Benefits Cap: a lack of jobs undermines the benefits of welfare reform

via JRF – Combined Feed by Helen Barnard

The benefits cap means some people may be motivated to find work – but finding a job in the first place is the problem, says Helen Barnard.

The benefits cap comes into force today [15 April]. It is a media-friendly, simple-sounding policy, which translates into a rather complicated set of rules and exemptions. The essence, explained in the House of Commons note on the cap, is that most working-age people will have the amount they can claim in benefits limited to £500 per week for couples or lone parents (regardless of the number of children) and £350 for single people; average earnings after tax and National Insurance.

Continue reading

---