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 finds pre-settled EU citizens eligible for housing support
News & Updates

Court finds pre-settled EU citizens eligible for housing support

Two important wins for the3million and their pre-settled clients, who have been found eligible for welfare benefits

From Pillar to Post: Barriers to dealing with deductions from Universal Credit
Research

From Pillar to Post: Barriers to dealing with deductions from Universal Credit

New PLP research reveals how damaging deductions are, how inaccessible DWP systems can be, and why we need urgent change now

Challenging unfairness in the immigration system
Events

Challenging unfairness in the immigration system

For those seeking to challenge discrimination and unfairness in the immigration system, using strategic legal, research and policy work.