Benefits shake-up in Bath
Benefit claimants in the Bath area will be among the first to try a controversial new welfare system, the Government has announced.
From this autumn, Bath and north east Somerset will be a pilot for the Government's flagship universal credit, which has been billed as the biggest changes to benefits since the 1940s.
It will see a number of different benefits combined into a single payment that the Government insists will ensure nobody is better off on benefits than if they work. Jobseeker's allowance, housing benefit, child tax credit, incapacity benefit and income support will all be merged.
Ministers say the current system has become too complicated, with more than 50 possible payments that can be claimed and millions lost every year in fraudulent payments.
Limited Deal. All day wedding photography only £545.00
View details
All day wedding photography only £545.00
From Bridal preparations to first dance.
250+ Hi Res images on disc with full printing rights.
Professional photography at affordable prices.
Terms:
Free no obligation consultations.
Offer subject to availability.
Book before 31st May 2013.
Email:carmelo@bellafoto.co.uk
Available in Bath, Bristol and surrounding areas.
Contact: 01225 439257
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
But critics have said it will demonise benefit claimants, creating classes of "deserving and undeserving poor". Fears have also been raised about people without internet access, as the new system will be primarily based online.
Ministers insisted help would be available to people without internet access.
B&NES is one of 12 pilot areas announced by Welfare Minister Lord Freud.
Comments
by JessePinkman
Thursday, September 06 2012, 1:11PM
“Elements of the past and the future combining to make something not quite as good as either.”