Welfare

House of Commons Speaker John Bercow has approved a Labour request for an emergency debate today over the planned roll-out of Universal Credit. Last week, the Commons backed Labour’s advisory motion calling for the controversial welfare changes to be put on hold by 299 votes to nil.

The UK government has bowed to pressure by agreeing to introduce a free helpline for people seeking information on Universal Credit but has rejected calls to pause the roll-out of the controversial benefit. Ahead of the roll out of Universal Credit debate at Westminster yesterday, work and pensions

The SNP and Scottish Labour have called on MPs from across political divide have to vote on a debate on Universal Credit today and halt its roll-out across the UK. SNP social justice spokesperson, Neil Gray, has said Scottish Conservative leader, Ruth Davidson, must ensure her MPs stand up for Scotl

Around 12,000 mainstream social tenants across Scotland aged under 35 could collectively face an annual rent affordability gap of up to £8.6 million when a UK government cap on housing benefit into force, according to a new report. Under proposals by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Loca

Residents in West Dunbartonshire are the worst hit in the entire UK by the ‘bedroom tax’ with more than £1.8 million deducted from housing benefit claimants each year, according to new figures. The constituency was revealed as having £35,700 deducted from housing benefit recipients every week

David Ross Fife Council has reaffirmed its opposition to the implementation of Universal Credit and has called for the roll out of the welfare reform to be suspended over concerns of the severe impact it will have on individuals and families in the region.

Jeane Freeman By minister for social security Jeane Freeman

Kevin Stewart Housing minister Kevin Stewart outlines the reasons behind the new Universal Credit choices for recipients in Scotland and what they mean for landlords and tenants.

Jeane Freeman Recipients of Universal Credit in Scotland will be offered two new ways to help them manage their money, the Scottish Government has announced as it issued new guidance for landlords and claimants.

Sarah Boyack Ahead of today’s Scottish Government debate on ‘The Roll-out of Universal Credit’, the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has once again warned that the continued roll-out of the benefit will have catastrophic consequences for some of the most vulnerable in society

(from left) Ann McDermott, Norman Shanks, Jeane Freeman MSP, Hannah Beaton and Sarah Erskine A new campaign aimed at ensuring older people receive the financial support they are entitled to has been launched by the Scottish Government and Citizens Advice Scotland.

David Gauke MP The roll out of the devolution of welfare powers to Scotland and concerns over Universal Credit will be raised by the Scottish Parliament’s social security committee when it takes evidence from secretary of state for work and pensions David Gauke MP.

More and more social tenants in Scotland are struggling to pay the first month’s rent in advance as a result of welfare reforms, making it even more difficult for them to find and keep a home, according to two leading housing organisations. Shelter Scotland and the Scottish Federation of Housing A

Jeane Freeman Social security minister Jeane Freeman has outlined more details on Scotland’s new social security agency and provided an update on the Scottish Government’s progress to abolish the ‘bedroom tax’ at source and in delivering choice in Universal Credit.

Ahead of yesterday’s statement in the Scottish Parliament, social security minister Jeane Freeman blogs about how the Scottish Government will deliver its new social security system. Last week we marked the 20th anniversary of the devolution referendum.