As I move on from being part of the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) I’m doing a little reflecting. SSAC may not be the highest profile body – its activities are technical and detailed by nature - but its work …
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 …
In August 2020 we launched a review of the social security measures that had been implemented by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland (DfC) to support those whose work, income and …
The government response to Covid-19 has included a series of easements, adjustments and additions to social security benefit entitlements that the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) has welcomed as necessary and beneficial. We recognise that the unprecedented circumstances meant many …
When we all welcomed the arrival of the new year just three short months ago, I suspect very few – if any - of us could have imagined the relentless march of COVID-19 across the globe nor the impact it …
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 …
In November 2018, SSAC’s report on the Universal Credit (Managed Migration) Regulations 2018 was published, along with the Government’s response. The consultation exercise that led to that report received more responses than any other SSAC consultation. Many of the organisations …
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 …
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About this blog
SSAC is an independent statutory body that provides impartial advice on social security and related matters. We scrutinise most of the complex secondary legislation that underpins the social security system.
