Latest news with #DWP
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
£200 cost of living payments set to start arriving in bank accounts
New cost of living payments are set to start arriving in bank accounts from today. Birmingham council's Hardship Grant Community Fund scheme has reopened for applications. The scheme hands out £200 payments, known as 'hardship grants', to households struggling with everyday living costs. READ MORE: Nationwide tells customers dates and code to check for arrival of £100 payments Get breaking news on BirminghamLive WhatsApp, click the link to join It reopened on June 23 after new round of funding was received from the government's Household Support Fund (HSF). The HSF, delivered by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), is issued to local authorities across the country. Councils are able to draw up their own schemes using the funding, such as the hardship grants made available in Birmingham. Birmingham council said the scheme is expected to remain open through until the end of March 2026, when the latest round of HSF funding - round seven - comes to an end. In order to be eligible for the hardship grants, Birmingham council said residents must meet three pieces of criteria, which are: Applicants must be a Birmingham Resident Households must be able to demonstrate they're experiencing financial hardship, particularly with covering food and energy bills Applicants must not have received a hardship grant payment in the past 12 months Households wishing to apply for a hardship grant can do so by visiting this page here. The council said applicants can expect to be contacted by a member of its team within three to four weeks of making an application.
Wales Online
9 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
DWP to end six benefits by 2026 with millions set to lose out in months
DWP to end six benefits by 2026 with millions set to lose out in months The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing with the phasing out of older benefits for millions this year The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is continuing to phase out older benefits for millions this year (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People receiving certain benefits are being urged to take action if they wish to continue receiving payments. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is persisting with the phasing out of older benefits for millions this year. A few years ago, the DWP began transitioning individuals on specific benefits, known as legacy benefits, over to universal credit, which was launched in 2013. This process, known as managed migration, has been gradually implemented over several years, with individuals being informed that they would be transitioned and, in some cases, would need to make a universal credit claim, according to WalesOnline. Full-scale managed migration kicked off in April 2023, extending to different regions across Great Britain. The six legacy benefits being phased out include: Child and working tax credit Income-based jobseeker's allowance Income support Income-related employment Support allowance Housing benefit Tax credit is the first of 2025's legacy benefit closures. According to the DWP website, the benefit was set to cease in April 2025, meaning recipients must respond to their migration notices to continue receiving benefits. Article continues below Those affected have three months from the date on their migration notice to apply for universal credit. Furthermore, the planned transition of approximately 800,000 recipients of income-related employment and support allowance (ESA) alone, or income-related ESA in conjunction with housing benefit, has been expedited. This had initially been postponed to 2028/29. The DWP began sending migration notices to these claimants in September 2024, with the aim of informing all individuals in this group by December 2025. The DWP plans to move all legacy benefit recipients to universal credit by March 2026, completing the rollout and ending all legacy benefits by this date. Here is the complete timeline of managed migration: Article continues below Here is the full timeline of managed migration:
New Straits Times
13 hours ago
- Business
- New Straits Times
Establish a National Maritime Blueprint for geopolitical resilience and Blue Economy growth
The recent India-Pakistan hostilities are another international occurrence that may trigger supply chain setbacks while countries are concurrently struggling with the US reciprocal tariffs. With the ongoing South China Sea issues ranging from big powers' rivalry and assertive behaviour that may disrupt maritime trade, Malaysia must carefully navigate geopolitical repercussions and dampen the geo-economic shock. This strategic pressure is amplified by Malaysia's deep maritime dependence. Located between the South China Sea and the Straits of Malacca, its economic heartbeat heavily depends on the ocean. The Academy of Sciences Malaysia estimated that in 2020, Malaysia's blue economy contributed 21.3 per cent of Malaysia's GDP. By 2030, it is forecasted to increase significantly, potentially reaching 31.5 per cent of GDP and totalling around RM1.4 trillion. Malaysia's maritime interests are substantial, built upon Petronas' offshore oil and gas operations which contribute around 20 per cent of national GDP, alongside a RM16 billion fishing industry, and maritime trade comprising 98 per cent of its international commerce. These sectors also sustain the livelihoods of countless Malaysian citizens across all states. Any disruption, whether internal or external, threatens both national prosperity and individual well-being. The risks and threats in the maritime domain remain contentious and, more often than not, loom large, potentially impeding Malaysia's maritime economy. Concurrently, Malaysia faces challenges on multiple fronts in defending its national interest: internal leakages and corruption, domestic differences including growing calls for greater autonomy in Sabah and Sarawak, evolving transnational threats, persistent maritime disputes, and the intensifying geopolitical rivalry. In recent decades, the South China Sea has evolved into a critical security flashpoint where Malaysia maintains legitimate claims under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). An alarming increase in dangerous incidents throughout the region demands our attention. Though Malaysia has experienced fewer confrontations than our regional neighbours, concerning episodes, including the 2020 West Capella standoff, PLA's aircraft incursions into Malaysian airspace, and persistent harassment of vessels operating within our Exclusive Economic Zone, serve as key reminders that enhanced maritime governance and security are not optional but essential. Malaysia stepped up efforts in safeguarding its national interests in 2020 by launching the inaugural Defence White Paper (DWP) to strengthen its national defence and lay the foundation for the nation's security strategy. Crucially, the DWP projected Malaysia as a 'maritime nation,' signalling a strategic vision that places the maritime domain at the core of its national interests. As the DWP undergoes its mid-term review approaching 2025, it's clear that while it provides overarching guidance on protecting sovereignty and sovereign rights, the focus is not on the granularities of maritime governance itself. Therefore, complementing the DWP with specific, actionable policies is imperative. Malaysia needs dedicated measures to realise the potential of its 2030 blue economy goals, shielded from the contentious maritime environment. Therefore, a coherent national maritime blueprint is the necessary instrument to achieve this. Encouragingly, under the administration of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, the discourse on maritime governance and security has gained notable traction. Discussions in parliament and public statements have increasingly touched upon protecting territorial integrity, harnessing the blue economy, and modernising maritime assets. Furthermore, the National Security Council's (NSC) ongoing development of a new national security policy is eminently important and timely. Yet, discourse and broad policy must translate into coordinated actions. Now is the opportune moment for Malaysia, in its quest as a maritime nation and racing against escalating geopolitical tensions, to formulate a dedicated national maritime blueprint. The increasing uncertainty in global politics, which directly impacts Malaysia's vast interests in the maritime sphere, especially the South China Sea, makes such preparedness paramount. A foundation that prescribes more effective coordination between key agencies with maritime interests at the federal and state levels will allow Malaysia to project a united front, and in turn, eliminate any loopholes that render a siloed culture. This is necessary to allow the country to better navigate global uncertainty that seeks to jeopardise national progress regardless of whether its origin is internal, bilateral, or multilateral. A national maritime blueprint can provide a guideline for seamless coordination of actions between federal and state agencies in protecting national borders This blueprint must be a living strategic document that assesses Malaysia's maritime capabilities across defense, economic, and developmental dimensions, crafting a cohesive strategy to navigate geopolitical uncertainties. It must encompass a clear vision and objectives, placing Malaysia's long-term ambition as a maritime nation at the forefront. Success depends on embracing a "Whole of Government, Whole of Society" (WoGoS) approach that aligns national priorities above all, not driven by any single entity or state, but rather shaped through an engagement of all stakeholders. The WoGoS approach must form the cornerstone of both planning and implementing Malaysia's maritime blueprint. This framework ensures that all relevant perspectives, from security agencies to economic interests to environmental concerns, formulate a coherent national strategy. The blueprint can establish foundational governance structures and coordination mechanisms that could eventually evolve into a governing formality. Such a framework would also drive asset modernisation through transparent processes where non-military stakeholders provide essential oversight, ensuring that procurement decisions serve national interests. The maritime blueprint must be conceived as a long-term strategic instrument for safeguarding Malaysia's maritime interests against evolving threats. Its success hinges on meaningful engagement with key constituencies: nurturing maritime awareness among the youth that will inherit far more complex challenges; securing support from MPs who shape policy frameworks; and addressing the specific concerns of coastal communities whose livelihoods depend directly on our waters. A comprehensive national maritime blueprint represents a historic opportunity for the current administration to establish a long-lasting legacy to contend with contemporary challenges. By articulating a clear vision for Malaysia as a maritime nation and embedding this identity in key guiding policy documents, the government can ensure that Malaysia's maritime interests remain protected for generations to come, regardless of shifting geopolitical headwinds.
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
The big DWP benefit U-turn on PIP payments in full - how it will affect your benefits
The big DWP benefit U-turn on PIP payments in full - how it will affect your benefits It is set to protect some 370,000 existing claimants Claimants of PIP will have their incomes protected (Image: DWP ) Labour has U-turned on plans to cut back on PIP payments to people with more minor disabilities. The changes to the party's plans to reduce spending on personal independence payment (PIP) payments will mean 370,000 people who had been expected to lose their payments will now keep them. The change follows Government concessions to Labour rebels on controversial welfare reforms. It comes after crisis talks with backbenchers. Keir Starmer had been at risk of losing a key vote in the Commons on the plans after 126 MPs within the party signing an amendment that would halt the legislation in its tracks. Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall told MPs that the Government would ensure all existing recipients of the Universal Credit health element - as well as any new claimant who meet "severe conditions" criteria - will have their incomes protected. The plan had been for existing claimants to be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support in an earlier move that was seen as a bid to head off opposition by aiming to soften the impact of the changes. What today's announcement means going forward Article continues below The Government's reforms, which will limit the number of people who are eligible, will not come into effect until November 2026. The criteria will affect new claims only. At the moment claimants need between eight and 11 points to get the standard daily living or mobility part of PIP. A higher rate is awarded to those who score 12 points or more. However, under changes, people will need a minimum of four points in at least one activity to qualify for the daily living part of PIP. This means that claimants will need to show greater level of impairment when completing some tasks, such as washing, eating and getting dressed, to be eligible to claim PIP. Alongside the changes to PIP eligibility, the Government is also seeking to limit access to the health element of Universal Credit. Ms Kendall told disgruntled MPs that all those who claim it, and new claimants who meet "severe conditions" criteria, will not lose out. She said these people will "have their incomes fully protected in real terms". Article continues below
Wales Online
a day ago
- Business
- Wales Online
The full statement as major DWP U-turn on PIP payments announced
The full statement as major DWP U-turn on PIP payments announced The announcement comes after crisis talks with backbenchers Work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall (Image: PA ) This is the full statement that has been issued by the Government explaining the major U-turn on PIP payments. It has today been announced that people who currently receive the personal independence payment (PIP) will continue to do so after concessions were made to Labour rebels on controversial welfare reforms. A letter from work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall to MPs said adjustments to universal credit would also see incomes protected. It read: "Dear colleague. We have always said we are determined to reform the social security system so it is fair, provides dignity and respect for those unable to work, supports those who can, and is sustainable so it is there for generations to come. "The broken system we inherited from the Tories fails all of those tests. These important reforms are rooted in Labour values, and we want to get them right. "We have listened to colleagues who support the principle of reform but are worried about the impact of the pace of change on those already supported by the system. As a result we will make two changes to strengthen the Bill. "Firstly, we recognise the proposed changes have been a source of uncertainty and anxiety. Therefore, we will ensure that all of those currently receiving PIP will stay within the current system. The new eligibility requirements will be implemented from November 2026 for new claims only. Article continues below "Secondly, we will adjust the pathway of Universal Credit payment rates to make sure all existing recipients of the UC health element – and any new claimant meeting the severe conditions criteria – have their incomes fully protected in real terms. "Colleagues rightly want to ensure that disabled people and those with ill health are at the heart of our reforms. We will take forward a ministerial review of the PIP assessment, led by the Minister for Social Security and Disability, to ensure the benefit is fair and fit for the future. "At the heart of this review will be coproduction with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and MPs so their views and voices are heard. The review will then report to me as Work and Pensions Secretary. These commitments sit alongside our raising of the standard rate of the Universal Credit – the biggest real-terms permanent increase of any benefit since the 1980s – the protection of the incomes of the most vulnerable who will no longer be reassessed and the introduction of 'right to try'. "Our reform principles remain; to target funding for those most in need and make sure the system is sustainable for the future to support generations to come. We believe those who can work, should, and those who cannot, should be protected. "We will front load more of the additional funding generated by these reforms for back to work support for sick and disabled people. "Taken together it is a fair package that will preserve the social security system for those who need it by putting it on a sustainable footing, support people back into work, protect those who cannot work and reduce anxiety for those currently in the system. "Thank you to colleagues for engaging with us on these important reforms to social security." The announcement comes after crisis talks with backbenchers, with some 126 MPs within the party signing an amendment that would halt the legislation in its tracks. Sir Keir Starmer's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill has its second reading on Tuesday, the first opportunity for MPs to support or reject it. The Government's original package restricted eligibility for PIP, the main disability payment, and limited the sickness-related element of universal credit. Existing claimants were to be given a 13-week phase-out period of financial support in an earlier move that was seen as a bid to head off opposition by aiming to soften the impact of the changes. The change in PIP payments would protect some 370,000 existing claimants who were expected to lose out following reassessment. Article continues below
