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:
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.
“This is a dark day for anyone like me, who wants the memory of their loved one to be respected and valued equally.” – Widower, Daniel Jwanczuk responds to the ruling
The research finds that the current Universal Credit sanctions system fails on its own term, is disproportionately severe and does not prevent inappropriate sanctions. More than four in five cases (86%) that were supported to appeal were decided in favour of the person sanctioned.
13 October 2026 @ 9:30 am – 5:30 pm – This is a limited early-bird ticket release available until Thursday 23 July, 17:00! Public Law Project Annual Conference 2026: Law, Democracy & Civic Space Presented in partnership with Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (HSFK) and Blackstone Chambers. Date: Tuesday 13 October Time: 09:30-17:30 Location: HSFK’s London office (Exchange House, Primrose Street, London, EC2A 2EG) Across the […]