Roundup of recent DWP announcements
New support scheme for injured or disabled veterans
New Adjustments Passports will help those leaving the Armed Forces with an injury, disability or health condition to start and stay in work.
The passport provides a transferable record of any workplace adjustments the service leaver may require, such as changes to working hours or specialist equipment, making it easier for them to transition into work, progress and move between jobs.
Crucially, with this new document all of this can now be done without the need for reassessment, which can often be a barrier to disabled people and those with health conditions staying in work.
Adjustment Passport guidance and form
Disability Action Plan consultation
This open consultation is aimed at anyone with an interest in the action the Government will take during 2023 and 2024 to improve the lives of disabled people. Disabled people and disabled people's organisations may be particularly interested but anyone, including any organisations or individuals, may respond.
The proposals include initiatives like promoting life-changing technology for disabled people, mandating disability awareness training for taxi drivers, implementing autism-friendly programmes in cultural and heritage sites, and fostering a more inclusive society in the long run.
The consultation runs for 12 weeks and respondents can comment on all or part of it. Alternative accessible formats of the consultation are available (or available to request, for Braille, hard copy and audio CD), and include: full-screen BSL video / BSL inset video, Welsh translation, Easy Read, large print, web accessible PDF and HTML, Braille, hard copy, and audio CD. This is in addition to an online version of the consultation questions, hosted by CitizenSpace which was chosen in part on the basis of its high levels of accessibility.
The consultation is open until 6 October 2023.
Read the full press release
Occupational Health consultation
DWP and the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) have launched a consultation to encourage employers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, to adopt Occupational Health provision. This includes introducing a national "health at work" standard to ensure quality Occupational Health services, along with additional government support. The aim is to create a longer-term, multi-disciplinary workforce to meet potential future demand.
By promoting health in the workplace and improving support for workers, the Government aims to reduce economic inactivity, enhance workforce well-being, and boost employment opportunities.
The consultation is open until 12 October 2023.
Swifter sanctions on unpaid child maintenance
Parents who fail to pay child maintenance will face tougher sanctions faster after new laws were passed this week to speed up stronger enforcement action.
DWP will be able to impose tougher sanctions on non-paying parents – such as forcing the sale of property and taking away passports and driving licences – through a quick and simple administrative process.
The Child Support (Enforcement) Act will see families paid faster as it gives DWP the power to use a liability order to reclaim unpaid child maintenance instead of applying to court and waiting up to 20 weeks.
This time and money-saving change will allow the Child Maintenance Service to act swiftly, paying families faster and preventing further arrears.
Read the full press release
Pension Credit trial
Two thousand people in Great Britain will receive letters inviting them to apply for Pension Credit as part of an innovative new trial launched this week.
The letters and leaflets will be targeted at households in 10 local authorities that are already in receipt of Housing Benefit, but not claiming Pension Credit.
Pension Credit can be worth over £3,500 per year on average for people over State Pension age and on a low income – and it can lead to further support including extra Cost of Living payments being made later this year.
Find out more
Find a grant
The first of its kind, the 'Find a grant' service offers a free central place online for business, individuals and organisations to find and apply for government grants. Each year government awards over £50 billion in general grant funding. Government grants can be awarded for anything from improving local housing, to funding innovative new research into advanced fuels and digital technologies or providing better sports facilities and youth centres for communities.
The service will make it easier for organisations to find grants, as well as reduce duplication and cut time spent on grant applications by 72%.
Find a grant
Read the full press release
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