Latest news with #AngusMacDonald
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
What DWP's 'Data Surveillance' policy means for Universal Credit claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed new powers will soon allow officials to request bank details from Universal Credit claimants. The DWP has released a statement in response to questions regarding "data surveillance" of Universal Credit claimants. MP Angus MacDonald raised a written question in parliament, enquiring whether the DWP had evaluated "the potential impact of data surveillance on recipients of Universal Credit". In his response, DWP minister Andrew Western clarified: "No assessment has been made as the DWP does not currently or have any plans to use data surveillance to regulate, police or monitor the actions of individuals or groups in receipt of benefits." However despite these assurances, legislation is progressing through parliament that would empower DWP investigators with new authority to access banking information, including that of Universal Credit recipients, reports the Mirror. The proposed measures aim to curb errors and fraud within the benefit system by enabling officials to demand that banks disclose details about the accounts of benefit recipients, such as those on Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit. This data will be utilised to verify the eligibility of benefit recipients for their payments. There's potential for these powers to extend to other benefits as well. The bill also proposes provisions for officials to directly withdraw funds from an individual's bank account if they owe money to the DWP and are not cooperating with repayment demands. In cases where these powers are used, investigators will need to request a minimum of three months' bank statements for the relevant account, to ensure the individual has sufficient funds. The person must receive at least 28 days' notice to provide them an opportunity to clear the debt before money is withdrawn from their account. MPs have recently passed a bill to implement significant changes to Universal Credit payments. The law will ensure that the standard allowance increases at least in line with inflation each year, from 2026/27 to 2029/30. However, there will be reductions to the additional amounts you can receive if you have a health condition that impacts your capacity to work. Here are the current rates for the monthly Universal Credit standard allowance:
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
DWP explains 'data surveillance' policy for Universal Credit claimants
New powers are coming in to allow officials to request bank details of claimants The DWP has issued a statement after it was asked about "data surveillance" of people who claim Universal Credit. In a written question in Parliament, Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald asked if the DWP had made an assessment of "the potential impact of data surveillance on recipients of Universal Credit". DWP minister Andrew Western said in reply: "No assessment has been made as the DWP does not currently or have any plans to use data surveillance to regulate, police or monitor the actions of individuals or groups in receipt of benefits." Despite this reassurance, a bill is going through Parliament to grant new powers to DWP investigators to request banking information, including about Universal Credit claimants. In efforts to prevent error and fraud in the benefits system, officials will be able to request bank providers to hand over details about the accounts of those who receive benefits, including Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance, and Pension Credit. The information will be used to check those who are receiving these benefits are eligible to get their payments. The powers could be expanded to include other benefits. Also included in the bill are measures to allow officials to directly take funds from a person's bank account where they owe an amount to the DWP, and they are refusing to pay up. In cases where these powers are used, investigators will have to request at least three months of bank statements for the relevant account, to make sure the person has the funds available. The person must get at least 28 days' notice to give them a chance to settle the debt before the funds are taken from their account. MPs recently approved a bill to make key changes to Universal Credit payments. The legislation will guarantee that the standard allowance will go up at least in line with inflation each year, from 2026/27 to 2029/30. But there will be cuts to the extra amounts you can get if you have a health condition that affects your ability to work. These are the current rates for the monthly Universal Credit standard allowance: If you're single and under 25 - £316.98 If you're single and 25 or over - £400.14 If you live with your partner and you're both under 25 - £497.55 (for you both) If you live with your partner and either of you are 25 or over - £628.10 (for you both).
Western Telegraph
04-06-2025
- Health
- Western Telegraph
No changes to drug laws even if consumption room is a success, says minister
The Thistle Centre opened earlier this year after a decade-long wrangle between the UK and Scottish governments, with the latter seeking an exemption from the Misuse of Drugs Act to ensure users of the facility are not prosecuted. Eventually, Scotland's top law officer ruled it would not be 'in the public interest' to seek to prosecute users of the service, which allows people to inject drugs, paving the way for it to open. Dame Diana Johnson gave evidence to the Scottish Affairs Committee on Wednesday (PA) Appearing before the Scottish Affairs Committee at Westminster on Wednesday, Home Office minister Dame Diana Johnson said the law will not be changed. Asked if the Government could rethink that stance if the Thistle proves to be a success in driving down Scotland's high drug death rates, the minister said: 'We look at evidence, we have experts, we have the ACMD (advisory council on the misuse of drugs) who offer advice, we look at evidence all the time. 'But I just really want to be clear with you, we do not support drug consumption facilities, it's not our policy and we will not be amending the Misuse of Drugs Act.' Liberal Democrat MP Angus MacDonald said his 'jaw just dropped open' at the minister's statement. You're basically condemning thousands of people to death, in my opinion Angus MacDonald MP, to Dame Diana Johnson 'If the Thistle turns out to be a great success within a year, I would be so excited about rolling that out everywhere,' he said. He added that it is 'the most wonderful way' of stopping people dying and can act as a pathway to rehabilitation. After the minister repeated the Government's stance, Mr MacDonald said: 'You're basically condemning thousands of people to death, in my opinion.' But Dame Diana rejected his assertion, saying: 'I don't accept that, with the greatest of respect. The minister was challenged by SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn (Lucy North/PA) 'This is not the only thing that we can do to deal with drug misuse and I think the UK Government is very clear that there are a number of measures that can be used.' Labour MP Chris Murray also pointed out that it was Dame Diana who chaired the Home Affairs Select Committee which in 2023 released a report supporting a drug consumption room pilot. Picking up on that point, SNP Westminster leader Stephen Flynn questioned what evidence she had to have changed her view. 'Mr Flynn, you're a very experienced member of this House and you know that when a Member of Parliament becomes a minister, their personal views are irrelevant because they are there to represent the views of the Government,' she said. 'The recommendation that was made in that Home Affairs Select Committee report in the previous parliament was based on a group of politicians, cross-party, including your own party, that sat down and reached those recommendations together. 'That is very different to a Government policy that I am setting out today.'
The Herald Scotland
29-04-2025
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Highland housing provider expands into Skye for first time
Two new two-bedroom flats in Kyleakin have been refurbished with funding from the Scottish Government. In Broadford, Albyn has purchased four new homes for mid-market rent, while in Lower Breakish, Albyn will provide a two-bedroom bungalow for tenants. The move represents a significant geographical expansion for Albyn Housing Society, who are looking to invest further in Skye in the near future in mid-market rented accommodation. The homes will primarily be available to emergency service workers such as those working in the NHS, and workers from other key sectors, supporting the regional economy Angus MacDonald, Liberal Democrat MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-Shire, visited the new homes recently, alongside the senior management team of Albyn Housing Society and met with them to discuss the future of housing in Skye and the Highlands. READ MORE: New proposal could see tenants allowed to withhold rent Scottish families face housing list wait of more than 100 years Second home owners 'should not be blamed' for housing shortages Kirsty Morrison, Albyn Group CEO, commented: 'Our teams specialise in providing affordable housing in rural, and sometimes very remote, areas. Until now, we have focused on the mainland Highlands and have homes from the Cairngorms to Thurso and from Applecross to Moray. 'However, we recognise the acute need for affordable housing on Skye and in particular housing for those working in key sectors. Very soon we will have seven new households able to live in quality housing and at an affordable cost, all whilst contributing to the local public services and the economy. 'Of course, there will always be more to do and we are planning to invest further in new mid market rented housing on the island in the near future. If the Highland economy is to be a success and be a desirable and sustainable place for people to live and work, then we must ensure there is adequate housing in place to support communities to thrive.' Angus MacDonald, MP for Skye, commented: 'There are huge pressures on our public services and one particular issue in rural areas like ours is the lack of housing for those working in our NHS and the care sector. 'This is a welcome step to see Albyn Housing Society stepping in to provide housing for key workers. It is important that we continue to see governments prioritising public services in our rural areas and supporting people to work within them and create communities that can last. 'It was great to see around these new homes and meet with some of the Albyn team before they expand into Skye. I look forward to seeing these homes occupied and families enjoying living here in the future."
Scotsman
29-04-2025
- Business
- Scotsman
Albyn Housing Society expands into Skye with new key worker housing
One of the largest social housing providers in the Highlands is expanding into the Isle of Skye for the first time, providing seven new affordable homes for key workers for mid-market rent. Sign up to our Scotsman Money newsletter, covering all you need to know to help manage your money. Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Albyn Housing Society, which has almost 3,900 properties across 80 rural communities in the Highlands, will soon hand over properties in Kyleakin, Lower Breakish and Broadford on Skye to new tenants. Two new two-bedroom flats in Kyleakin have been refurbished with funding from the Scottish Government. This transformation means that the former short term let accommodation has now been transformed into affordable homes. . In Broadford, Albyn has purchased four new homes for mid-market rent, including two three-bedroom homes and two two-bedroom flats. In Lower Breakish, Albyn will provide a two-bedroom bungalow for tenants. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The move represents a significant geographical expansion for Albyn Housing Society, who are looking to invest further in Skye in the near future in mid-market rented accommodation. The homes will primarily be available to emergency service workers such as those working in the NHS, and workers from other key sectors, supporting the regional economy Albyn senior leadership and Angus MacDonald MP visit one of the homes in Broadford, Isle of Skye Angus MacDonald OBE MP, who represents Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, visited the new homes recently, alongside the senior management team of Albyn Housing Society and met with them to discuss the future of housing in Skye and the Highlands. Albyn Group CEO, Kirsty Morrison, commented:'Our teams specialise in providing affordable housing in rural, and sometimes very remote, areas. Until now, we have focused on the mainland Highlands and have homes from the Cairngorms to Thurso and from Applecross to Moray. 'However, we recognise the acute need for affordable housing on Skye and in particular housing for those working in key sectors. Very soon we will have seven new households able to live in quality housing and at an affordable cost, all whilst contributing to the local public services and the economy. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'Of course, there will always be more to do and we are planning to invest further in new mid market rented housing on the island in the near future. If the Highland economy is to be a success and be a desirable and sustainable place for people to live and work, then we must ensure there is adequate housing in place to support communities to thrive.' MP for Skye, Angus MacDonald, commented: 'There are huge pressures on our public services and one particular issue in rural areas like ours is the lack of housing for those working in our NHS and the care sector. 'This is a welcome step to see Albyn Housing Society stepping in to provide housing for key workers. It is important that we continue to see governments prioritising public services in our rural areas and supporting people to work within them and create communities that can last.
