Neil Bateman writes: Many thanks to everyone who supplied examples of poor practice around MRs by DWP staff. They were very effective. Please continue to send me examples of bad practice in the light of the following: The DWP accept that there have been widespread problems and have now issued Gatekeeper Memo 03.15.38 in an attempt to tackle the problems. The main text of this is set out below. I hope this helps people to challenge poor practice, but better still. I …
Our annual report for 2014/15 is being presented to our AGM at Stafffordshire University this afternoon. You can read and download a copy here: NAWRA annual report 2014/15
Our next meeting will take place on Friday 6 March at the University of Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent. Our guest speakers will be Andrew Hood from the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Jackie Cox from Church Action on Poverty. Andrew will present his research on social security spending under the current coalition government and beyond. Jackie will tell us about “The Real Benefits Street” a project giving voice to benefit claimants and dispelling media myths. There will be workshops on students and …
Mary O’Hara (social policy journalist and author of Austerity Bites) is looking for evidence to support her new project and is interested in hearing from claimants and advisers about the current difficulties/realities. She is especially interested in: Bedroom tax/housing and homelessness Welfare changes/freezes/cuts to benefits Food banks and poverty Stress/mental health impact of cuts Impact on women/children/single parents/disabled people Local government cuts: social care/crisis loans etc.. Regional impact She would appreciate our help with this and would love to hear …
NAWRA understands that ITV news are planning another feature about sanctions very shortly. If NAWRA members have any clients who have been unfairly sanctioned, and who could either be interviewed or be used as part of anonymised case studies, please contact Penny Marshall on 0207 430 4541 or 07876 313 533 asap. Thanks. And happy new year.
