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News & Blogs

Find our latest press releases and news here, as well as our blogs that have been written by our staff, volunteers and clients.
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Blogs

    • Blog

    UC overpayments – Disincentivising fair decision-making

    In the wake of the pandemic, more money than ever is being overpaid under the Universal Credit (UC) system. Blunt rule changes to the recoverability of overpayments mean that people are being saddled with debt as a result of structural deficiencies and delays in the decision-making process. As Z2K’s casework highlights, this leaves people in vulnerable circumstances in an impossible situation.

    Andy McCarthy 30/06/2021
    Blog

    Error 404: Digital Access not Found

    Being of a younger generation and with English as my first language, I am aware of my privilege in being able to navigate a life dictated and shaped by the internet, and computer literacy. Since Covid-19, the necessity to be digitally adept has only increased. However, without the adequate education and provision of resources to ensure digital access for everyone, the benefits system and local authority services remain unfit for purpose.

    Natasha Cross 02/06/2021
    Blog

    A Hidden Army of Women: Fibromyalgia & Living with Chronic Pain

    When applying for Social Security benefits such as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP), people with fibromyalgia and chronic pain join the “hidden army” of those whose health conditions are consistently misunderstood and easily overlooked by the Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) and its private health-care assessors.

    Z2K 12/05/2021
    Blog

    Renters need change now

    Housing law allows landlords to evict tenants without giving a reason – meaning people like Okwuchi often face prejudice or are punished for asking for repairs. It’s this insecurity faced by tenants that the Government promised to address with a new Renters Reform Bill, and we’ve joined the Renters Reform Coalition to hold them to that.

    Rose Bernstein 15/04/2021
    Blog

    Retrospective on Remote Social Security Hearings

    Prior to the national lockdown, Z2K’s Tribunal representation project largely revolved around client contact. From our initial meeting with clients at outreach sessions and appointments at our offices to scan their paperwork, to clients meeting their representative and ultimately attending the Tribunal with them on the day of their hearing.

    Lucy Isaac 07/04/2021
    Blog

    “I have given you an explanation on your Universal Credit payment, unfortunately it is not for me to comment or discuss your question on how you are to survive”

    This was the response my client Sarah* received when she asked her Universal Credit case manager how she, her partner and 2 children were supposed to live on £73 for the entire month. Sarah had been hit by the benefit cap, a policy which has been in place since April 2013 and according to Child Poverty Action Group is now having a devastating impact on up to 250 000 households.

    Anna Ellis 10/03/2021

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