Overview

• Ministers confirmed royal assent for the Universal Credit Act, locking in rises to the standard allowance at least in line with inflation until 2029/30.
• The Department for Work and Pensions announced a £338 million expansion of Connect to Work, offering intensive, personalised employment support with 85,000 places across 15 areas in England.
• The government expects about 300,000 people across England and Wales to benefit over five years, with self‑referrals and routes via health services, councils and voluntary groups.
• Hampshire has been allocated up to £18.7 million to support around 4,800 residents, with local services due to launch later this year.
• From April 2026 the UC health element will be reduced for new claimants except in severe or terminal cases and frozen until 2030, while proposed PIP eligibility changes have been deferred for a review led by Sir Stephen Timms.