Welfare Reform on the Web (December 2002): Social Security - UK
BUILDING CHOICE AND RESPONSIBILITY: A RADICAL AGENDA FOR HOUSING BENEFIT
Department for Work and Pensions
London: 2002
Announces the biggest reform in Housing Benefit since its inception. In ten pathfinder areas, government will introduce standard local housing allowances, initially in the deregulated private rented sector, based on area and family size. This simplified system will give tenants more choice. Tenants and landlords will know exactly how much of the rent will be covered by the benefit.
LOW EARNERS TO GET £1,500 INCENTIVE TO START SAVING
J. Sherman
The Times, 7th Oct. Monday 2002, p.5
Millions of families on low incomes will be given up to £1,500 each as part of a new £700m savings scheme being piloted by the government to help people build up a nest egg.
MINISTER FOR WORK TO CUT 20,000 OF HIS OWN STAFF
A. Frean
The Times, Oct. 11th 2002, p.4
Up to 20,000 public sector posts in Benefit Offices and Job Centres are to go over the next four years. The jobs will be lost in be merger between the Benefits Agency and the Employment Service.
ONS TO REFORM LABOUR MARKET STATISTICS
P. Bivand
Working Brief, Issue 138, Oct. 2002, p. 20-23
The author welcomes the proposals for some radical changes in how labour market statistics are presented. The claimant count, it is argued, simply, does not measure the supply of labour which is available to employers and government manipulation of it has undermined its credibility.
RENT RELIEF WILL BE PAID DIRECT TO CLAIMANTS
N. Morris
The Independent, Oct. 18th 2002, p. 8
Housing benefit claimants will receive their money direct in the biggest shake-up of the system in its 20 years history. They will be paid a flat-rate allowance based on rent levels, their income and the size of their family.