Benefit changes welcomed

OLDHAM Liberal Democrat leader Howard Sykes has welcomed a report on proposed changes to the benefits system.

Councillor Sykes had expressed concerns over the benefits sanction regime and delays in the publication of a report for Work and Pensions Secretary Iain Duncan Smith.

The review makes a number of core recommendations, all accepted by Employment Minister Esther McVey. These include improvements to the wording of letters sent to claimants so that they have a better understanding of what they are required to do and what the sanctions process involves.

There will also be more information on claimants’ appeal rights and the availability of hardship funds