Linda Howard

Blue Badge holders in Wales receive several parking concessions, including free use of pay‑and‑display bays and limited parking on yellow lines, but they remain prohibited from stopping in 14 specific locations such as loading bans, pedestrian crossings, clearways, bus lanes, school markings, and suspended bays. Guidance stresses correct badge display, awareness of time restrictions, and adherence to rules to avoid fines or misuse penalties, while reminding users of key responsibilities such as not allowing others to use the badge without them present and replacing damaged or expired permits.

Conservative MP Joy Morrissey has urged the Department for Work and Pensions to assess whether Personal Independence Payment should be means-tested during the independent Timms Review, citing rising expenditure and increased claims among high-income households. Disability and Social Security Minister Stephen Timms said the government has no plans to abandon PIP's non-means-tested basis, arguing that disability-related extra costs can affect people in or out of work regardless of their income. The review, being conducted with disabled people, charities and other stakeholders, is expected to consider fairness, claimant needs and long-term financial sustainability, with an interim report due before Parliament's summer recess and a final outcome expected by autumn.

PIP claimants who plan to travel abroad for more than four weeks are advised to notify the Department for Work and Pensions immediately, providing their destination, travel dates, duration and reason for the trip. PIP can generally continue for up to 13 weeks overseas, or up to 26 weeks when the claimant is abroad for medical treatment, while permanent overseas residents cannot claim the mobility component. Claimants must also report other changes, including changes in condition, hospital or care placement, detention, immigration status and certain overseas benefits.

HM Revenue and Customs will provide £11.18 million over three years from April 2027 through its Voluntary and Community Sector Grant Funding Scheme, more than double the previous £5.5 million allocation. Charities and community organisations will offer free help with tax debts, tax returns, HMRC digital services, and benefits claims, particularly to people facing complex circumstances or limited digital access. Applications are open until 3 July 2026, following support for more than 43,000 customers in the previous year. A case study shows how grant-funded advice helped a self-employed woman reduce her HMRC repayment from £1,824.34 to about £503 after penalties and interest were waived.

Ofgem is due to announce the energy price cap for July to September 2026, with Cornwall Insight forecasting a £209 annual rise for a typical dual-fuel household to £1,850. Analysts expect the cap to remain similarly high in October, raising concerns about a difficult winter for vulnerable households. Energy costs have been pushed higher by disruption linked to the Strait of Hormuz, while the UK Government has not announced immediate additional support, saying it is developing targeted contingency measures if market conditions worsen.

State Pension payments do not automatically stop when a claimant dies, so the Pension Service must be notified. A surviving spouse or civil partner may inherit part of the deceased person’s Basic or New State Pension, Additional State Pension, protected payment, deferred pension increase or lump sum, depending on National Insurance records, State Pension age, and when the relationship began. Estates may also claim up to three months of unclaimed Basic State Pension in certain circumstances. People below State Pension age may qualify for bereavement benefits, while remarriage or entering a new civil partnership before State Pension age can affect inheritance eligibility.

People receiving Personal Independence Payment may qualify for additional benefits and support schemes, and some benefits may be backdated to the start of their PIP award. Potential support includes Carer’s Allowance, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Universal Credit, the Blue Badge scheme and other payments, though eligibility depends on the claimant’s circumstances and the PIP component or rate received. Claimants are advised to notify relevant benefit offices and use their PIP award letter as evidence, while carers may receive Income Support during the assessment process.

New Department for Work and Pensions figures show £9.9 billion in benefit overpayments during the financial year ending 2026, equivalent to 3.2% of total benefit expenditure, while £1.2 billion was underpaid. After recoveries, the net loss from overpayments was £8.6 billion. Universal Credit accounted for the largest amount of overpayments at £6.72 billion, Pension Credit had the highest rate relative to spending at 10%, and PIP overpayments rose significantly to £660 million. State Pension had the lowest overpayment rate, although contribution-record problems continued to cause underpayments. The DWP said overall fraud and error had fallen to its lowest rate since the pandemic and highlighted new powers to detect and recover incorrect payments.

Lloyds is launching a UK-wide five-year fixed-rate mortgage on 18 May 2026 that allows eligible first-time buyers to purchase homes worth up to £300,000 with a deposit of £5,000. The mortgage has a loan-to-value ratio above 98%, a 5.89% interest rate, no product fee and terms of up to 40 years, but applicants must pass strict affordability and credit checks. The product is aimed particularly at renters without family financial support, as rising rents and living costs make saving a traditional deposit difficult. Mortgage experts welcome the move and note that other lenders offer similar low-deposit products, while warning that high-LTV borrowing increases the risk of negative equity if property prices fall.

Universal Credit claimants facing financial hardship may be eligible for several forms of support, including Budgeting Advances of up to £812 for households with children, hardship payments following sanctions, Discretionary Housing Payments, local welfare assistance and advances for new claims. Some payments must be repaid through future Universal Credit instalments, while eligibility and available support vary by circumstances and council. Citizens Advice recommends seeking help quickly because some schemes have limited budgets or time restrictions.

Former Department for Work and Pensions employee Sandra Wrench advises PIP and Attendance Allowance claimants to retain copies of their original forms, obtain their PIP 2 evidence form, organize medical records, and keep a diary documenting how their condition affects daily activities. These records can help claimants provide consistent evidence during reviews or appeals, particularly when conditions fluctuate or deteriorate. The guidance comes as the number of disability benefit recipients rises and the government reviews PIP eligibility rules. Updated 2026/27 payment rates are also outlined.

People generally cannot make new claims for Universal Credit, income-related benefits or several working-age benefits once they reach Pension Credit or State Pension age. New claims for Jobseeker’s Allowance, New Style Employment and Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment and certain bereavement benefits are also restricted after State Pension age, although some existing disability claims may be renewed under specific conditions. Child Benefit, Carer’s Allowance, Guardian’s Allowance and Statutory Sick Pay remain available, while benefits such as Pension Credit, Housing Benefit and heating support depend on separate eligibility and income criteria. The State Pension age is rising from 66 to 67, with a further increase to 68 planned for the mid-2040s.

A range of financial changes will take effect in Wales and across the UK from 1 April and the start of the new tax year. These include the removal of the Universal Credit two-child limit, increases to council tax, vehicle tax, TV licences, minimum wages and water bills, alongside a fall in the energy price cap. From 6 April, state pensions and many benefits will rise, while inheritance-tax reliefs, dividend-tax rates and VCT tax relief will change. The article also lists later 2026 deadlines and planned vaping and tobacco-duty increases.

The Department for Work and Pensions plans to increase face-to-face Personal Independence Payment assessments from 5% in 2024 to 30%, with the change expected to begin in April. Most current assessments are conducted by telephone, while others are paper-based, in person or by video. Applicants are advised to explain in detail how their condition affects daily activities, describe both typical and difficult days, avoid rushing or oversimplifying answers, and clarify any limitations that may otherwise be misinterpreted. Claimants may bring someone for support, request accessibility adjustments, interpreters or a same-gender assessor, ask about recording the assessment, and seek an alternative venue or home visit where travel is difficult. PIP payment rates are also due to rise from April 6, 2026.

New rules that took effect on 23 February 2026 require people receiving DWP-administered disability benefits who permanently move from England or Wales to Scotland to apply for replacement Scottish benefits rather than having their cases transferred automatically. The changes affect Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, PIP, Disability Living Allowance for children and Carer’s Allowance. Existing benefits will continue for 13 weeks after the move, but claimants are urged to notify the relevant department and apply promptly to avoid payment gaps; successful applications may be backdated to the day after the previous benefit ends.

The article explains how people can check their State Pension entitlement and National Insurance record before retirement. At least 10 qualifying National Insurance years are generally needed for any New State Pension, while around 35 years may be required for the full weekly payment of £230.25, subject to individual circumstances such as being contracted out. Qualifying years can come from employment, National Insurance credits or voluntary contributions. Readers with gaps in their record are advised to check their State Pension forecast and HMRC National Insurance statement, while the State Pension age is scheduled to rise from 66 to 67 by 2028 and later to 68 in the mid-2040s.

Universal Credit claimants who develop a health condition or disability are urged to report it to the Department for Work and Pensions before 6 April 2026. Those later found eligible for the Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element may retain the existing higher rate of £429.80 per month, while new claimants after the reforms take effect will generally receive £217.26. Claimants should report the condition through their online account, provide medical evidence such as a fit note and undergo a Work Capability Assessment.

From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with more than £50,000 in qualifying self-employment and property income will be required to use approved software to keep digital records and send quarterly income and expense updates to HMRC under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. HMRC is offering guidance, webinars, videos and free software options, while people unable to use digital tools can seek an exemption. Annual tax returns will still be required, but the digital records should reduce year-end administration. New participants will receive a 12-month penalty-point grace period for late quarterly updates; afterward, a £200 fine will apply after four penalty points. The first MTD tax return, covering 2026–27, will be due by 31 January 2028.

The article explains how people can use free GOV.UK tools to check their State Pension forecast, State Pension age and National Insurance record. At least 10 qualifying National Insurance years are generally needed for any New State Pension, while around 35 years may be required for the full amount, with the exact figure affected by factors such as being contracted out. The full New State Pension is scheduled to rise to £241.30 a week from April 6, 2026. State Pension age is due to increase from 66 to 67 by 2028 and is projected to rise to 68 in the mid-2040s. People with contribution gaps may be able to obtain credits or make voluntary contributions.

Disability benefits including Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance will rise by 3.8% for the 2026/27 financial year, with new rates taking effect on 6 April 2026. PIP weekly payments will range from £30.30 to £194.60, depending on the daily living and mobility components awarded, with eight possible award combinations. The Department for Work and Pensions will notify claimants of their updated rates before April; the benefits remain tax-free and exempt from the benefit cap.

From 6 April 2026, sole traders and landlords with more than £50,000 in combined self-employment and property income will have to use recognised software to keep digital records and submit quarterly updates under Making Tax Digital for Income Tax. The updates are not additional tax returns, and free software, guidance and exemptions for those unable to use digital tools are available. Tax returns for 2025–26 remain due by 31 January 2027, while the first MTD tax return, covering 2026–27, will be due by 31 January 2028. New participants will receive a 12-month penalty-point grace period, with a £200 fine applying only after four late submissions.

The Department for Work and Pensions will send annual uprating letters to nearly 13 million pensioners before the State Pension increases on 6 April 2026. The full New State Pension will rise to £241.30 a week, while the maximum Basic State Pension will increase to £184.90. The letters will also include information about Pension Credit, which provides an average of £4,300 a year in additional support to eligible low-income pensioners and may unlock help with housing, heating and Council Tax costs.

From April, most new PIP claimants aged 25 and over will receive awards lasting at least three years, with subsequent reviews potentially extending awards to five years if eligibility continues. The Department for Work and Pensions says the change will reduce reassessment work and free health professionals for more face-to-face PIP and Work Capability Assessments, while face-to-face assessments are expected to rise to 30%. The measures accompany Universal Credit changes, employment support and the redeployment of 1,000 work coaches, with projected savings of £1.9 billion by 2030/31.