wales), a Research Associate at the University of Cambridge Centre for Business Research and a Board Member and Trustee of the Snowdon Trust.

Jacob has been appointed from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2028.

Suzy Walton

Suzy is a strategic adviser and former board member at the Institute of Directors. A former senior civil servant at the Cabinet Office, Suzy has a number of roles on various public bodies, is a Chartered Director and a mother of 7. She has a PhD from her work in the Ministry of Defence on suicide.

Suzy has been appointed from 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2026.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 January 2024.

Around 82,500 renters in Wales are set to receive a boost to their housing support in April, as the Government lays legislation to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

Around 1.6 million private renters across Great Britain are set to receive a substantial boost to their housing support in April, as the Government lays legislation to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA). In Wales, around 82,500 households are set to benefit from the boost.

The boost will benefit some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year.

The support worth over £7 billion over the next five years comes as the government publishes the proposed LHA rates for 2024/25, with people living in the most expensive areas set to see the biggest boost.

Subject to the benefits cap, eligible renters of:

• Four bed in the Cardiff Broad Rental Market Area could get up to £1,300 a month.
• Three bed in the Monmouthshire Broad Rental Market Area could get up to £795 a month.
• Two bed in the Merthyr & Cynon Broad Rental Market Area could get up to £500 a month.

The increase to the LHA has been welcomed by many housing and homelessness organisations and is part of the Government’s £104 billion cost of living support package – worth an average £3,700 per household. This also includes raising benefits by 6.7%, the state pension by 8.5%, and £300 cost of living payments, with over 7 million households receiving the latest payment and another payment coming in Spring.

This additional support comes as 27 million people are set to get a significant tax cut as the main rate of employee National Insurance will be cut from 12% to 10%. This reduces National Insurance by more than 15% in total, saving £450 this year for the average salaried worker on £35,400.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

Housing costs are the number one expense for families. This £7 billion boost to Local Housing Allowance over the next five years, along with our landmark Back to Work reforms, reflects our fair approach to welfare – helping people into employment while protecting the most vulnerable with unprecedented cost of living support.”

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Mims Davies said:

Keeping inflation down and supporting people to stay and progress in work is the best way we can bolster families’ finances and help them progress, but we know some are still struggling which is why we are providing this important extra help.

This key boost to our housing support will see average renters around £800 better off. It is just one crucial part of our £104 billion package to help the most vulnerable which also includes an increase to benefits in line with inflation and our latest series of cost of living payments.”

Secretary of State for Wales, David TC Davies said:

I’m pleased this extra support will benefit tens of thousands of households across Wales, which comes on top of the already substantial support that the UK Government has already provided over recent months to support people with the cost of living.

At a time when many people are concerned about paying the bills, the UK Government continues to focus on helping the most vulnerable in all parts of Wales”.

Crisis Chief Executive Matt Downie said:

It cannot be understated just how vital this investment in housing benefit will be in helping to both prevent and end homelessness.

In recent years, people receiving housing benefit have found it increasingly difficult to afford the soaring cost of rents. Giving housing benefit this crucial boost will make a real difference to people across Great Britain and will relieve some of the pressure facing people on the lowest incomes.

We hope this investment will be maintained for the long term, so we can continue with our collective mission to end homelessness for good.”

The investment comes on top of the £30 billion support the government is providing over 2023/24 on housing support.

Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

This funding boost is just one part of how we’re supporting people in the private rented sector with the cost of living.

We have already invested £30 billion in housing support, along with Discretionary Housing Payments which provide an added safety net for anyone struggling to meet their rent.

We are taking the long term decisions needed for a better private rented sector, through our Renters Reform Bill, giving tenants security and supporting good landlords.”

The Local Housing Allowance determines the maximum housing support for private renters. It ensures that claimants in the same area with similar situations are entitled to the same maximum support regardless of the rent they pay. The level of support is based on the area where the person lives and the size of their household.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 9 January 2024.

Around 1.6 million private renters are set to receive a substantial boost to their housing support in April, as the Government lays legislation to increase Local Housing Allowance (LHA).

• New Local Housing Allowance rates to come into force in April as legislation being laid in parliament.
• £7 billion investment over the next five years means 1.6 million private renters on Universal Credit or Housing Benefit will be around £800 better off a year.
• Comes as national insurance cut comes into effect – meaning households with two average earners will save nearly £1,000 per year.

The boost will benefit some of the poorest families on either Universal Credit or Housing Benefit who will gain around £800 a year on average.

The support worth over £7 billion over the next five years comes as the government publishes the proposed LHA rates for 2024/25, with people living in the most expensive areas set to see the biggest boost.

The increase to the LHA has been welcomed by many housing and homelessness organisations and is part of the Government’s £104 billion cost of living support package – worth an average £3,700 per household. This also includes raising benefits by 6.7%, the state pension by 8.5%, and £300 cost of living payments, with over 7 million households receiving the latest payment and another payment coming in Spring. Whilst more than 26 million payments totalling over £2 billion to help families with essentials have been made since October 2021 through the Household Support Fund.

This additional support comes as 27 million people are set to get a significant tax cut as the main rate of employee National Insurance will be cut from 12% to 10%. This reduces National Insurance by more than 15% in total, saving £450 this year for the average salaried worker on £35,400.

Subject to the benefits cap, eligible renters of:

• A four-bedroom property in Bristol could get up to £1,850 per month.
• A two-bedroom property in Greater Glasgow could get up to £850 per month.
• A one-bedroom property in Leeds could get up to £675 per month.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

Housing costs are the number one expense for families. This £1.2 billion boost to Local Housing Allowance, along with our landmark Back to Work reforms, reflects our fair approach to welfare – helping people into employment while protecting the most vulnerable with unprecedented cost of living support.

Minister for Disabled People, Health and Work Mims Davies said:

Keeping inflation down and supporting people to stay and progress in work is the best way we can bolster families’ finances and help them progress, but we know some are still struggling which is why we are providing this important extra help.

This key boost to our housing support will see average renters around £800 better off. It is just one crucial part of our £104 billion package to help the most vulnerable which also includes an increase to benefits in line with inflation and our latest series of cost of living payments.

Crisis Chief Executive, Matt Downie said:

It cannot be understated just how vital this investment in housing benefit will be in helping to both prevent and end homelessness.

In recent years, people receiving housing benefit have found it increasingly difficult to afford the soaring cost of rents. Giving housing benefit this crucial boost will make a real difference to people across Great Britain and will relieve some of the pressure facing people on the lowest incomes.

We hope this investment will be maintained for the long term, so we can continue with our collective mission to end homelessness for good.

The investment comes on top of the £30 billion the government is providing over 2023/24 on housing support.

Minister for Levelling Up Jacob Young said:

This funding boost is just one part of how we’re supporting people in the private rented sector with the cost of living.

We have already invested £30 billion in housing support, along with Discretionary Housing Payments which provide an added safety net for anyone struggling to meet their rent.

We are taking the long term decisions needed for a better private rented sector, through our Renters Reform Bill, giving tenants security and supporting good landlords.

The government is also tackling homelessness with the £654 million Homeless Prevention Grant, giving councils in England vital money and support to prevent and tackle homelessness, as well as developing the Homelessness Covenant with Crisis.

The Local Housing Allowance determines the maximum housing support for private renters. It ensures that claimants in the same area with similar situations are entitled to the same maximum support regardless of the rent they pay. The level of support is based on the area where the person lives and the size of their household.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 January 2024.

The Department for Work and Pensions has today appointed Anthony Arter CBE as the Interim Chair of The Pensions Ombudsman (TPO).

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

11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments – worth over £4.8 billion – have been made to pensioners across the UK over the past month.

• Around 11.9 million Winter Fuel Payments and Pensioner Cost of Living Payments have been made to pensioners across the UK over the past month.
• This means more than 99% of eligible pensioners have now received up to £600 per household to help with their energy bill this Christmas for the second year running.
• The support ­­– worth over £4.8bn – comes on top of the biggest State Pension increase on record, and a commitment to a further increase next April.

Each pensioner household has received up to £600 in tax-free cash automatically to help with energy bills and household budgets this winter.

It follows this year’s 10.1% State Pension increase – the largest in the history of the State Pension – with next year’s 8.5% increase set to break records again as the full rate of the New State Pension rises to over £11,500 a year. This means it will rise to £221.20 a week.

It also comes as the government has delivered on its commitment to halve inflation which is the best way to put more money in the pockets of hard-working people.

Our economy has turned a corner, with inflation halved and debt on track to fall, we are able to move away from the big government, high spending, high borrowing, and high tax approach that was necessary before, and focusing on the long-term decisions required to strengthen our economy and give people the opportunity to build a wealthier, more secure life for themselves and their family.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

Today shows we have honoured our commitment to protect pensioners throughout the cold winter months by paying out £4.8bn of direct support in a matter of days.

As well as getting this vital money to millions of pensioners, we have fulfilled our pledge to halve inflation and boosted the State Pension through the Triple Lock to ensure pensioners are supported after a lifetime of work.

While 11.9 million payments have already been issued, those who have not yet received theirs should not worry, as payments are continuing into January.

The money will appear in bank accounts with the payment reference starting with the customer’s National Insurance number followed by ‘DWP WFP.’ Pensioners are being asked to double check their bank statements for this reference number before contacting the DWP.

Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said:

As the cold weather bites, we want every pensioner to receive all the help they can. I’m glad to be able to confirm that 99% of those eligible for this generous support have received it.

We also encourage low-income pensioners not already getting Pension Credit to check their eligibility as they could be on average £3,900 a year better off.

Pension Credit is available for those with the lowest household incomes. This is worth, on average, £3,900 a year, and also acts as a gateway for further help with rent, council tax, heating, and TV licences.

Our Pension Credit Day of Action last year saw claims more than double to 275% compared to the same week the previous year.

Pensioners in receipt of Pension Credit also qualify for our wider extensive support package for vulnerable people of all ages across the country. This includes the final Cost of Living instalment worth £299.

This follows the Government’s Autumn Statement, which set out £104 billion to ease cost of living pressures for those on low incomes.

Additional Information:

The Cost of Living Payments, spread across 2023/24, are worth up to £900 for those on means-tested benefits. This is made up of:

• £301 – Paid between April – May 2023
• £300 – Paid between October – November 2023
• £299 – To be paid in February 2024

Winter Fuel Payments/Pensioner Cost of Living Payment were made to eligible pensioner households from 21 November – 7 December. The vast majority of payments should be made by 26 January.

Those who do not receive a payment by 26 January 2024 should contact the Winter Fuel Payment Centre.

The overwhelming majority of pensioners will receive their payment automatically, but some people need to claim:

If you have not got a Winter Fuel Payment before, you only need to claim if any of the following apply:

• you do not get benefits or the State Pension
• the only benefit you get is Adult Disability Payment from the Scottish Government, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Child Benefit or Universal Credit
• you live in Switzerland or an eligible EEA country

If you have got a Winter Fuel Payment before, you only need to claim if since your last payment you have either:

• deferred your State Pension
• moved to Switzerland or an eligible EEA country

Winter Fuel Payments can be claimed by phone or by post.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 5 December 2023.

The Department for Work and Pensions has announced the appointment of Dame Judith Hackitt as the new interim Chair of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), effective from 1 January 2024.

In her capacity as interim Chair, Dame Judith assumes the responsibility for ensuring that the ONR continues to regulate the nuclear industry efficiently and effectively on behalf of the public.

Minister for Pensions Paul Maynard said:

I am delighted to welcome Dame Judith Hackitt to the role of interim ONR chair.

I would also like to pay tribute to the ONR’s current Chair, Mark McAllister, for his contribution to nuclear safety and security for more than four years.

Dame Judith Hackitt said:

I am very pleased to take on the role of interim Chair of the ONR at this important time for both the regulator itself and for the UK’s energy strategy.

Nuclear is part of the Government’s strategy for meeting our country’s energy needs and to deliver at pace we need a strong and efficient regulatory regime in place to enable industry and provide public assurance.

With a wealth of experience and expertise from her various roles including Chair of HSE, directorship at Ingeniators, and advisory positions for Building Standards in the UK and Victorian Government in Australia, Dame Judith brings valuable insight to this important role.

Dame Judith will succeed Mark McAllister, who has served as Chair of the ONR since April 2019 before his recent appointment as Chair of Ofgem. Her appointment is for an interim period during which a recruitment campaign will be conducted to select the next permanent Chair for the ONR.

In her capacity as interim Chair, Dame Judith is entitled to an annual remuneration of £52,800, reflecting a time commitment of approximately 96 days per year.