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27/10/2008
Benefit Reforms Introduced
Welfare reforms that will change the way single parents apply for child maintenance have been introduced by the Government.
Incapacity Benefit will end today for new claimants, and will be replaced with a new benefit - the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - which the Government said would mark the end of "writing people off".
New claimants who cannot work due to ill health, will be able to claim the new allowance, and within a matter of weeks have their capability assessed by an expert health professional.
While ministers say the reforms have been introduced to simplify the system and ensure those who can't work are given adequate support, a leading charity has argued the changes could push those hit hardest by the current financial downturn into "deeper crisis".
Fiona Weir, chief executive of the One Parent Families/Gingerbread charities, said: "We fear that many poor single parents on benefit will struggle to agree private child support arrangements and their children may end up doing without.
"This would be disastrous for the children affected and for the government's child poverty targets. Greater investment in services to help parents deal with the consequences of separation is needed, as is active promotion of the government's child maintenance scheme."
Ministers, however, said the new assessment was designed to look at what people can do, rather than what they can't.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said: "It is more important during an economic downturn that we increase support for people not to take it away. The employment and Support Allowance, a significant landmark in our welfare reforms, will offer the help and support to the disabled and the ill."
The Disability Alliance said it hoped the changes would bring about positive improvements in the employment rates of disabled working-age adults.
(JM)
Incapacity Benefit will end today for new claimants, and will be replaced with a new benefit - the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) - which the Government said would mark the end of "writing people off".
New claimants who cannot work due to ill health, will be able to claim the new allowance, and within a matter of weeks have their capability assessed by an expert health professional.
While ministers say the reforms have been introduced to simplify the system and ensure those who can't work are given adequate support, a leading charity has argued the changes could push those hit hardest by the current financial downturn into "deeper crisis".
Fiona Weir, chief executive of the One Parent Families/Gingerbread charities, said: "We fear that many poor single parents on benefit will struggle to agree private child support arrangements and their children may end up doing without.
"This would be disastrous for the children affected and for the government's child poverty targets. Greater investment in services to help parents deal with the consequences of separation is needed, as is active promotion of the government's child maintenance scheme."
Ministers, however, said the new assessment was designed to look at what people can do, rather than what they can't.
Work and Pensions Secretary James Purnell said: "It is more important during an economic downturn that we increase support for people not to take it away. The employment and Support Allowance, a significant landmark in our welfare reforms, will offer the help and support to the disabled and the ill."
The Disability Alliance said it hoped the changes would bring about positive improvements in the employment rates of disabled working-age adults.
(JM)
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25 July 2006
Child Support Agency to be scrapped
Plans to scrap the Child Support Agency and replace it with a "more streamlined and tougher new body" have been announced by Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton. The announcement follows the recommendations of an independent report on child support in the UK by Sir David Henshaw.
Child Support Agency to be scrapped
Plans to scrap the Child Support Agency and replace it with a "more streamlined and tougher new body" have been announced by Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton. The announcement follows the recommendations of an independent report on child support in the UK by Sir David Henshaw.
13 December 2006
Government toughens stance on child maintenance
Proposals for a tough new organisation to enforce child maintenance have been unveiled by Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton. The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (C-MEC) will replace the Child Support Agency.
Government toughens stance on child maintenance
Proposals for a tough new organisation to enforce child maintenance have been unveiled by Work and Pensions Secretary John Hutton. The Child Maintenance and Enforcement Commission (C-MEC) will replace the Child Support Agency.
05 October 2004
MOD issue revised peacekeeping guidelines
Enhanced practical guidance designed to improve the way Britain's Armed Forces conduct peace support operations has been launched today by the Ministry of Defence. The guidance builds on the experience gained from recent operations and highlights emerging trends.
MOD issue revised peacekeeping guidelines
Enhanced practical guidance designed to improve the way Britain's Armed Forces conduct peace support operations has been launched today by the Ministry of Defence. The guidance builds on the experience gained from recent operations and highlights emerging trends.
15 August 2003
MoD announces new industry partnership
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09 February 2006
CSA faces radical makeover
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, has signalled a radical overhaul of child support services in the UK as well as a package of measures that will get tough on parents who shirk their responsibilities. Announcing the review measures to MPs Mr Hutton branded the Child Support Agency's performance as "unacceptable".
CSA faces radical makeover
The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, John Hutton, has signalled a radical overhaul of child support services in the UK as well as a package of measures that will get tough on parents who shirk their responsibilities. Announcing the review measures to MPs Mr Hutton branded the Child Support Agency's performance as "unacceptable".
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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.
