What we do

Our strategic aim is to achieve a just and non-discriminatory welfare system, with a particular focus on benefit sanctions and benefit deductions.

PLP has been working on sanctions and conditionality in welfare benefits since 2016.  Our work in this area includes taking on casework referrals and queries; delivering training and events on sanctions, including workshops for frontline advisers; and undertaking research in order to identify and explore current barriers to remedies.

As part of our 2022-25 strategy we have expanded our focus to include a focus on deductions from benefits, including for Universal Credit overpayments.  Our overarching aim is to secure a more just and non-discriminatory welfare system and to help guard against state punishment of poverty.

The aims of our welfare systems work are to ensure that:

  • Benefit claimants have access to effective legal remedies when poor decisions are made
  • We can identify and tackle systemic problems with the sanctioning and deductions system where they result in people being treated unfairly and unlawfully
  • Decision-makers, advisers, charities and individual claimants all know how claimant commitments can be tailored to individual circumstances, and that doing so can reduce the likelihood of sanctioning

Claimant commitments

The claimant commitment is a record of the responsibilities (or ‘work-related requirements’) that claimants accept in return for receiving Universal Credit.

Take a look at our Claimant Commitments microsite for information on tailoring claimant commitments to individual circumstances.

Court of Appeal dismisses DWP’s appeal in favour of disabled woman’s widower
News & Updates

Court of Appeal dismisses DWP’s appeal in favour of disabled woman’s widower

How the Court of Appeals handed down judgment on the DWP’s appeal over bereavement pay in favour of our client

How can the Department of Work and Pensions operate more transparently, lawfully, and fairly?
Policy briefings and submissions

How can the Department of Work and Pensions operate more transparently, lawfully, and fairly?

PLP looks at the human impact of DWP decisions: what’s the real cost of conditionality, automation, or overpayment recovery?

Judicial Review Trends and Forecasts 2023: Power and the law
Events

Judicial Review Trends and Forecasts 2023: Power and the law

12 October 2023 @ 9:30 am – 5:45 pm – PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT! Location: Herbert Smith Freehills, Exchange House, Primrose Street, London,  EC2A 2HS.  In Person only. This event is not online! If you have any technical issues with booking please contact events@publiclawproject.org.uk PLP’s annual conference is back for a day of cutting-edge analysis, insight and opinion from leading lawyers […]