The biggest changes to the Welfare & Benefits system since it was introduced in the 1940s came into effect yesterday, affecting households throughout the UK.
Changes in the way the NHS, Legal Aid and Benefits funds are managed will affect many residents.
Reforms to the NHS include the creation of 200 new organisations, including a network of GP-led groups to manage the budget, and NHS England – the National Board that will oversee the new system. G.P.s will have control of the bulk of the NHS budget giving them the power to decide which local services to fund.
Stockport GP Catherine Briggs commented on the BBC:
“Because GPs have face-to-face contact with patients every day, they are really well-placed to be able to make decisions about how healthcare should be delivered best”.
Read more at the BBC
Changes to the Legal Aid system affecting those seeking Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act (Laspo) allegedly saving £350m each year from central govenments Legal Aid Bill.
Family cases, including funding for Divorce, Custody and Personal Injury cases have been withdrawn, except in certain cases.
For full details visit the BBC
Impact on Stockport Households
The level of impact that the ‘Government’s Welfare Reform Act will have on Stockport households over the next year will depend upon the type of benefit currently being claimed.
The welfare reforms will affect Benefits for Families & Young People, Benefits for People of Working Age and Council Tax Support & Housing Benefit.
The government has said that “these changes are designed to encourage more people into work and provide for those who need it most”.
Stockport Council have put together a guide to how Stockport residents may be affected including a Welfare Reform Calculator so you can find out how these changes may affect your personal circumstances.
Find out more at Stockport Council website.