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Category - welfare reform

  • 23 Jan 2012
    Benefit cap will hit part-time workers, admit ministers

    The government has admitted that its household benefits cap will apply to part-time workers as well as to unemployed people.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    Children's Society analysis of government's benefit cut impact statement

    The government's revised impact assessment of the household benefit cap was only published this morning. It was full of surprises, none pleasant.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    Briefing: More crucial Welfare Reform Bill votes

    Following three defeats and one almost-defeat in the House of Lords in the past fortnight, the Report Stage of the controversial Welfare Reform Bill continues this week and then comes to the Lords one last time on 31 January 2012 before passing to the Commons and on to Royal Assent.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    'The disabled and sick': a breed apart?

    Everywhere we look see and hear the phrase “The Sick and Disabled”. It is as if somehow 'these people' are a separate commodity - other than us, says Karen McAndrew. A breed apart. Seeing ‘them’ like this is what allows politicians and journalists to discuss ‘their’ future in terms of statistics. Talking of ‘them’ in these terms makes it easier for people to dissociate and thereby give consent for actions which will have an adverse effect. The arguments over the deeply flawed Welfare Reform Bill are a clear example of this. The Spartacus campaign is a key part of the much-needed reversal.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    A government declaring war on welfare?

    The Welfare Reform Bill debate has now given way to open warfare, says Simon Barrow. These latest battles are as much about the soul (or lack of it) of the coalition project as they are about money or the demographics of power. The government can command majorities in both Houses. But it is losing the argument, losing good will and storing up massive costs - financial and political - for the future.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    Coalition seeks its own welfare in a bout of bishop bashing

    With Liberal Democrats deeply divided on welfare reform, senior coalition figures have united to attack bishops and faith leaders over benefit capping.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    Religious leaders ask government not to penalise children

    Christian, Muslim and Jewish leaders have issued a joint call for the government's household welfare benefit cap to exclude child benefit.

  • 23 Jan 2012
    Churches back welfare bill amendments on poverty and mental health

    Peers will today debate two amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill which supporters say are vital to the mental wellbeing of the poorest in the UK.

  • 20 Jan 2012
    Why is government so determined to slash benefits for disabled people?

    Why is the UK government so determined to slash benefits and public services for sick and disabled people and carers? Many people have pointed out the flaws in a harsh Welfare Reform Bill targeting those who are already badly-off.

  • 20 Jan 2012
    Greens back pressure on government over flawed welfare reforms

    The Green Party has backed campaigners who say changes to Disability Living Allowance and other welfare benefits will push more people into poverty and distress.