This page draws together CPAG's most recent published work on welfare reform, except for universal credit which has its own page here.
For information on welfare reform in Scotland see the Scottish Campaign for Welfare Reform pages.
For more on the Government's welfare reform agenda, visit http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/
Policy and press material
Joint Briefing: Report and Third Reading of the Welfare Reform Bill
June 2011
CPAG is part of an association of leading organisations with expertise in the UK welfare system, who work to support clients and reduce poverty. We have come together to influence the Bill as it passes through Parliament. This briefing reflects core concerns common to the group. We hope that Report stage will provide an opportunity for key changes to the Bill, which we feel are needed if the Government is to fully achieve its stated aim of increasing simplicity and fairness in the benefit system, and ensuring that work is an effective route out of poverty in Britain.
Can welfare reform work?
Poverty (139 Summer 2011)
Since the late 1990s, successive governments have engaged in the process of welfare reform. A crossparty consensus has emerged, which prioritises moving benefit recipients into work and increasing the role of private and voluntary providers in delivering employment services. Sharon Wright outlines the pros and cons of this approach.
CPAG's challenge to the housing benefit changes
Welfare Rights Bulletin (221 April 2011)
Changes to Housing Benefit first announced in the June 2010 budget come into force in April 2011. This article outlines what those changes are, and how and why CPAG is challenging them.
Work: the best route out of poverty?
Poverty (137 Autumn 2010)
Ever since New Labour first set the welfare reform bandwagon in motion in 2006, the mantra of work has been used by all sides of the political spectrum as ‘proof’ that the benefits system is in need of large-scale reform. The ‘logic’ is this: work is the best route out of poverty. The benefits system, by its very nature, provides a disincentive to work. Ergo, the benefits system traps people in poverty. Ergo, we must reform the benefits system. QED. But, asks Nick Jones, is work always the best route out of poverty?.
Welfare Reform Bill: second reading briefing from CPAG
March 2011
This briefing written for MPs summarises CPAG's current position on the Bill, our fourteen key concerns and our ten principles for welfare reform.
Supporting people into work: the next stage of Housing Benefit reform
Response to the Department for Work and Pensions consultation
February 2010
This response highlights CPAG's concerns over proposed housing benefit reforms, and reflects our view that any such reforms need to safeguard the needs of claimants and their children. While we welcome reforms that will remove financial barriers to employment, we believe that the primary purpose of housing benefit is to ensure that all low income families, whether or not they are in employment, have access to good quality housing.
The Employment and Support Allowance (Transitional Provisions) (Existing Awards) Regulations (2010): SSAC Consultation Response
February 2010
CPAG has responded to the Social Security Advisory Committee consultation on new regulations which allow for the movement of existing claimants of incapacity benefit, income support on grounds of disability and severe disablement allowance onto employment and support allowance (ESA). The response highlights our serious concerns over the basis of the proposed regulations, and suggests ways in which they should be made fairer to existing claimants. Read the consultation document on the SSAC website: www.ssac.org.uk/pdf/employment_and_support_allowance_regs.pdf
The Housing Benefit Amendment Regulations (2009)
SSAC Consultation Response
February 2009
The Social Security Advisory Committee is consulting on proposals to cap housing benefit for tenants in the private sector at the rate payable for five bedrooms.
CPAG is concerned this will mean large households will get less housing benefit. This could mean they have to split up, spend their benefit income on housing costs, or could even lose their homes. We fear this will impact most severely on children at highest risk of poverty – particularly those in large households, in households affected by disability, and in black and minority ethnic families. Read the consultation document on the SSAC website: www.ssac.org.uk/pdf/Housing_Benefit_Amend_Regs.pdf
Tackling Child Poverty
May 2009
This submission was written to inform a session of the Work and Pensions Select Committee. It analyses the Government's child poverty strategy and raises concerns around the welfare reform agenda. It makes particular points around job quality and the need for better support where parents cannot work. The briefing also comments on how policy is developed across the UK, between devolved administrations and at local authority level.
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Adviser Resources
For universal credit resources see
www.cpag.org.uk/universalcredit
Factsheet: Benefits and the Work Programme
June 2011
This factsheet gives you information on the Work Programme and the way it affects benefit claimants.
Factsheet: Personal independence payment
June 2011
This factsheet examines the first draft of the personal independence payment (PIP) regulations and their potential implications for claimants and their advisers.
Factsheet: Welfare Reform Bill 2011
April 2011
This factsheet contains an outline of the main provisions in the Welfare Reform Bill 2011 with some brief comments reflecting areas of concern.
Factsheet: Incapacity benefits to employment and support allowance: transfer and re-assessment
March 2011 (updated May 2011)
This factsheet gives you the basic information about the process under which most existing claims of benefit on the basis of incapacity for work are being transferred to claims for employment and support allowance (ESA), with entitlement re-assessed.
Factsheet: The work capability assessment
March 2011
This factsheet gives you the basic information on the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
Factsheet: The Cuts: what they mean for families at risk of poverty
December 2010 (updated March 2011)
The Coalition Government has targeted welfare expenditure with cuts totalling £18 billion over the next three years. This factsheet is a summary of the announcements and the potential impact on families. It has been updated following the March 2011 Budget
Adviser training
Welfare Reform (includes universal credit)
Half-day course for experienced advisers – costs £73 for voluntary organisations, £103 others.
London course dates:
12 December 2011
Course details and booking - London
Scotland course dates:
Various venues
15 March 2012
22 March 2012
Course details and booking – Scotland
Useful links
Read the Welfare Reform Bill 2011 and earlier documents on the Department for Work and Pensions welfare reform page:
http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/
Follow the progress of the Bill on the UK Parliament website:
http://services.parliament.uk/bills/2010-11/welfarereform.html
Read the initial draft of the assessment regulations for the personal independence payment http://www.dwp.gov.uk/docs/pip-draft-assessment-regulations.pdf |
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