Latest news with #AlexDavies-Jones
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit cash rule change means benefit payments won't be stopped
Under the current rules, benefit claimants who have received compensation after a criminal conviction may find themselves ineligible for some means-tested benefits Victims of miscarriages of justice will no longer have their compensation taken into account when claiming benefits such as Universal Credit. Under the current rules, benefit claimants who have received compensation after a criminal conviction may find themselves ineligible for some means-tested benefits, which are issued to people depending on their income and how much money they have in savings. For example, you are not eligible for Universal Credit if you have more than £16,000 in savings or investments. But moving forward, a rule that meant compensation payments were included as part of your capital has now been scrapped. This applies to six means-tested benefits including: Universal Credit, Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, Income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit and Pension Credit. It comes after the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) increased the maximum amount miscarriage of justice victims can receive through the Miscarriage of Justice Compensation Scheme from £1million to £1.3million. Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister for social security and disability, said: "Rebuilding trust in our systems begins by restoring trust with those the system has failed. "We can't return the years lost by miscarriage of justice victims — but we can, and must, ensure they have every opportunity to restart their lives so they can make the most of the years ahead." Alex Davies-Jones, minister for victims and violence against women and girls, added: "Miscarriages of justice steal irreplaceable time and devastate lives. "Better benefit support combined with the uplift of the compensation cap will make a real difference, providing not just financial redress but rightfully deserved recognition to individuals affected." If you claim Universal Credit and you have over £6,000 in money, savings and investments, your benefit is normally be reduced by £4.35 for every £250 you have between £6,000 and £16,000. If the amount you have saved doesn't add up exactly to £250, but is over the threshold, another £4.35 is deducted from your Universal Credit. For example, if you have £6,300 in savings, the first £6,000 would not be subject to any deductions, but the other £300 would see your payments deducted by £8.70. This would be £4.35 deduced for the first £250, then another £4.35 for the remaining £50 that makes up the £300. These figures apply if you're a single claimant, or claiming as part of a couple. You are normally not eligible for Universal Credit if you have more than £16,000 in savings. If you claim Tax Credits and you've been asked to move to Universal Credit, you may still be able to get Universal Credit for up to a year if you have more than £16,000.
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Huge change to Universal Credit rules that means benefits WON'T be stopped over cash mistake
We reveal who exactly is affected by the rule change below TO YOUR BENEFIT Huge change to Universal Credit rules that means benefits WON'T be stopped over cash mistake Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A HUGE change to Universal Credit rules meaning benefits won't be stopped over a cash mistake has been confirmed by the government. Claimants who have received compensation after a criminal conviction is reversed will no longer be ineligible for some means-tested benefits. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 A huge change has been brought in for miscarriage of justice victims on benefits Credit: Alamy Means-tested benefits are issued dependent on your income and capital - the value of any savings, investments and property you hold. Previously, compensation payments issued after wrongful convictions counted as income and capital for people on six means-tested benefits. This meant they were no longer eligible for payments and missed out on vital support. However, since yesterday and moving forwards, this rule has now ben scrapped. Sir Stephen Timms MP, minister for social security and disability, said: "Rebuilding trust in our systems begins by restoring trust with those the system has failed. "We can't return the years lost by miscarriage of justice victims — but we can, and must, ensure they have every opportunity to restart their lives so they can make the most of the years ahead." It comes after the Ministry of Justice (MOJ) boosted the maximum amount miscarriage of justice victims in England and Wales can receive to £1.3million from £1million - a 30% rise. Alex Davies-Jones, minister for victims and violence against women and girls, added: "Miscarriages of justice steal irreplaceable time and devastate lives. "Better benefit support combined with the uplift of the compensation cap will make a real difference, providing not just financial redress but rightfully deserved recognition to individuals affected." Who is affected? The new rule applies to those on six means-tested benefits in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. The full list is: income-based Jobseeker's Allowance income-related Employment and Support Allowance Income Support Housing Benefit Pension Credit Universal Credit Three key benefits that YOU could be missing out on, and one even gives you a free TV Licence Any compensation payments issued to claimants on these benefits under The Miscarriage of Justice Compensation Scheme will no longer be classed as capital or savings. A miscarriage of justice compensation payment is issued when someone has been convicted of a criminal offence and: had their conviction reversed a new or newly discovered fact shows beyond reasonable doubt that there has been a miscarriage of justice If you are currently on one of the six benefits and have previously received a miscarriage of justice compensation payment, you need to report a change of circumstances to the department who pays that benefit. Your change of circumstances should explain you've previously received compensation and that this is no longer classed as capital. The department responsible for paying the benefit will then consider whether you are receiving the correct amount. You will need to provide a copy of your compensation award notification. How to claim a miscarriage of justice payment The maximum amount of compensation issued to a miscarriage of justice victim who has been wrongfully imprisoned for up to 10 years is £650,000. For those who were sentenced to 10 or more years, the maximum amount is £1.3million. Both these maximum amounts were increased by 30% earlier this month, from £500,000 and £1million, respectively. You can apply for compensation if your conviction has been overturned by the courts and any of the following apply: your appeal was successful and it was submitted 28 days or more after your conviction in the Crown Court, or 21 days or more after sentencing for a conviction in a magistrate's court your conviction was overturned after it was referred to the Court of Appeal by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (CCRC) you've been granted a free (unconditional) pardon You can find out more about applying for compensation payments via MOJ data published in March revealed 591 applications for compensation due to a miscarriage of justice were received between April 2016 and March 2024. Of these, 39 were approved and 35 payments were made totalling £2,380,700.
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit, Pension Credit and Housing Benefit change to make more people eligible
People who are awarded certain compensations won't have it held against them when trying to get benefits From July 22, a change in the law will allow compensation for miscarriages of justice to be excluded from benefit assessments. These compensations are awarded to people who have been wrongfully convicted and can amount to substantial figures. In the past, such compensation was considered part of a person's savings or income, impacting their eligibility for benefits. For instance, receiving over £16,000 in compensation would automatically rule out eligibility for Universal Credit, regardless if they meet the other qualifying factors. The updated legislation will now ensure that these payouts are disregarded during the assessment process, potentially allowing access to various means-tested benefits, including income-based Jobseeker's Allowance, income-related Employment and Support Allowance, Income Support, Housing Benefit, Pension Credit, and Universal Credit. Sir Stephen Timms MP, Minister for Social Security and Disability, commented: 'Rebuilding trust in our systems begins by restoring trust with those the system has failed. We can't return the years lost by miscarriage of justice victims, but we can, and must, ensure they have every opportunity to restart their lives so they can make the most of the years ahead. 'That's why we're bringing in this milestone legislation, and I encourage anyone who has received a miscarriage of justice compensation payment to come forward, so we can ensure they receive the help they are entitled to.' Those who believe they may be impacted by this alteration but are already receiving means-tested benefits will need to declare a change in circumstances to ensure they're getting the proper amount following this legal change. People who might be affected but aren't currently claiming benefits are urged to verify their benefit eligibility online. In both situations, you'll be required to provide a copy of your compensation award during the application or change of circumstances procedure. Further details about the modification can be found on the website. This benefit law change comes after an uplift to the maximum compensation sum that can be granted to a miscarriage of justice victim. This now stands at a ceiling of £1.3million for those who have been wrongfully jailed for over ten years. Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, declared: 'Miscarriages of justice steal irreplaceable time and devastate lives. 'Better benefit support combined with the uplift of the compensation cap will make a real difference, providing not just financial redress but rightfully deserved recognition to individuals affected. We can't turn back the clock, but I hope these changes go some way in making the future brighter than the past for those who have already lost so much.' Campaigners had been urging for reforms like this, including Andrew Malkinson, as reported by the Independent. Malkinson, who was falsely accused of rape and spent 17 years behind bars before clearing his name, has spoken out about the law changes. The campaigner described the benefit update as "ends a stark injustice" but highlighted that further action is needed, labelling the £1.3 million cap as "insulting". Earlier this month, he told the publication: "I remain determined to challenge the completely unfair cap on compensation for the wrongfully convicted – and the ridiculous requirement that a person in my position be required to prove their innocence a second time to get compensated."
Wales Online
08-07-2025
- Climate
- Wales Online
Schools forced to close as 1,400 homes left without water
Schools forced to close as 1,400 homes left without water Crews from Welsh Water are working to resolve the ongoing issue after five schools in Rhondda Cynon Taf were affected by a burst water main Bryn Celynnog in Beddau is one school which has been forced to close (Image: Google ) Three Welsh schools have been forced to close due to a burst water main which left more than a thousand properties without water. Around 1,400 properties in the Llantrisant, Beddau, and Ynysymaerdy areas of Rhondda Cynon Taf were affected by the issue, which forced schools and businesses to close, on Wednesday. Rhondda Cynon Taf Council confirmed Bryncelynnog School, Ysgol Castellau, and Gwaunmeisgyn Primary were shut for the day. Llantrisant Primary closed in the afternoon. There was also a partial closure at Llwyncrwn Primary where some of the younger pupils were off-site on a school trip. A spokesman for the council said that the closure of the schools was "unavoidable" due to there being no water for flushing toilets, handwashing, and food preparation. Pontypridd MP Alex Davies-Jones confirmed the Royal Glamorgan Hospital was not affected by the burst water main. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here . A map from Welsh Water shows the areas that have been affected by the burst water main (Image: Welsh Water ) Article continues below Dwr Cymru Welsh Water said crews had been working to get most properties back on supply and confirmed on Wednesday afternoon that the remaining properties experiencing issues in Beddau town centre would have their supply restored "imminently". While properties are put back on supply some customers could "experience temporary low pressure or light discolouration". According to the Welsh Water website the repairs will be completed by 6pm on Wednesday. The burst water main was first reported shortly before 3am. Ms Davies-Jones said in a statement on Facebook: "I have been informed that Welsh Water has now restored supply to approximately 850 properties with the remaining 550 expected to be back on supply within the hour. "The burst occurred on a site of special scientific interest, which has required additional care to minimise any environmental impact. However Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water has assured me that residents will have their supply restored before repairs are fully completed with tankers in place to support the network in the meantime." A Welsh Water spokesman said: "We're dealing with a burst water main that affected some properties in Llantrisant, Beddau, and parts of Ynysmaerdy. "Crews have worked hard to get most properties back on supply through reconfiguring the network and tankering water into the area. The remaining properties in a small part of Beddau town centre will be coming back on supply imminently. "Some customers could experience temporary low pressure or light discolouration. "Our teams are also supporting care homes and schools, as well as vulnerable customers. We would like to thank customers for bearing with us. Article continues below "We will issue updates on our website:
New York Post
22-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
UK bans ‘dangerous' porn category depicting this violent act: ‘Real life consequences for women'
The UK has banned pornography that depicts a violent act in a bid to stop the growing epidemic of violence against women and girls. The government announced it will criminalize pornography that depicts acts of strangulation. This comes after the Independent Porn Review, which was conducted by Baroness Gabby Bertin. Advertisement The review found that pornography has effectively made strangulation a 'sexual norm' and a 'safe' act to engage in. The amendment will be made to the Crime and Policing Bill. Alex Davies-Jones, Minister for Victims and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls, said: 'Depicting strangulation during sex is not only dangerous, but also degrading, with real life consequences for women. The UK is criminalizing pornography that features acts of strangulation. fizkes – Advertisement 'Cracking down on the appalling rise of strangulation pornography will protect women and send a clear signal to men and boys that misogyny will not be tolerated.' Meanwhile Andrea Simon, the director of the End Violence Against Women Coalition (EVAW) said the organization welcomed the government's decision after EVAW's years of campaigning. 'There is no such thing as safe strangulation; women cannot consent to the long-term harm it can cause, including impaired cognitive functioning and memory. Its widespread portrayal in porn is fueling dangerous behaviors, particularly among young people,' she said. 'This is a vital step towards recognizing the role violent pornography plays in shaping attitudes to women and regulating an industry which promotes and profits from violence against women.'
