Benefit sanctions
The Committee conducted some work on the issue of the revised sanction regime resulting from the UK Government’s welfare reform. The Committee wished to gain a greater understanding of the key issues and the practical experiences of those working with people who are being affected by benefit sanctions.
The Committee conducted a fact-finding visit to a Citizens Advice Bureau in Glasgow on 25 March in order to hear first-hand evidence from people who have been directly affected by benefit sanctions. A summary of the key findings can be viewed below -
Then the Committee held a round-table evidence session on sanctions on 1 April. The organisations which attended this discussion and the written evidence they provided were as follows -
An additional submission was also received from -
Transcript of discussion 1 April 2014
For this meeting SPICe also produced a briefing on benefit sanctions -
This was followed by an evidence session on 29 April with Neil Couling, Work Services Director, Department of Work and Pensions.
Transcript of discussion 29 April 2014
To conclude its inquiry the Committee produced a report of its findings and recommendations on 11 June 2014.
Interim Report on the New Benefit Sanctions Regime: Tough Love or Tough Luck?