Touchbase

Roundup of recent DWP announcements 

Health and disability green paper – one month to go

Don't miss the chance to shape the future of the benefits system by responding to the Shaping future support: the health and disability green paper consultation.

The 12-week consultation closes on 11 October.

It is running alongside a series of consultation events with disabled people and those with health conditions and their representatives. This includes face-to-face events in the following locations, with more to come:

Wrexham - Tuesday 14 September Improving the design of the benefits system

Canterbury - Thursday 16 September Employment Support        

Bournemouth – Thursday 23 September Improving the design of the benefits system     

Leeds – Tuesday 28 September Employment Support

Glasgow – Wednesday 29 September Rethinking Assessments 

The Future Support Offer

The Department for Work and Pensions is offering grant funding through the "Future Support Offer" for organisations in England, Scotland and Wales to support people to:

  • make a new claim for Universal Credit; and
  • support them with their new Universal Credit claim up until their first full correct payment

The support is to be provided through accessible telephony and digital channels, including webchat.

Find out more about the grant funding and application process.

Carer's Allowance easements update 

The Government recognised the vital role unpaid carers played during the coronavirus pandemic by ensuring DWP Carer's Allowance Benefit continued to be paid, despite changes to patterns of care forced upon carers by circumstances beyond their control. A relaxation of rules around breaks in care and recognition of emotional support was initiated in March 2020.

The vaccination programme has weakened the link between cases, hospitalisations and deaths, which has allowed a cautious easing of restrictions. The Carer's Allowance easements ceased to apply after 31 August 2021.

Please check GOV.UK for all the latest guidance.

Reducing Parental Conflict programme funding

A government funding pot of up to £4million is being distributed among 147 local authorities in England, to help parents facing continued conflict in their relationships and prevent lasting impact on their children.

Councils will develop targeted and evidence-based support, ranging from conflict guidance and training for staff in sectors such as health, policing, education and social care; to specialist therapy-based interventions working with voluntary sector experts; as well as dedicated online advice that help parents recognise, de-escalate and solve conflict.

Studies show that frequent, intense and poorly resolved conflict can negatively impact children's mental health. From their early social and emotional development to school grades, with lasting impacts on their adult lives. DWP's Reducing Parental Conflict programme aims to encourage calmer home environments for children to thrive in.

The programme is designed to resolve parental conflict, not domestic abuse. Those in abusive relationships will instead be referred to specialist support. Find out more

Pension Awareness Live

Throughout the week commencing Monday 13 September, Pension Geeks will be hosting a wide range of live webinars on topics like pension basics, responsible investing and how to feel good about your money, all with the aim of making sense of your savings.

Register for a free webinar

Recruiting Prison Leavers Summit

On 21 October the Ministry of Justice will host a free interactive virtual event to support businesses interested in recruiting people from prison. With many businesses experiencing significant skills gaps, the summit is a timely opportunity to hear first-hand from employers including Greggs, Timpson and Greene King about why they have benefitted from recruiting people leaving prison. The summit will cover a range of themes including corporate social responsibility and inclusive recruitment.

Book your place