William Eichler 25 March 2024

MPs call for benefits ‘uprating guarantee’

MPs call for benefits ‘uprating guarantee’ image
Image: ShutterOK / Shutterstock.com.

MPs have called for the introduction of an ‘uprating guarantee’ to uprate working-age benefits and the Local Housing Allowance rate on an annual basis.

A report from the Work and Pensions Committee also recommended that the Household Support Fund be made a permanent part of the social security system.

An ‘uprating guarantee’ would help overcome ‘the fundamental inadequacy of social security support’, according to the committee.

Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms MP, chair of the Work and Pensions Committee, said: ‘We have heard plenty of evidence that benefits are currently at a level that leaves many unable to afford daily essentials or meet the unavoidable extra costs associated with having a health impairment or disability.’

Commenting on the report, Cllr Pete Marland, chair of the Local Government Association’s (LGA) Economy and Resources Board, said: ‘We have long called for Local Housing Allowance to be increased annually in line with rents and for the national benefits system to cover households’ essential living costs. This would allow councils to target local welfare support to households with the most complex needs.

‘While it’s good the Household Support Fund was recently extended, councils now want to work with Government to deliver a sustainable, long-term solution to support households out of poverty and improve residents’ financial resilience and wellbeing.’

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