REFORM OF BENEFITS SANCTIONS PROCESS

Early day motion 781, tabled 26 November 2015 by Tasmina Ahmed-Sheikh (Scottish National Party). Signed by 49 members.

That this House recognises the need for people claiming benefits to follow the rules governing their eligibility; notes the fact that 50 per cent of appeals against benefits sanctions are upheld, and that many who face sanctions are not informed in writing prior to the sanction taking place; regrets the acute challenges faced by many who are subject to sanctions, and research which shows that this system is one of the underlying reasons behind the increase in the use of food banks across the UK; and calls on the Government to reform the system to ensure that no person or family is left without the means to buy food or heat their home as a result of benefits sanctions.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 37, Labour 5, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Independent 2, DUP 1, Plaid Cymru 1.