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15/04/2013
Benefits Cap Begins In London
A government-imposed cap on benefit payments is to be rolled out in four London boroughs from today.
Between July and September of this year, the cap will be imposed across England, Scotland and Wales.
The changes will see couples and single parents in Haringey, Enfield, Croydon and Bromley receiving no more than £500 a week, while a £350 limit applies to single people.
Jobseeker's allowance, income support, child and housing benefit count towards it, but not disability benefits. The move comes in a bid to to cut spending and the amount is said to reflect the average working household income.
In 2009-10, the Department for Work and Pensions says around £90bn was paid out in benefit payments to people of working age and their families. It hopes the cap will save about £110m a year.
Jobseeker's allowance, income support, child benefit and housing benefit are on a long list of payments which count towards the calculation of the cap, which will result in an average cut of £93 for the 40,000 London households initially affected.
People on disability benefits will be exempt from the cap. In addition, to encourage people to seek work, ministers have decided that people with a job who receive Working Tax Credit will also not be affected.
Ministers claim that the threat of the introduction of the cap has already found 8,000 claimants who would have lost out to find jobs.
The cap is not yet law in Northern Ireland.
(JP/CD)
Between July and September of this year, the cap will be imposed across England, Scotland and Wales.
The changes will see couples and single parents in Haringey, Enfield, Croydon and Bromley receiving no more than £500 a week, while a £350 limit applies to single people.
Jobseeker's allowance, income support, child and housing benefit count towards it, but not disability benefits. The move comes in a bid to to cut spending and the amount is said to reflect the average working household income.
In 2009-10, the Department for Work and Pensions says around £90bn was paid out in benefit payments to people of working age and their families. It hopes the cap will save about £110m a year.
Jobseeker's allowance, income support, child benefit and housing benefit are on a long list of payments which count towards the calculation of the cap, which will result in an average cut of £93 for the 40,000 London households initially affected.
People on disability benefits will be exempt from the cap. In addition, to encourage people to seek work, ministers have decided that people with a job who receive Working Tax Credit will also not be affected.
Ministers claim that the threat of the introduction of the cap has already found 8,000 claimants who would have lost out to find jobs.
The cap is not yet law in Northern Ireland.
(JP/CD)
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23 January 2012
Benefits Cap Provokes Lib Dem Split
A major figure in the Liberal Democrats is leading a major rift within the party over plans to implement a cap on benefit payments. Paddy Ashdown is leading the inter-party rebellion against the cuts, which would see a maximum level of claimable household benefits set at the average take-home wage of £26,000.
Benefits Cap Provokes Lib Dem Split
A major figure in the Liberal Democrats is leading a major rift within the party over plans to implement a cap on benefit payments. Paddy Ashdown is leading the inter-party rebellion against the cuts, which would see a maximum level of claimable household benefits set at the average take-home wage of £26,000.
07 October 2010
Cap On Benefits Will Encourage 'Responsibility'
The Culture Secretary has said the state should not support families who get more in benefits than the average family earns. He said that introducing a new cap on family benefits will encourage "responsibility" about the number of children people have.
Cap On Benefits Will Encourage 'Responsibility'
The Culture Secretary has said the state should not support families who get more in benefits than the average family earns. He said that introducing a new cap on family benefits will encourage "responsibility" about the number of children people have.
12 August 2013
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
24 September 2004
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
Study shows benefits of bank account benefits
Independent research published today shows that 90% of people prefer having benefits put directly into a bank account, according to a Downing Street spokesperson. The Direct Payment system is now on track to reach 85% of pensioners, mothers, carers and jobseekers by April 2005.
15 July 2013
Benefit Cap Roll Out Begins
The roll out of a benefit cap has begun in England, Scotland and Wales, with couples and lone parents capped at £500 a week and a £350 cap for single people. It is part of the largest overhaul of the benefits system since the 1940s, with the Department of Work and Pensions estimating that some 40,000 households will be affected.
Benefit Cap Roll Out Begins
The roll out of a benefit cap has begun in England, Scotland and Wales, with couples and lone parents capped at £500 a week and a £350 cap for single people. It is part of the largest overhaul of the benefits system since the 1940s, with the Department of Work and Pensions estimating that some 40,000 households will be affected.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
