Updates on benefit changes, cost of living increases, and more from our Income Maximisation team.
Wages Increase
The minimum wage is increasing by 6.7% in April, rising to £12,21 per hour for people 21 year old or over.
Learn more here.
Work Coach Report
Citizens Advice has published a detailed report into Universal Credit claimants experience with Work Coaches at the Job Centre,
Here are some of the findings:
- Appointments typically last just 10 minutes.
- Coaches are not allocated any time to read case files before appointments.
- Claimants often see a different work coach.
- Work coaches lack understanding of health issues and disabilities.
Citizens Advice have made a total of 29 recommendations for improvements.
You can read their report here.
Cost of Living Increases
Energy (Gas and Electric) prices rose by 10% October 2024 and a further 1% in January this year, unfortunately they are expected to rise by around 6% in April. This is adding to the already significant financial pressures for people on a low income. It’s important to check you are on the best energy deal available to you, there are fixed tariffs readily available now that can save £100’s over a year. With general inflation still around 2.5% following on from record inflation over past 2 years these pressures are still a real challenge for people across Scotland.
More information about the price cap can be found here.
Benefit Rate Uplift
In April DWP benefits for those of working age are to increase by 1.7%, as will devolved benefits in Scotland. However with current inflation rates at 2.5% this small increase will do little to help benefit claimants cope with escalating day to day costs.
Read more here.