Roundup of recent DWP announcements
Ask for ANI (Assistance Needed Immediately) pilot
In a new pilot launched this week, victims of domestic abuse will now be able to ‘Ask for ANI’ in 18 jobcentres and job and benefit offices across the UK. Anyone using the codeword will receive support from a trained staff member who will guide them to a safe and private space where they can help call the police or specialist domestic abuse services. Building on the success of the scheme in pharmacies across the UK, the Ask for ANI codeword scheme pilot offers a discreet route to get urgent help and support.
A new postcode checker has been launched to enable anyone to locate their nearest Ask for ANI service. More information can be found on GOV.UK.
Additional support to help families in need
The Government has announced details of a Household Support Fund extension worth £842 million. The additional funding will be allocated from 1 April to help the most vulnerable across England pay for household costs such as energy bills or groceries.
As part of the support package, devolved administrations have also been allocated funding in parallel.
Move to Universal Credit (UC) update
Last month we published Completing the move to Universal Credit; Learning from the Discovery Phase. As part of our ongoing Discovery work we are expanding into the wider Cornwall District. We have begun to issue Migration Notices to tax credit claimants in St. Austell and Newquay from 13 February and Camborne, Redruth, Hayle, North Cornwall, South East Cornwall, St. Ives and the Isle of Scilly from 20 February.
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