Social Policy

Social Policy

Survey Reveals Strong Public Opposition to Disability Benefit Cuts, Even Among Conservative Voters

An authoritative national survey has found little public appetite for cuts to disability benefits, with nearly half of respondents advocating for increased spending on Personal Independence Payments (PIP). The British Social Attitudes (BSA) report indicates that proposals to restrict spending on disability benefits could be politically risky, even among the Conservative and Reform UK electorate.

Social Policy

Eiffel Tower Closed Amid Staff Protests Over Gender Discrimination Allegations

The Eiffel Tower was temporarily closed on Monday after staff protested against alleged gender discrimination during a private visit by a Hindu religious delegation. Female employees were reportedly asked to limit interactions and be moved from certain areas, prompting a trade union condemnation and an investigation by Paris authorities.

Social Policy

UK Government Explores Converting Women's Prisons for Male Inmates Amid Overcrowding Crisis

Ministers are seriously examining proposals to convert parts of the female prison estate for male inmates, a plan intended to ease severe overcrowding in men's prisons. While prisons minister Catherine McKinnell is set to review the practicalities, campaigners warn the move could simply shift the crisis rather than resolve underlying issues within the prison system.

Social Policy

New law to cap branded school uniform items from September 2026

A new law coming into force in England next year will limit the number of branded uniform items schools can require parents to buy, as the government seeks to curb the rising cost of sending children to school.

Social Policy

Disabled people in England to get free bus travel at any time of day from 2027

Ministers say around one million disabled bus pass holders will benefit from the removal of time restrictions, ending a system that has limited travel before 09:30 and after 23:00 on weekdays.

Social Policy

Girl Charged with Terror Offences Died by Suicide Amidst 'Catalogue of Failures' by UK Authorities

A 16-year-old girl, Rhianan Rudd, died by suicide after facing terror charges at 15, exposing what has been called a "catalogue of failures" by UK authorities in protecting a vulnerable young person from online neo-fascist grooming. The case highlights systemic breakdowns in social services, counter-terrorism programmes, and care provision.

Social Policy

Poorer pupils far less likely to learn to swim at school, figures show

New data shows children at schools with higher numbers of pupils on free school meals are significantly less likely to leave primary school able to swim 25 metres or perform a safe self-rescue than their better-off peers.

Social Policy

UK Regulator Urges Stronger Protections for 1.5 Million Heating Oil Households

The Competition and Markets Authority has called for a new regulatory regime to safeguard the 1.5 million UK households dependent on heating oil, highlighting a disparity in consumer protections compared to gas and electricity customers. The move follows a market study prompted by price spikes, with the regulator now preparing enforcement action against suppliers accused of breaching contracts.

Social Policy

Government updates baseline report for UK-wide child poverty strategy

The first annual monitoring and evaluation report for the UK government’s Our Children, Our Future child poverty strategy sets out the 2024/25 baseline and how progress will be tracked.

Social Policy

Firms bidding for public contracts told to prioritise local jobs under procurement overhaul

Companies seeking government contracts worth £5m or more will be assessed more heavily on how they create jobs, support young people and address local skills shortages.

Social Policy

Probation watchdog warns tagging system must improve before early prisoner releases

HM inspector of probation says electronic monitoring is under strain and needs better alerts and staffing as ministers prepare to expand early releases to ease prison overcrowding.

Social Policy

Government pauses early prison release scheme after victims raise concerns

A planned change to prisoner release rules in England and Wales has been put on hold while ministers review public protection measures and the information given to victims.

Social Policy

UK Parliament Report Flags Risks in Reliance on US Tech Firm Palantir for Public Services

A parliamentary committee warns that the UK government’s dependence on Palantir for NHS and other public data projects raises concerns around data security and digital sovereignty. The report advises exploring UK alternatives to reduce vulnerability.

Social Policy

Investigation Continues Into Police Actions Before Death of Henry Nowak

The death of Henry Nowak has intensified scrutiny of police decision making after footage showed officers handcuffing him as he pleaded for help after being stabbed.

Social Policy

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell remanded in custody after admitting embezzling more than £400,000 from party

Former SNP chief executive Peter Murrell has admitted embezzling more than £400,000 from party funds, raising major questions about political trust, financial oversight and governance inside the party.

Social Policy

Green councillor ineligibility triggers costly by-elections across UK councils

Several newly elected Green Party councillors cannot take up their seats because they do not meet legal eligibility rules, prompting a series of by-elections ac

Social Policy

Labour MPs push for formal review of UK first past the post voting system

More than 60 Labour MPs have called for a formal review of the UK’s voting system for general elections, arguing the first past the post model is “broken”

Social Policy

UK Pensions Sector at a Crossroads as Broad Reform Agenda Advances

The UK pensions industry is poised to undergo significant changes driven by upcoming legislation, regulatory proposals, and government initiatives. These developments will affect how pension schemes invest, deliver retirement income, and support savers in planning for retirement. Understanding the practical implications is essential for trustees, employers and members.