Mark Whitehead 03 November 2017

35,000 more households in work due to benefit cap, Whitehall claims

The number of households moving into employment because of a limit on their state benefits is continuing to rise, according to the Government.

Work and pensions secretary David Gauke said 35,000 households had gone into work in the last quarter because of the benefits cap, up 5,000 from the previous three months.

He said the latest figures represented 'thousands of success stories' and the total was continuing to rise since the measure was introduced in 2013.

The cap limits the amount of benefits a household can claim to £23,000 in Greater London and £20,000 a year elsewhere.

Since it started 160,000 households have had their benefits capped and 39,000 have moved into work according to official figures.

The Government says the measure incentivises work because anyone in employment and eligible for Working Tax Credit or the equivalent under Universal Credit is exempt.

Mr Gauke said: 'It is fair that people out of work face the same choices as those in work, and putting a cap on how much someone can receive in benefits restores that balance.

'Behind today’s figures are thousands of success stories as people start new jobs and benefit from a regular wage for their families.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Principal Public Protection Officer

Middlesbrough Council
£45,091 - £50,269
We have an exciting role on offer as a Principal Public Protection Officer in our new Empty Properties team in the Public Protection service. Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Travel Trainer (Ealing)

Essex County Council
£25959.0000 - £28621.0000 per annum
Travel Trainer (Ealing)Permanent, Full Time£25,959 up to £28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Travel Trainer (Ealing)

Essex County Council
£25959.00 - £28621.00 per annum
Travel Trainer (Ealing)Permanent, Full Time£25,959 up to £28,621 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Collections Manager

Middlesbrough Council
£33,699 - £35,412
Are you passionate about heritage and the stories museums can tell? Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: Middlesbrough Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression). Pay award pending.
Do you want to support parents to achieve meaningful and sustainable change and help more children to remain safely within their birth families?   We Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner