News

News

Benefitscast – November 2025

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The monthly Benefitscast from The Benefits Training Company features three of their benefits experts discussing the latest benefits news stories including changes to legislation, DWP announcments, relevant case law and guidance. There are links to the sources of the items discussed, and some that aren’t discussed if they think they might help.

In the November 2025 Benefitscast, David, Will and Pamela discuss:

  • Warm Home Discount
  • Pre-April LCWRA protection
  • Working age Council Tax Reduction schemes
  • Getting full arrears of the carer element in UC
  • Appealing a refusal to revise on grounds of official error; PIP and working caselaw.

You can find the latest Benefitscast here.

Library Talk – Infected blood compensation

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: 20 November 2025
Location: Online via Teams
Sign up link: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=8416

The government established the infected blood compensation scheme in response to the Infected Blood Inquiry. The first payments from the scheme were made in October 2024 and as of September 2025, 3,284 people have begun a claim process.

This talk explains the origin of the scheme, how it operates in practice, and recent changes to application processes. It will be useful for caseworkers and anyone who is interested to find out more about infected blood compensation.

Preventing debt and homelessness this winter: impact case studies from leading organisations

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Time: 1030 – 1145
Date: Wednesday 26 November 2025
Location: Online
Registration: Click here to register
Cost: Free – presented by Policy in Practice

Record levels of temporary accommodation, rising arrears and deepening financial vulnerability are driving more people towards homelessness this winter. Many are already in debt or at risk of falling into it, yet millions of people across the UK are not receiving the support they are entitled to.

Frontline services are under immense pressure. Local authorities are working with shrinking budgets, while financial organisations are managing increased risk and exploring ways to support vulnerable customers more effectively.

The webinar will focus on how councils, third-party organisations and financial institutions such as Nationwide are using data and proactive support to prevent households from reaching crisis point.

Speakers will include:

  • Glyn Ashman from the London Borough of Hackney who will discuss the council’s campaign to support residents in temporary housing who are in arrears
  • Ian Cheatle from Nationwide, who is the first financial services provider to launch a free telephone benefits calculator service, helping people understand and claim the support they are entitled to while tackling digital exclusion

By acting earlier, organisations can reduce harm and deliver better outcomes for customers, residents and communities.

Join us to hear:

  • How organisations are using data to identify households at risk of debt or homelessness before crisis hits
  • How proactive support can help people access the financial support they’re entitled to and improve resilience.
  • Examples of prevention campaigns and pilots demonstrating measurable impact for both residents and customers.

Library talk – Infected blood compensation

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Time: 1030 – 1130
Date: 20 November 2025
Location: Online

The government established the infected blood compensation scheme in response to the Infected Blood Inquiry. The first payments from the scheme were made in October 2024 and as of September 2025, 3,284 people have begun a claim process. This Library talk explains the origin of the scheme, how it operates in practice, and recent changes to application processes. It will be useful for caseworkers and anyone who is interested to find out more about infected blood compensation.

Book your place on Act.

Finding people on the parliamentary intranet

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We often see messages asking how to find out who works in a particular MP’s office. There’s a really simple way of finding out.

Whilst logged into the parliamentary intranet, go to https://outlook.office.com/people/ and type the name of the MP into the search box. Once their name comes up, click on it to open their profile (they may have more than one profile. Then click on the ‘organisation’ tab and it will list all of the people in their office. Unfortunately it won’t tell you who does which job role, but you can message one of them and ask.

Join MMSST for Coffee and Chat: Flourish and Nourish

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A celebration of nutrition and wellbeing.
Communications and Administration Network

Food is our fuel, but do we truly understand what nourishes us best? Do you know your food facts? Join us at Flourish and Nourish for a food quiz to test your nutritional knowledge! Your brain, body, and tastebuds will thank you as we explore ways to nourish, flourish and thrive during the colder months.

Agatha Wiseman (our Quiz Master), will be available to talk about the range of wellbeing services available to help you to look after your health and wellbeing as we approach the winter months.

  • Come in person on Thursday 30th Oct 1:30pm – 2:45pm, the Attlee Suite, Portcullis House – Light refreshments will be provided.
  • Come and connect with us virtually on Thursday 6 November, 1:30pm -2:30pm via Teams

Email MMSST@parliament.uk for the link