Is that the question that the nobler minister had in mind and answered too soon? On the BBC Politics Show on Sunday 12th June, Lord Freud, being asked about the fairness of the cap said “We’re looking at exceptional circumstances which some people may find themselves in and we’re going to be putting out arrangements […]

The Government has told MPs on the Welfare Reform Committee that they are considering a number of options for childcare support in UC. They are: Paying 70% of childcare costs to all lone parents and all couples where both parents are in work, up to a limit of £125 (for one child) and £210 (for […]

A second set of briefing documents on Universal Credit have been published Contributory benefits Second earners Transitional protection They can be downloaded here

Another update, to the paper on Benefits after the Bill, with more on the odd effects of capping proposals in Universal Credit. You can find it, replacing the previous version, here.

A substantially revised of the paper is now available reflecting changes in the treatment of the benefits cap. It can be downloaded here.

Capping in the Current System As recently as 21st March, Employment Minister Chris Grayling responded to a written question about the criteria for the proposed benefits cap. Chris Grayling: As the spending review announced, households which contain a member who is in receipt of working tax credit will be exempt from the cap. We are […]

The government has published the first of some briefing notes which give more detail about their proposals. Universal Credit policy briefing notes – an introduction Briefing Note 1 – Additions for longer durations on Universal Credit Briefing Note 2 – The payment proposal Briefing Note 3 – Treatment of Capital You can find them at […]

This contains analysis, modelling and examples based on the state of the Bill at the second reading using the benefit rates and rules from April 2011. It forecasts real values of benefits up to 2015 including Universal Credit and current rule sets. It can be downloaded here

As I’m incorporating these changes into the modelling for the future benefits and tax system, its worth pointing out that the 2012 Income Tax personal allowance increase will be worth £2.42 a week to those earning £115,000 a year but £0.37p to the poorest workers as it reduces their Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. […]

One of the work incentive measures that has been emphasised in the Bill is the increase in the amount of earnings that can be kept before any deduction is applied. As can be seen in the table below that is set at £109.62 a week for a couple with one child. Generous indeed! BUT… this […]