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

Graduate (Highways)

Derbyshire County Council
£29,719 - £31,691
Start your career with Derbyshire Highways Derbyshire
Recuriter: Derbyshire County Council

Prison Senior Social Worker and/or AMHP

Wakefield Council
£42,839 - £50,269
Wakefield has 2 prisons within its borders, HMP Wakefield and HMP/YOI New Hall. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Political Assistant

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £30,024 - £33,699 pro rata (pay award pending)
We are seeking a highly motivated and politically astute Political Assistant to support the Liberal Democrat Group within Durham County Council.  This Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Health & Safety Advisor

Wakefield Council
£39,152- £41,771
Wakefield Council’s Health & Safety Team now have an exciting opportunity for Health & Safety Adviser to join our service. Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Principal Ecologist

Essex County Council
£48530.0000 - £57095.0000 per annum
Principal EcologistPermanent, Full TimeSalary up to £57,095 per annum + benefits and local gov pension Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner