Welfare Reform on the Web (November 2000): Social Security - UK
CARERS TO GET £191M BOOST
J. Carvel
Guardian, Oct. 3rd 2000, p. 15
More than 300,000 people caring for sick, disabled or elderly relatives will benefit from a £191m rise in allowances. There will be a £2 a week increase in the carer premium paid to 220,000 people on income support. Those getting the invalid care allowance will be able to earn upto £67 without losing benefit. Invalid care allowance will continue for up to eight weeks after the death of the person being cared for. And people over 65 will for the first time be entitled to start claiming the allowance.
CHEAP FUEL AID FOR RURAL POOR
V. Elliott
Times, Sept. 25th 2000, p. 6
Reports that petrol vouchers and mobility allowances are being studied by ministers to help to alleviate the transport difficulties of the poorest people in rural communities. The aim is to help low income car-owning households in rural communities and to recognise the difficulties faced by people without cars who have to pay for taxis because of the lack of public transport.
DOUBT OF THE BENEFIT
P. Cook
Public Finance, Sept. 15th - 21st 2000, p. 24-26.
Article investigates why housing benefit services are poor in some local authorities and good in others. Calls for a new set of targets and a new reporting structure to drive up performance and improve accountability.
LET THEM EAT SANDWICHES
D. Chadda
Community Care, no. 1336, 2000, p. 12
Argues for the replacement of budgeting loans from the Social Fund for the purchase of essential items such as clothes and cookers by a system of grants. People on income support and jobseekers' allowance simply cannot afford to repay the loans.
TORIES PLAN TO SAVE £350m BY BENEFIT REFORM
P. Waugh
Times, Aug. 29th 2000, p. 9
Reports Conservative Party proposals to introduce a centralised disability fund that would both pay Incapacity Benefit and buy medical treatment and equipment aimed a helping people get fit for work. The agency would purchase physiotherapy and occupational therapy for claimants as well as physical aids.
(See also Daily Telegraph, Aug. 29th 2000, p. 4; Financial Times, Aug. 29th 2000, p 2).