Welfare Reform on the Web (November 2004): Social Security - UK

MINISTERS UNDER FIRE AS POOR GET 50P A WEEK BENEFIT RISE

P. Thornton

The Independent, Oct. 25th 2004, p.2

Millions of the poorest people in Britain are facing a benefit increase of just 50p a week, the smallest rise in their payments for at least 30 years. Millions of claimants of Jobseeker's Allowance, Housing Benefit and Income Support will see payments go up by just 1 per cent next year, thanks to the operation of a government formula. Campaigners said that those losing out - the "forgotten" poor - were being sidelined because of the Government's focus on pensioners and families with children.