Record amount of sanctions made against benefit claimants last year
- 20 Feb
Latest figures show that the highest number of sanctions against claimants occurred last year since jobseeker's allowance was first introduced in 1996.
Figures published by the DWP show the total number of sanctions against benefit claimants in the year to September 2013 was 897,690, which is the highest figure for any 12-month period since the introduction of jobseeker's allowance in 1996.
In the year to 30 September 2013 the number of JSA sanctions was 874,850 which compares to 500,000 in the year to 30 April 2010. In the same period there were 22,840 sanctions placed on claimants of ESA. This is the highest for any 12-month period since sanctions were introduced to claimants in October 2008, reports the Guardian.
The large numbers have come before the government introduces tougher claimant commitment which will require claimants to do more to prove they are actively seeking work.
Professor David Webster at Glasgow University has produced an analysis which shows that in the year to 30 September 2013, claims were being sanctioned at the rate of 5.11% a month, which are the highest rates recorded since the start of JSA in 1996.
Figures also reveal a large increase in sanction activity. A total of 560, 371 decisions were taken in three months to September, of which 236,786 were adverse and led to some kind of benefit withdrawal. 138554 were cancelled.
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1431095
Related articles
- 28 Aug
Figures find thousands of benefit claimants died after found fit for work
Over 80 people a month have died shortly after being declared “fit to work” prompting campaigners to call for an overhaul of the government’s welfare system, reports the Guardian.Figures from...
- 24 Aug
Disability campaigners concerned over benefit shakeups
The Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith is set to announce new reforms to sickness benefits in the hope to get more people into work, reports the Guardian.It is expected the Mr Duncan Smith...
- 07 Aug
Single parents are being hit by benefit cuts
Government statistics detailing who has been affected by the policy have found that in May 2015 49% were single parents with children under the age of five, reports the Guardian.It is being said that...
- 30 Jul
Government to review helping benefit claimants back into work
Led by Professor Dame Carol Black, the inquiry will consider the case for linking people who are entitled to benefits with accepting appropriate treatment or support, reports 24dash.The review's...
- 23 Jul
Call for review of benefits delivery
The inquiry will look at the problems that could occur when benefits are underpaid or delayed, reports 24dash. The Committee invites written evidence on: Frank Field MP, chair of the committee,...
- 15 May
11,400 tenants could be affected by new benefits cut
Inside Housing have analysed data from the government's Stat-Xplore website and has found that 11,449 social housing tenants are set to be affected by the governments plans to remove housing benefit...
- 24 Mar
Deaths due to benefit sanctions should have independent investigations
A report into benefit sanctions by the Work and Pensions Committee has said that suicides linked to sanctions should be scrutinised in a similar manner to deaths in police custody, reports Inside...
- 11 Mar
Charity finds benefit sanctions regime to be flawed
A report conducted for Crisis by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research at Sheffield Hallam University found that benefit claimants were subject to a ‘postcode lottery' on whether or...
- 30 Oct
Cuts to employment and support allowance benefits
With these cuts it could see new claimants being given just 50p more per week than people who are on job seekers allowance, reports the BBC. The Department for Work and Pensions have said the ESA...
- 10 Oct
Proposed benefit rule labelled ‘worse than poor law'
The Social Security Advisory Committee is currently cons ulting on the proposals which George Osborne first announced in June 2013, reports Inside Housing.The seven day wait would occur on top of the...
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "I thought this briefing was very good and very useful. The presentation was clear, well argued and I always find Michael gives me food for thought even if I don't agree with everything he says. I really like the way he facilitates a discussion in the room and I learn as much from other participants as I do from the presenter which is always good. Right length, right tone." R.P. - Richmond Fellowship
