Welfare Reform

The UK Government is introducing major changes in Welfare Benefits. These changes will have a significant impact on tenants and communities in West Lothian. Overall it is estimated that people in West Lothian will lose £17 - £20 million per year in benefits. This money will be lost to the local economy and will impact adversely on those dependent on state benefits.

The changes will cover a number of benefits:

• The introduction of size restrictions in the social rented sector with a consequent loss of Housing Benefit for those affected.
• The abolition of Council Tax Benefit and its replacement with a local scheme of Council Tax Reduction with a 10% cut in funding
• The introduction of a new Universal Credit which will, by 2017, replace many existing benefits including Housing Benefit and Job Seeker’s Allowance
• The abolition of the Discretionary Social Fund and replacement of its two main elements, Crisis Loans and Community Care Grants, with a scheme of localised support to be administered by local authorities
• The abolition of Disability Living Allowance and the introduction of a new Personal Independence Payment

Information Notes

Under Occupation - the bedroom tax