Menu
06/04/2005
Campaigns over 'peanuts' benefits launched
Anti-poverty campaigners have handed out peanuts at protests across Britain, in order to highlight what they term as the "miserly" benefit increases facing millions of claimants.
The 'Peanuts4benefits' campaigners said that millions of claimants are facing benefit increases of just 55p from today, which is the smallest rise for at least thirty years.
The campaigners say that this means a single person over the age 25 will now receive a total of just £56.20 per week. They claim that the increases are calculated using the 'Rossi Index' measure of inflation – which excludes rent, mortgage interest payments and council tax.
The campaigners claim that claimants are now over £30 worse off than if benefits had been increased in line with average earnings over the last 25 years.
A statement released by 'Peanuts4benefits' said: "What can you buy with 55p? The government keeps banging on about poverty and social exclusion but does nothing to stop the increasing divide between those on low incomes and the rest of the population."
The protests are taking place on the same day that a Citizens Advice report warned that income inequality in the formula for setting benefit levels risked creating a group of people who are "increasingly marginalized" from the rest of society.
The report called for a review of the benefits system to prevent this happening.
Citizens Advice Senior Policy Officer, John Wheatley, said that the increase in tax credits offered by the government to help reduce pensioner and child poverty were welcome. He also welcomed efforts by the government to help more people get back into work. However, he said it was "regrettable" that little was being done to help those people of working age who were "genuinely unable to get into a job". He said: "Poverty ought to be unacceptable for all. There should be a thorough review of the needs of this substantial group of our fellow citizens.”
(KmcA/MB)
The 'Peanuts4benefits' campaigners said that millions of claimants are facing benefit increases of just 55p from today, which is the smallest rise for at least thirty years.
The campaigners say that this means a single person over the age 25 will now receive a total of just £56.20 per week. They claim that the increases are calculated using the 'Rossi Index' measure of inflation – which excludes rent, mortgage interest payments and council tax.
The campaigners claim that claimants are now over £30 worse off than if benefits had been increased in line with average earnings over the last 25 years.
A statement released by 'Peanuts4benefits' said: "What can you buy with 55p? The government keeps banging on about poverty and social exclusion but does nothing to stop the increasing divide between those on low incomes and the rest of the population."
The protests are taking place on the same day that a Citizens Advice report warned that income inequality in the formula for setting benefit levels risked creating a group of people who are "increasingly marginalized" from the rest of society.
The report called for a review of the benefits system to prevent this happening.
Citizens Advice Senior Policy Officer, John Wheatley, said that the increase in tax credits offered by the government to help reduce pensioner and child poverty were welcome. He also welcomed efforts by the government to help more people get back into work. However, he said it was "regrettable" that little was being done to help those people of working age who were "genuinely unable to get into a job". He said: "Poverty ought to be unacceptable for all. There should be a thorough review of the needs of this substantial group of our fellow citizens.”
(KmcA/MB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
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.
12 December 2008
£4 Billion Boost For Pensioners
Pensioners are set for a £4 billion boost next year as the Government confirmed the biggest rise in the Basic State Pension since 2001 today, on top of £900m in Christmas Bonuses and a £575m increase in Winter Fuel Payments.
£4 Billion Boost For Pensioners
Pensioners are set for a £4 billion boost next year as the Government confirmed the biggest rise in the Basic State Pension since 2001 today, on top of £900m in Christmas Bonuses and a £575m increase in Winter Fuel Payments.
06 March 2009
Beckett Cuts Planned Council Rent Increases In Half
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has today announced new support to help councils cut their planned rent increases in the current economic climate. The average guideline rent increase for 2009/10 will be halved from 6.2% to 3.1% for local authority tenants, to encourage councils to reduce the amount tenants would have to pay for the coming yea.
Beckett Cuts Planned Council Rent Increases In Half
Housing Minister Margaret Beckett has today announced new support to help councils cut their planned rent increases in the current economic climate. The average guideline rent increase for 2009/10 will be halved from 6.2% to 3.1% for local authority tenants, to encourage councils to reduce the amount tenants would have to pay for the coming yea.
29 April 2013
New Universal Credit Welfare Introduced
The UK Government's shake-up of the welfare system begins today with the launch of its new universal credit payment. According to the BBC, the payment will replace a number of benefits and tax credits, including housing benefit and jobseeker's allowance, into one monthly payment.
New Universal Credit Welfare Introduced
The UK Government's shake-up of the welfare system begins today with the launch of its new universal credit payment. According to the BBC, the payment will replace a number of benefits and tax credits, including housing benefit and jobseeker's allowance, into one monthly payment.
05 November 2013
Badger Cull In Somerset Ends
The pilot badger cull in Somerset ended on Friday 1 November. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson updated Parliamenton the results of the cull following the conclusion of the three week licence extension granted by Natural England.
Badger Cull In Somerset Ends
The pilot badger cull in Somerset ended on Friday 1 November. Environment Secretary Owen Paterson updated Parliamenton the results of the cull following the conclusion of the three week licence extension granted by Natural England.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
