Category Archives: Benefits

Nick Clegg is wrong on EU benefits – his words and actions don’t match up. We might save peanuts, but we lose so much more..

Posted on November 28, 2013 by caronlindsay

So, all these EU citizens from poorer countries coming here and claiming benefits. A huge problem? Actually, not so much. My Liberal Democrat Voice co-editor was bang on the money yesterday when he said: So, for all the uproar and … Continue reading →

Posted in Benefits, EU, Immigration, Nick Clegg, Sarah Teather | Leave a comment

ATOS to lose monopoly of Work Cabability Assessments after audit shows up "unacceptable" standard of report

Posted on July 23, 2013 by caronlindsay

Those of us who are concerned about the fairness of the welfare system often cite the Work Capability Assessment, which claimants of Employment and Support Allowance are required to take. It seems that every few days there’s a story in … Continue reading →

Posted in Benefits, dwp, Welfare Reform, work capability assessment | Leave a comment

Liberal Democrats should not be voting to cut benefits for the poorest, working or not

Posted on January 8, 2013 by caronlindsay

I aIways knew when we went into Coalition that there would be moments when I would need to be locked in a cupboard with a bottle of gin. Tonight is one of them when MPs vote on a proposal, which, … Continue reading →

Posted in 1% benefits increase, Benefits, Iain Duncan Smith, john leech, Nick Clegg, Sarah Teather | 2 Comments

Autumn Statement: the good, the bad and the ugly

Posted on December 5, 2012 by caronlindsay

So, the Chancellor has given his Autumn Statement. Liberal Democrat reaction is likely to be at best mixed. Will people feel that the balance of tax and benefit measures is sufficient to support our claims that we are making the … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn statement, Benefits, Economy, George Osborne, Nick Clegg | 4 Comments

Autumn Statement gloom…..

Posted on December 5, 2012 by caronlindsay

I never look forward to George Osborne getting up on his feet in the House of Commons. It’s not entirely his fault, and I do know that he’s not getting to give the statement that he would like to because … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn statement, Benefits, Economy, Stephen Williams, taxation, Tim Farron | Leave a comment

Lib Dems stop Tories from taking Housing Benefit from the Under 25s

Posted on December 3, 2012 by caronlindsay

One bit of very good news on welfare front – the Liberal Democrats have held firm and told George Osborne where to shove his ridiculous plan to take Housing Benefit away from under 25s, according to yesterday’s Observer. Nor is … Continue reading →

Posted in autumn statement, Benefits, Economy, greg mulholland, Social Liberal Forum, welfare | Leave a comment

Note to Nick Clegg: put your foot down and insist on benefit rise

Posted on September 18, 2012 by caronlindsay

Last year, Nick Clegg defied Tory wishes and insisted that benefits were raised in line with inflation, as Nick Thornsby wrote at the time.  Living on benefits is no joke. If you’re getting £71 a week Job Seekers’ Allowance and … Continue reading →

Posted in Benefits, inflation, Nick Clegg, Nick Thornsby | 2 Comments

Nick Clegg needs to condemn Cameron’s welfare plans

Posted on June 24, 2012 by caronlindsay

Many Liberal Democrats will have been choking on their Corn Flakes this morning as they read, with horror, David Cameron’s plans to slash benefits even further than this year’s Welfare Reform Bill. If he had his way, there would be … Continue reading →

Posted in Benefits, Danny Alexander, David Cameron, Nick Clegg | Leave a comment

Please help encourage Scottish Borders Council to do the right thing for a 6 year old?

Posted on September 7, 2011 by caronlindsay

Of all the damaging things the last Labour Government did, bringing in the Local Housing Allowance was one of the worst. This means that Housing Benefit claimants are entitled only to benefit based on the local market rent for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Benefits, Housing benefit | Leave a comment

Work Capability Assessment errors slammed by Commons Committee – Lib Dems must act

Posted on July 26, 2011 by caronlindsay

The Commons Work and Pensions Committee has highlighted failures in the Government’s Work Capability Assessment, saying these have caused “fear and anxiety” for claimants whose benefits have been stopped. This will come as no surprise to the many people for … Continue reading →

Posted in Benefits, Employment, George Potter | 3 Comments