When I was first approached to consider applying for a place on the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), I had never even heard of it. Nonetheless, I quickly found myself wanting to know more because of my practical experience of …
I wasn’t a 'Whitehall Warrior' and so thought I didn’t have a chance of being selected when I applied to become a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC)! But it turned out they welcome and encourage a breadth …
Prior to my appointment to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC), my work at the Low Incomes Tax Reform Group was primarily focused on tax and tax credits. At that time, I had developed a special interest in the tax …
I have been a member of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) since 2016 and, as my term comes to an end, I want to reflect on what a fascinating role it has been. When I was first appointed, I …
Almost everyone in this country receives support from social security in the course of our lives, as a plethora of different circumstances change.[1] This may be a short-term change - perhaps a period of unemployment or ill-health - or longer …
Universal Credit is the main means-tested benefit for those with low incomes, including both those not in paid work and those with low earnings. It is conditional on claimants accepting a ‘claimant commitment’ which is designed as an agreement between …
Committee members went to Scotland at the start of the month, four years since our last visit. In 2015, we looked at the early pilots of Universal Support, heard from Jobcentre staff at the height of Jobseeker’s Allowance sanctions and …
When I accepted the role of SSAC Chair, I knew that Paul Gray was going to be a difficult act to follow. However I was reassured to be given a start date of 1st August – with several weeks of …
It is six years this month since I became the Chair of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC). That “anniversary”, and the fact the months are rapidly passing to when I step down next July, prompts these reflections about the …