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Welfare policy research

Welfare and benefits forms the largest area of advice we deliver at Citizens Advice. This gives us some of the clearest insights into the way in which the system works and the challenges it poses.

Our research is focused on using our data and expertise to make the case for a system which is more responsive to the needs and circumstances of its users. This includes helping policymakers understand the impact of changes, working for better service design and highlighting the importance of robust advice and support.

Find out about all our welfare policy work.

Locked out of work

Dydd Mercher, 8 Mawrth 2023

Universal Credit is reinforcing instead of removing parents’ barriers to work. Hundreds of thousands of parents are being locked out of, or held back in, work because the system isn’t fit for purpose.

Why benefits need to rise with inflation

Dydd Gwener, 21 Hydref 2022

In this interactive graphic, we look at how rising prices have led to unwelcome records for our service demand and the need for benefits to rise with inflation at a minimum to prevent this becoming the new normal.

Targeting support when energy bills rise in April

Dydd Llun, 17 Ionawr 2022

On April 1st 2022 under current plans, the energy price cap will increase by a predicted 57% to £2,000, bringing annual energy bills to a level we haven’t seen in many of our lifetimes. We’ve analysed the different policy options on the table and recommended four steps to deal with the challenge over the coming year.

How to protect consumers as energy prices rise

Dydd Gwener, 7 Ionawr 2022

The cost of living crisis has been growing in scale and impact over the last six months, with inflation reaching historic levels and yet to peak. Citizens Advice has proposed an immediate support package to reduce pressure on energy consumers and boost incomes for those in need.

How do I survive now? The impact of living with No Recourse to Public Funds

Dydd Iau, 2 Rhagfyr 2021

‘How do I survive now?’ shows the widespread harm caused by the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) policy. It provides some ways in which the policy can be improved, but ultimately concludes that the best way to address the damage caused by the policy is to remove the condition from all those who are habitually resident in the UK.

Roadblock to recovery: Why the rules in Universal Credit are creating barriers to work

Dydd Mercher, 9 Mehefin 2021

Universal Credit is facing its biggest challenge yet - to support record numbers of people into sustainable work. But without reform, the rules in Universal Credit risk creating barriers to work for some people. In this report, we outline 3 aspects of Universal Credit that need fixing to ensure an equitable recovery from this crisis.

Life on less than zero

Dydd Mawrth, 13 Hydref 2020

In this report we show the impact of coronavirus on the finances of people we help with debt. We outline measures that the Government should take to avoid a national household debt crisis and support the UK’s longer-term economic recovery.