Title

FINANCE

Mini-Budget: Universal Credit sanctions tightened

Tens of thousands of people on Universal Credit face sanctions and reductions if they do not show up at jobcentres, under plans unveiled by the chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

Tens of thousands of people on Universal Credit face sanctions and reductions if they do not show up at jobcentres, under plans unveiled by the chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

The tightening of rules announced in his ‘mini-budget' speech this morning are expected to affect 120,000 people and are designed to compel people to ‘take active steps to seek more work'.

This includes attending weekly or fortnightly appointments at jobcentres, applying for jobs and attending interviews.

The Government's Growth Plan states: ‘Claimants who do not fulfil their job-search commitment without good reason could have their benefits reduced.'

The plans also include work coaches for new claimants and long-term unemployed people over the age of 50 to help them into work.

Local Government Association chairman James Jamieson said: 'Any government initiative to help Universal Credit claimants find work, or increase their earnings, should also connect up with other government schemes to increase skills and qualifications and support for families, including affordable, accessible childcare and help for parents who are returning to work.

'It is vital claimants have access to the right support and benefits to get on in life, which is especially important amid cost of living pressures.'

FINANCE

A missed opportunity?

By Dawn Redpath | 31 July 2025

The Government must look beyond its heartlands in its efforts to drive growth, says Dawn Redpath.

FINANCE

Growing towards health

By Sharlene McGee | 31 July 2025

New devolution powers and local growth plans should lay the ground for health in all policies, not just some, says Sharlene McGee.

FINANCE

The Vale's bright future

By Rob Thomas | 31 July 2025

Vale of Glamorgan Council’s new strategic plan offers a destination and a transformational route map to take it through to the end of the decade. Rob Thomas ...

FINANCE

With change comes opportunity

By Mae Wilson | 30 July 2025

As local government reorganisation begins to take shape, Mae Wilson and Gemma Stevenson-Coupe say this is a chance to transform your approach to the workforc...

Martin Ford

Popular articles by Martin Ford