Latest news with #EmploymentandSupportAllowance
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Anas Sarwar refuses to back Labour welfare rebels as he offers support to Keir Starmer
His comments are in contrast to the criticisms of London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham Anas Sarwar has refused to back the twelve Scottish Labour MPs who are opposed to the UK Government's welfare cuts. The Scottish Labour leader said 'conversations' are ongoing but insisted the 'principle' of social security reform had to be supported. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under mounting pressure over a welfare bill that would cut around £5bn from disability and sickness benefits. But the bill could be killed after over 100 Labour MPs, including twelve from Scotland, backed an amendment that would torpedo the whole package. Central to the plan is tightening the eligibility for Personal Independence Payment, which is devolved to Holyrood. But other benefit cuts are UK-wide and the changes are predicted to plunge 50,0000 children into poverty. In a Holyrood Sources podcast, Sarwar said of the bill: 'I support the principle of reform.' 'We do have to look at the structural challenges that exist in our welfare system.' He also said there are 'many positives' in the bill, such as £1bn for back to work scheme. Asked if he agreed with the rebels, he said: 'Conversations are ongoing, as you would expect. People are legitimately raising their concerns, having those conversations.' He added: 'We have to support the principle of reform. What those reforms look like have to be balanced and have to be fair.' His comments are in contrast to London Mayor Sadiq Khan and Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who have criticised the bill. The Scottish Labour MP sceptics are Richard Baker, Scott Arthur, Euan Stainbank, Brian Leishman, Lilian Jones, Tracy Gilbert and Elaine Stewart. Kirsteen Sullivan, Patricia Ferguson, Martin Rhodes, Maureen Burke and Irene Campbell are also opposed. A key element of the package is freezing the rate of the health element of Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance payments until 2030. In a briefing to parliamentarians, Trussell estimated that there are nearly 300,000 people receiving these payments in Scotland: "All would stand to be affected by the freeze which by 2029/30 amounts to [a] real terms cut of £500 per year.'
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Around 300,000 disabled and sick Scots to 'lose £500' under Labour welfare cuts
EXCLUSIVE: The charity Trussell has laid bare the impact of the proposed cuts on disabled people Hundreds of thousands of disabled and ill Scots face losing £500 a year under the Labour Government's welfare cuts. Anti-poverty charity Trussell also says new claimants are in line for a £3,000 a year hit if the controversial changes are pushed through by MPs. More than 120 Labour MPs are threatening to scupper the Government's welfare bill and plans to slash £5bn from disability and sickness benefits. The rebels are alarmed at forecasts showing that 50,000 children could be plunged into poverty if the bill becomes law. A key element of the package is freezing the rate of the health element of Universal Credit and Employment and Support Allowance payments until 2030. In a briefing to parliamentarians, Trussell estimated that there are nearly 300,000 people receiving these payments in Scotland: "All would stand to be affected by the freeze which by 2029/30 amounts to [a] real terms cut of £500 per year.' Labour Ministers also want to cut the health part of UC for people claiming it for the first time. The Trussell briefing stated: 'Nine in ten new recipients to UC health in Scotland from April 2026 will experience a cut of £3,000 per year by 2029/30.' They previously cited analysis by WPI Economics which said the welfare reforms will push 15,000 people in disabled households in Scotland into severe hardship by 2030. In the briefing, Trussell urged MPs to vote for an amendment which would effectively kill the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment bill. As reported by the Record, ten Scottish Labour MPs have backed the amendment which criticises the lack of a 'formal consultation' with disabled people and warns of the impact on poverty levels. The wording also hits out at the Government for not publishing an 'assessment' of the impact of these reforms on 'health or care needs'. The Scottish Labour sceptics are Richard Baker, Scott Arthur, Euan Stainbank, Brian Leishman, Lilian Jones, Tracy Gilbert and Elaine Stewart. Kirsteen Sullivan, Patricia Ferguson and Maureen Burke have also backed the amendment. SNP MSP Collette Stevenson said: 'This analysis delivers a damning verdict on the Labour Party's planned cuts to disability benefits which will hit the most vulnerable in our society hardest. With over 100 Labour MPs now confirming that they will join the SNP in voting against the cuts if Labour press ahead with them next week, it is imperative that Keir Starmer does yet another U-turn and scraps his plans immediately. 'To press ahead with the cuts would have a devastating impact on families across Scotland, pushing thousands of more people into poverty, and people would never forgive Keir Starmer.' Speaking to LBC, Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the Bill would not be pulled in the face of the mounting rebellion: 'There'll be a vote on Tuesday, we're going to make sure we reform the welfare system.' Sir Keir said the current system 'traps people in a position where they can't get into work'. 'In fact, it's counterproductive, it works against them getting into work. So we have to reform it, and that is a Labour argument, it's a progressive argument.' Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham added his voice to the senior figures calling on the Government to reconsider. He told BBC Newsnight: 'When the PLP (Parliamentary Labour Party) delivers its collective wisdom in such numbers, it is invariably right. And it is right on this. I would say to the Government, listen to the PLP.' His comments came after his London counterpart, Sir Sadiq Khan, said that ministers 'must urgently think again' about the plans. The bill also plans to restrict eligibility for the personal independence payment, the main disability payment in England, which could affect funding for Holyrood.
Scottish Sun
12-06-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
State pensioners warned to make urgent check to see if they can slash their broadband and mobile bills by £100s
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) STATE pensioners are being urged to check if they can slash their broadband and mobile bills by hundreds of pounds a year. Older households can save money on internet and phone deals by signing up for social tariffs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 Households can save money on their broadband and mobile phones with social tariffs Credit: Alamy Social tariffs are offered to those on government benefits like Universal Credit. And they can save you hundreds of pounds a year compared to standard deals. Not only that, but they often come with no exit fees, although you should always check the terms and conditions carefully. Virgin Media O2 is urging older households to sign up to its broadband and mobile phone social tariffs to save money. It comes after a survey by the telecoms firm found almost half were unaware of the cheaper tariffs. Households on Pension Credit, a benefit paid to state pensioners on low incomes, are eligible to apply for the provider's social tariffs. Customers can sign up for its Essential broadband package which costs £12.50 a month and comes with 15Mbits speed. There is also an Essential broadband package which costs £20 and comes with 54Mbits speed. O2 customers can also sign up for an Essential Plan mobile phone tariff with 10GB of data, unlimited texts and minutes for £10. All three of the tariffs come on 30-day rolling contracts meaning you can cancel at the end of each month. CHECK YOUR SPEED: Broadband How to get the best deal Of course, as is the case with any major buy like this, it pays to shop around to make sure you're getting the best package and price. The regulator Ofcom has a list on its website of all the firms offering social broadband and mobile phone tariffs. The list can be found here - It's worth scanning the list to find the package that best suits your needs. It's also worth comparing deals via comparison sites like Uswitch. For example, Hyperoptic Fair Fibre 50 offers a 50Mbits speed social broadband tariff for £15 a month, which is £2.50 more expensive than Virgin Media O2's Essential broadband deal but offers a quicker internet speed. Meanwhile, 4th Utility's social broadband tariff costs £13.99 a month and comes with 30Mbit speed. When applying for a social tariff, you will most likely qualify if you're on Universal Credit. Some other benefits qualify you too, but not always, including Pension Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and Jobseeker's Allowance. Check out each provider's website where eligibility criteria will be listed. How to save on broadband and TV bills HERE'S how to save money on your broadband and TV bills: Audit your subscriptions If you've got multiple subscriptions to various on-demand services, such as Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Sky consider whether you need them all. Could you even just get by with Freeview, which couldn't cost you anything extra each month for TV. Also make sure you're not paying for Netflix twice via Sky and directly. Haggle for a discount If you want to stay with your provider, check prices elsewhere to set a benchmark and then call its customer services and threaten to leave unless it price matches or lowers your bill. Switch and save If you don't want to stay with your current provider check if you can cancel your contract penalty free and switch to a cheaper provider. A comparison site, such as BroadbandChoices or Uswitch, will help you find the best deal for free. Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@ Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories
Daily Record
11-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire parents reminded they could be eligible for extra payments over school holidays
National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to check if they qualify for support before schools break up for the summer later this month. Lanarkshire parents are being reminded that they could be eligible for extra payments over the school holidays to cover the cost of meals for their children. National advice agency Advice Direct Scotland is urging households to check if they qualify for support before schools break up for the summer later this month. Households normally eligible for free school meals during term time should automatically start receiving payments of £2.50 or £4.80 per day, per child, during the holidays, depending on the child's age and where they live. While exact holiday dates vary by council, a household with two children could be entitled to between £150 and £288 over the course of the six-week summer break. Those who have not yet applied for free school meals, or who might start claiming benefits over the holidays due to a change in circumstances, are being urged to take action. All children in P1 to P5 at schools run by local councils currently receive free school lunches during term time, regardless of their family circumstances. Children in P6 and above continue to qualify only if they come from low-income households. Over the summer and other holidays, support is available to those who normally receive free school meals. Payments are set at £2.50 per day, per child, for each weekday during the holidays, excluding weekends. This means summer payments will be around £75, £126, or £144 per child, depending on the rate and school stage. To qualify, people must be in receipt of one of the following benefits: Universal Credit (where monthly earned income is not more than £850) Income Support Income-based Job Seeker's Allowance Income-based Employment and Support Allowance Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Rebecca Fagan, benefit and welfare information officer at Advice Direct Scotland, said: 'With the summer holidays approaching fast, it's crucial that families know about the support available to help provide healthy meals for their children. 'Many Scots are facing financial difficulties due to the cost-of-living and energy crises and will be worried about holiday-related expenses on top of rising bills. 'For families with children eligible for free school meals, payments are available throughout the summer, so we encourage anyone who might benefit to apply now. 'Remember, once your application is approved, payments will start promptly and will also be available during other school holidays. 'If you're unsure about your eligibility or need help applying, our team at offers free, confidential support to everyone, regardless of personal circumstances.' provides free, practical advice and information on any topic, including access to benefits and whether households are claiming all the support they are entitled to. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
North Wales Live
06-06-2025
- Business
- North Wales Live
The State pensioners who will get an immediate Winter Fuel Payment boost
Many State pensioners were controversially stripped of their £300 Winter Fuel Payment over the winter. It came after the Government declared the benefit would be means tested but the issue has been highly contentious. It means the vast majority of State pensioners will no longer receive a £300 payment unless they claim a qualifying benefit. Since then Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has announced a partial reversal on the benefit, pledging to reassess the eligibility threshold to reinstate the payment to more pensioners. How this will be implemented or what the criteria might be have not yet been disclosed. This week, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves announced that more pensioners will receive the winter fuel allowance this year, although it still won't be universal, reports the Express. Officials haven't yet said how many more pensioners will be eligible. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said: "We have listened to the concerns that people had about the level of the means test and so we will be making changes to that. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now "They will be in place so that pensioners are paid this coming winter. People should be in no doubt that the means test will increase and more people will get winter fuel payment this winter." 'Exact amount will vary depending on your birth year' However, many aren't aware that if you do qualify for the Winter Fuel Payment this year, the exact amount you receive will vary depending on your birth year and possibly other circumstances as well. The Government previously paid the Winter Fuel Payment automatically to all state pensioners, but until any changes are announced, the current rule is that you must be claiming a qualifying benefit such as Pension Credit. Those who are of state pension age but under 80, meaning they were born on or before September 22, 1958, and who qualify will receive a £200 payment. But those aged over 80 - born on September 23, 1944, or earlier - will receive £300. The amount you receive is determined by your age and circumstances during the "qualifying week" of September 16 to 22, 2024. If you missed this period, you can backdate Pension Credit claims until December, so it's still accessible now. So if you're over 80 and eligible, your Winter Fuel Payment will rise from £200 to £300. Most qualifying individuals will receive a letter detailing the amount they'll receive and the bank account in which it will be paid to, this is typically the same as the one used for your Pension Credit or other benefits. An Age UK spokesman said: "If you or your partner claims Pension Credit, Income Support, income-based Jobseeker's Allowance or income-related Employment and Support Allowance, the payment should go to the main claimant of the benefit automatically. "You should receive your payment between mid-November and Christmas. Call the Winter Fuel Payment helpline on 0800 731 0160 if you have any enquiries or you don't receive your payment."
