New proposals to help vulnerable people benefit from cheaper energy READ MORE HERE: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-proposals-to-help-vulnerable-people-benefit-from-cheaper-energy

New proposals to improve the driving test including incentives to be better prepared form part of a consultation launched by government today. Driving test •biggest shake up of the driving test in a generation •proposals for a ‘cashback’ incentive for the driving test, introducing in a deposit which is returned to the driver if they pass, encouraging learner drivers to take their test when they are ready •government wants to hear your views on how to improve the service offered by DVSA and DVLA The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched proposals to improve the driving test as part of a wide ranging review of motoring services in Great Britain. Only 21% of driving tests result in a first time pass. The majority of tests are repeat examinations. Reduced driving test fee Under the new proposals the driving test fee would be reduced by requiring learner drivers to pay a deposit when they take their test, which they get back if they pass. This will help make sure learner drivers are: •better prepared for taking their test and driving independently •less likely to have an accident in the months following the test •taking their test when they are ready and confident of passing An incentive to be prepared Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin said: “We want to make learning to drive safer and more affordable. This change will give those who pass first time some money back and provide an incentive for learners to be more prepared before they take their test. These common sense proposals mean that all learner drivers can feel the benefit. “This consultation is a really important step and we want to hear all views.” Steve Gooding director of the RAC Foundation said: “We support measures that will encourage learner drivers to get the experience they need to pass their test first time with flying colours, rather than barely scraping through or failing and having to repeat the process a few months down the road at yet more expense.” Improving road safety and increasing efficiency The consultation also sets out proposals to: •introduce more driving test appointment times, including weekends and evenings •offer tests from a range of venues •review fees for all services provided by motoring agencies •change providers for some services •combine services at motoring agencies The consultation is part of the government’s ongoing work to streamline public services and save the taxpayer money. Email: [email protected] Write to: Edward Bunting Motoring Services Agency Sponsorship Department for Transport Zone 2/29 Great Minster House Horseferry Road London SW1P 4DR

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19690632

Business Secretary Vince Cable has proposed a cut in how much workers can claim for unfair dismissal at employment tribunals. He will consult on plans to cut the limit on compensation payouts to a maximum of 12 months' salary. He also wants to bring in settlement agreements, in which staff agree to leave without being able to go to a tribunal, but get a pay-off in return. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-19594879

The government plan for the sick and disabled to lose 70% of their benefit support if they fail to comply with mandated work-related activities, this equates to £71 per week- hang on! I recognise this figure, the good old assessment rate. So let me get this right, if a claimant fails to comply with work related activity they get to keep the work related component and lose the non work related component, and this makes sense? The government now considers that, as a claimant has either passed the WCA or won a place on WRAG via appeal, that they are unfit for paid employment but fit for unpaid employment. What happens at the next WCA? The claimant is told that as they managed to successfully complete periods of work related activity they are obviously fit for work? OK I'll appeal, feel free but from next year we are bringing in mandatory revision before appeal, so you won't get any benefits while waiting for your appeal, unless you want to claim JSA in which case you're fit for work.