research

Library Talk – Local government restructuring

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Time: 1400 – 1500
Date: 4 December 2025
Location: Online via Teams
Sign up link: https://parliament.learningpool.com/mod/facetoface/view.php?id=8324

County and district councils across England have been asked to present plans to Government to reorganise themselves into unitary authorities. Final proposals were due in on 28 November 2025.

This talk looks at what we know about the plans that have been submitted, which plans might be accepted, the timetable for changes, and the challenges of making reorganisation happen.

This will be useful for caseworkers, Commons staff, and anyone else who wants to find out what reorganisation means.

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.

News from the Commons Library

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The House of Commons returns from conference recess next week! Make sure you’re up to date with everything from the Commons Library so you can hit the ground running.

Visit our website and bookmark Library briefings for Commons debates, which we update regularly with the latest research.

You can also sign up for online events coming later this month designed to support your constituency work.

Join the DWP Disability Services Complaints team in our next caseworker forum meeting on 21 October, for an outline their services and handling constituent correspondence.

Followed by the return of Library Talks on 23 October, starting with a Library expert on everything you need to know about the Child Maintenance Service.