Laura Sharman 22 November 2017

Budget 2017: £1.5bn package to address Universal Credit concerns

A £1.5bn support package has been announced in today’s Budget to help address concerns raised about the delivery of Universal Credit.

Chancellor Philip Hammond said claimants will no longer have to wait seven days before they are entitled to a payment, and housing benefit will continue to be paid two weeks after a Universal Credit claim.

‘Universal Credit delivers a modern welfare system, where work always pays and people are supported to earn,’ Mr Hammond said.

‘But I recognise the genuine concerns on both sides of the House about the operational delivery of this benefit. Today we will act on those concerns.’

Changes will also be made to the advance system so that households can access a month’s payment within five days of applying. The repayment period for this will be extended from six to 12 months.

He added: ‘This is a £1.5bn package to address concerns about the delivery of the benefit.’

Last month, the Resolution Foundation warned that the current design of Universal Credit is ‘not fit for purpose’ and is failing those in need. It found that only one-in-seven working-age families reliant on Universal Credit have savings worth more than a month’s income.

In today’s Budget, Mr Hammond also said the National Living Wage will increase by 4.4% to £7.83 per hour from April 2018.

The basic income tax threshold will also rise to £11,850 from next April, with the higher rate threshold increasing to £46,350.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Family Support Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 6 - £27,269 - £30,060 (Pay award pending)
Do you have a real passion for helping families to make positive changes for themselves and their children? This might be the right role for you!   WH Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Clerical Officer Receptionist

Durham County Council
Grade 3 £24,404 - £25,183 Pro Rata to hours worked Pay award pending
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking to appoint a part time Clerical officer/Receptionist within Business Services to provide a professional, effective a Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administration Assistant

Durham County Council
£25,584 - £27,711 pro rata
Administration Assistant Grade 5    £25,584 - £27,711 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31 December 2025 37 hours per week, Te Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Support Assistant

Durham County Council
£24,027 pro rata
Support Assistant Grade 1 £24,027 pro rata Temporary – required from 1st October 2025 until 31st October 2026 Part Time, 32.5 hours Mon - Fri 9am -4pm Consett
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lecturer in Foundation Learning -Maths, English and Digital

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £34,314 - £37,938 pro rata for part-time term time working PAY AWARD PENDING
The DurhamLearn Foundation Learning programme area delivers Digital Skills, English and Maths Functional Skills.   An opportunity has arisen for a Lec Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner