Tag: Department for Work and Pensions

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

The State Pension is increasing by 8.5 percent today as part of the Government’s commitment to support pensioners in retirement.

• Millions of pensioners set to benefit from 8.5 percent increase to the State Pension today
• In one of the largest ever cash increase will mean pensioners will receive an extra £900 a year on the full rate of the new State Pension
• Universal Credit and other working-age benefits to see a 6.7 percent rise, while Government slashes National Insurance to help make work pay
• Comes as the Government has provided support worth an average £3,800 support households between 2022-25

The State Pension is increasing by 8.5 percent today as part of the Government’s commitment to support pensioners in retirement.

It comes on the heels of the highest ever cash increase to State Pension in history of 10.1 percent last year, plus a package of support for pensioners this winter worth nearly £5 billion.

Underlining the Government’s commitment to backing Britain’s pensioners, this means pensioners receiving the full new State Pension will get an extra £900 a year from today. The full yearly basic State Pension will also be £3,700 more than in 2010, while the full rate of the new State Pension will be over £11,500 a year.

This commitment centres around offering dignity and security to those who have worked hard all their lives and deserve support at a stage when they may be unable to grow their income through work. The Triple Locked State Pension remains a cornerstone of this commitment, as it is only right and fair that pensioners incomes are protected.

Pension Credit, a passport benefit to provide additional support for low-income pensioners, will also see a significant rise, with the average award worth over £3,900. The DWP is also increasing Local Housing Allowance rates, putting £800 back in the pockets of over 1.5 million recipients of Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

This unprecedented support has all been made possible because we are sticking to the plan and our economy has turned a corner– enabling people the opportunity to build a financially secure life for themselves and their family.

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

Thanks to the Triple Lock and our efforts to drive down inflation, we are putting money back in the pockets of pensioners. This is only possible because we have stuck to our plan and our economy has turned a corner.

This will make a meaningful difference to all those who rely on the State Pension and ensure we continue to provide a safety net for those who need it most while making work pay wherever possible.

Minister for Pensions, Paul Maynard MP said:

It’s only right that after a lifetime of work that we protect our pensioners’ incomes.

Our sustained commitment to the Triple Lock demonstrates our determination to continue to combat pensioner poverty, and to ensure that the State Pension will continue to provide the foundation of income in retirement so many need.

Minister for Employment, Jo Churchill MP, said:

We are continuing to protect those in need through boosting benefits by 6.7% and providing the largest cost of living support package in Europe.

The welfare system will always be there for people who need it, but work is the best way to secure long-term financial security and our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan will help even more people secure employment.

At the same time we are making work pay through generous tax cuts and the rise in the National Living Wage.

To ensure the most vulnerable are also supported, from today those on Universal Credit will see a 6.7 percent increase to ensure a genuine safety net whilst the Government supports their move towards financial independence through work. This 6.7 percent rise extends to other DWP benefits, such as Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance, among others.

In cash terms this means an additional £470 for the 5.5 million households on Universal Credit with over 19 million families across Britain benefiting from uprating, including working parents who can now receive up to £20,800 a year in childcare support.

The Government’s drive to support the most vulnerable has helped reduce absolute poverty by 1.1 million individuals compared to 2010 with over 200,000 pensioners being lifted out of poverty since 2010 after housing costs are taken into account. With inflation more than halved and forecast to reduce further, it is right that we help people back into work and grow the economy, while continuing to provide support to those who need it most.

That is why the Government has provided support worth an average £3,800 for vulnerable households between 2022-25 and is injecting £2.5 billion as part of the Back to Work Plan to help people with disabilities, health conditions, or who are long-term unemployed find and stay in work.

Alongside this, the Government is making work pay for workers and the economy: rewarding work by slashing National Insurance contributions for employed and the self-employed by a third since the autumn and putting £900 back in the pockets of the average hard-working employee. Taken together, this means the equivalent of 200,000 more people in work – filling one in five vacancies and adding 0.4% to GDP and 0.4% to GDP per head, according to the OBR.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 7 March 2024.

Plans to boost economic activity while supporting vulnerable people with the cost of living will be driven through by Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride, as the Government unveiled its Budget for Long Term Growth.

• Household Support Fund extended with £500 million of support for the most vulnerable households
• Equivalent of 200,000 more in employment following welfare reforms and tax cuts to make work pay
• “Additional Jobcentre Support” to be rolled out to 150 sites alongside unprecedented £104 billion cost of living package

Following the next generation of welfare reforms announced last Autumn – including the flagship £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan – more people will be rewarded for hard work with cuts to National Insurance worth £900 for the average employee this year.

We have already delivered on our plan to halve inflation, which is down to 4% from its peak of 11% thanks to the steps taken by this Government. As inflation continues to fall, millions of families will also benefit from extra support with the cost of living – helping deliver the long-term change our country needs to deliver a brighter future for Britain and improve economic security and opportunity for everyone.

The Household Support Fund – first introduced in October 2021 – will be extended for a fourth time. The extension, backed by £500 million, will support the most vulnerable households.

Alongside the continued cost of living support, jobseekers will be encouraged to secure long-term financial security through work following the extension of the Additional Jobcentre Support pilot.

The pilot will be expanded to a further 30 sites – reaching 150 in total – and will deliver intensive support so more people can secure the physical, mental, and financial benefits work brings.

Work and Pensions Secretary Mel Stride said:

Work is the best way to secure long-term financial security, which is why in this Budget the Government is rewarding hard work with more tax cuts, boosting growth and helping families with the challenges they’re facing.

The long-term decisions announced by the Chancellor will put £900 back in the pockets of 27 million employees this year and support the equivalent of 200,000 people into work, when taken together with the next generation of welfare reforms we’re already rolling out.

This was also a Budget that recognised some people are still struggling and the extension of the Household Support Fund will give vulnerable households the help they need.

Our plan is building a brighter future for millions of people.

To support households from falling into debt the Government is taking decisive action to ensure claimants retain more of the money they receive from Universal Credit.

Almost one million households on Universal Credit take out budgeting advance loans. These provide families with a vital source of funds to purchase one-off items like fridges and other expensive items.

To help make these repayments more affordable we will be increasing the repayment period for new loans from 12 months to 24 months.

The measures announced in the Spring Budget build on the next generation of welfare reforms the Secretary of State ushered in last autumn. The plans offer unprecedented employment and health support to help over a million people, while protecting those in most need from cost of living pressures – including raising pensions and benefits and more help with housing costs.

While unemployment has been almost halved since 2010, our £2.5 billion Back to Work plan will help thousands of people with disabilities, long-term health conditions and the long-term unemployed, to move into jobs. This comes alongside the Government’s Chance to Work Guarantee, so that claimants on incapacity benefits can try work without fear of losing their benefits.

The extension of the Household Support Fund comes on top of the £104 billion cost of living support package:

• Boosting the state pension by 8.5% from April for over 12 million pensioners, an extra £900 next year for a pensioner on the new State Pension
• Increasing benefits by 6.7% from April
• Increasing the Local Housing Allowance from April, worth an average gain of £800 a year

The Government has also announced several significant pension fund reforms as part of the Value for Money framework. These will benefit both savers and British business, led by new requirements for Defined Contribution pension funds to publicly disclose their level of investment in the UK.

The Government will also undertake further analysis and research on the viability of a lifetime provider model, which could move individuals to having just one workplace pension pot across their career.

Additional Information

1. £500m of additional funding enables the extension of the Household Support Fund, including funding for the Devolved Administrations through the Barnett formula to be spent at their discretion. This means that Local Authorities in England will receive an additional £421m to support those in need locally through the Household Support Fund.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 28 February 2024.

A bold new government-backed review has set out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work.

• Review sets out 19 recommendations to support more autistic people to start, stay and succeed in work.
• Despite most autistic people wanting to work, just 3 in 10 are currently in employment due to stigma and lack of understanding of their needs.
• More neuro-inclusivity in the workplace can help fill vacancies and grow the economy by unlocking the potential of thousands more people.

A bold new government-backed review has set out a vision for workplace culture changes to support autistic people to start and stay in work.

DWP figures show only around 30 percent of working age autistic people are in employment, compared with half of all disabled people and 8 in 10 non-disabled people, despite the majority saying they would like to be employed.

Commissioned by Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride and led by Sir Robert Buckland KC, the Review’s 19 recommendations for businesses and government include:

• signing up for the Autistica Neurodiversity Employers Index to access guidance on designing inclusive processes and procedures
• encouraging career progression by developing packages of training focused on autistic staff
• improving recruitment by ensuring careers advisers can provide appropriate advice to autistic jobseekers
• supporting autistic people who are already in the workplace by producing “autism design guides” to create appropriate premises, furnishings and equipment
• working with software suppliers to develop IT systems that meet autistic people’s needs.

The Buckland Review of Autism Employment was supported by charity Autistica and includes the views of hundreds of employers and autistic people.

It sets out how businesses and government can work together over the next five years – whether that is showcasing the successes of autism employment, developing pilot programmes in national and multinational companies, or providing tailored support for autistic staff at work.

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

I want autistic people to have every opportunity to benefit from work, and recognise that businesses and government must come together if we are to create the cultural change needed to move the dial.

Backed by the extra employment support provided through our £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan, this report provides employers with practical and inexpensive steps to open up workplaces to autistic people, boost employment rates and, above all, change autistic people’s lives.

Sir Robert Buckland KC MP said:

It has been a tremendous privilege to compile this report, and to hear from hundreds of autistic people about their experiences. This is all about them, and we couldn’t have done it without their help.

The review can make a truly radical difference to the lives of autistic people and their families. I call on employers and government to lead this change and make these recommendations a reality.

It is all part of the Government’s long-term plan to build a stronger economy – which has seen unemployment compared to 2010 decline, with four million additional people in work.

The Government has already succeeded in getting one million more disabled people into employment by 2027, five years ahead of schedule, with tailored support helping claimants realise their potential.

Access to Work grants worth up to £66,000 made working easier for nearly 50,000 people last year. The Government’s flagship Universal Support programme is set to provide up to 25,000 people with highly personalised employment support, working closely with employers to navigate any workplace adjustments required to accommodate individual needs.

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

There are so many benefits and positives autistic people can bring to the workplace, and this is matched by what employment can bring to them. We must make sure they get the work opportunities they want and deserve.

This welcome and important review will help ensure autistic people can thrive and progress in the labour market. I am keen employers get behind these recommendations, and partner with us to truly make our workforce more inclusive and welcoming.

Minister for Social Care, Helen Whately MP, said:

We want autistic people to have equal opportunities to flourish in society and contribute to the economy.

For too long there have been too many barriers for them in the workplace; this review is a major step to changing that.

This builds on our five-year autism strategy and shows our continued commitment to ensuring autistic people are able to lead happier, healthier and more fulfilling lives.

The review is the latest milestone in the Government’s mission to make the UK the most accessible place in the world, following the publication of the Disability Action Plan earlier this month, the launch of the Lilac Review, which will investigate the barriers disabled entrepreneurs face, and the longer-term National Disability Strategy, which will transform disabled people’s everyday lives for the better.

It also builds on the Government’s employment and welfare reforms – including the new £2.5 billion Back to Work Plan which will help thousands more disabled people and people with health conditions to start and thrive in work.

Additional information

• The Buckland Review of Autism Employment is available online.
• The latest figures for employment of autistic people are available on GOV.UK.
• The review is intended to complement, rather than duplicate, the Government’s national strategy for autistic children, young people and adults. Details of this strategy, which also recognises employment as a priority, are available on GOV.UK.
• Autism charity Autistica, which supported the review, has now launched the Neurodiversity Employers Index, NDEI®, an evidence-based framework to help organisations recruit and support neurodivergent employees and become leading neurodiversity-friendly employers. More information can be found on the Autistica website.
• A dedicated taskforce will be set up to further the work of the review.

The press release issued by the Department for Work and Pensions on 23 February 2024.

Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) outlines plans to make £1.4 trillion in pension schemes work better for savers and the wider economy.

• Options include making surplus extraction easier and designing a public sector consolidator

The DWP today set out plans to ensure the £1.4 trillion held by pension schemes delivers for savers and the economy.

Plans include making surplus extraction easier for well-funded Defined Benefit (DB) schemes, alongside a public sector consolidator operated by the Pension Protection Fund.

The consultation – which runs from today (Friday 23 February) until Friday 19 April – seeks views on how the money held in DB schemes can be best unlocked in the interest of savers and for sustainable investment in the wider economy.

Minister for Pensions, Paul Maynard said:

We are in a welcome position with DB pension schemes enjoying high levels of funding, and we want to make this money work harder for savers and the wider economy. I welcome industry views on our plans to reform the pensions market.

Over the last decade most DB schemes have become better funded, with the average scheme having a funding level of 113% in 2022, compared to 104% in 2010. This has led to an aggregate surplus of £200 billion.

By supporting these schemes to invest surplus in UK productive finance assets, it is believed the schemes can help boost the UK’s leading position as a leading financial centre, creating wealth to help fund public services.

Additionally, with around 5,000 schemes operating in the UK, consolidation of the market could also further the productive finance agenda – providing greater opportunity to strengthen the economy through increased investment.

Consolidation could also continue to strengthen security for savers through economies of scale and improved governance – ensuring better outcomes for savers remain at the heart of the proposals.

Further Information

• Link to the ‘Options for Defined Benefit Schemes’ consultation: Options for Defined Benefit schemes – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
• This consultation builds on ‘Options for defined benefit schemes: a call for evidence’ published in July 2023.

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.