As the Government’s welfare reforms gather pace, a host of changes are due to be introduced during 2016. The Government aims to save £12 billion on welfare bills by 2019-2020 and, although they have met with some resistance, most notably, the recent defeat in the House of Lords over the proposed changes to Tax Credits, […]
Continue ReadingWelfare Benefits for Children
The purpose of this article is to give a brief outline of some of the benefits that may be available to children and young adults with disabilities or special education needs, and their carers. The Welfare Reform Act 2012 has radically changed the benefits landscape, and it is therefore important to access expert welfare benefits advice […]
Continue ReadingThe Care Act 2014 – A New Broom, But What Has Been Swept Away?
The Care Act 2014 (the Act) came into force from 6th April 2015 and has swept away the previous unwieldy regime, which had developed piecemeal since 1948 and had been the subject of regular and recent judicial scorn. How the new legislation interacts with personal injury awards is outlined in various parts of Statutory Instrument […]
Continue ReadingBenefit Changes in the Autumn Statement 2014 – Nestor Comment
Chancellor George Osborne delivered his 2014 autumn statement on 3rd December. Below are some of the “highlights” from Mr. Osborne’s statement. His overarching theme with regards to welfare spending is to “control benefit spending”. If you would prefer to read this article offline you can download the .pdf here. Mr.Osborne went on to say that […]
Continue ReadingRehabilitation and Work
The benefits system has seen a massive shake-up in recent years, and it’s easy to imagine that people who need transitional support might be denied it. However, there is still flexibility within the system to provide reassurance and support to people with brain injuries who are keen to return to work, as Lee Ryan explains. […]
Continue ReadingImportant News for ESA Claimants
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has issued a new guidance allowing appeals against decisions to end Employment and Support Allowance after 365 days. I recently came across this new guidance, and it struck me as being a hugely important tool that Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) Claimants may wish to consider if they […]
Continue ReadingSailing with the Jubilee Trust
The Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) is a charity funded to take disabled and able-bodied people aged 16 right up to 80 or even 90 years old out to sea for sailing experiences. This is a short article on my personal experiences on the two ships, the Lord Nelson and Tenacious. My first trip was a […]
Continue ReadingBenefit Cap Update – 2014
MPs have overwhelmingly backed plans to introduce an overall cap on the amount the UK spends on welfare each year. The cap formed part of Chancellor George Osborne’s recent Budget statement to the House. Welfare spending, excluding the state pension and some unemployment benefits, will be capped next year at £119.5 billion. The Chancellor would, […]
Continue ReadingPhase Two of the Welfare Reform: The Real Impact on Families
The most recent phase of welfare reform changes occurred this summer, with further changes due to be implemented from October 2013. This update focuses on the impact the changes will have on children and disabled people. Personal Independence Payment From 10 July 2013, new Claimants for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) had to start to claim […]
Continue ReadingWelfare Reform January 2013
As we enter 2013, the long forecast changes under the Welfare Reform Act 2012 begin to be implemented, having a significant impact on many benefit Claimants between age 16 and State Pension Credit age. The following guide takes you through the changes as they are rolled out over the year ahead. January 2013 Child Benefit Child […]
Continue Reading