Laura Hutchinson 🌸
@lauralhutch.bsky.social
Head of Public Affairs at Citizens Advice
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
Not well understood that 6 in 10 families impacted by the two-child limit are in work, and that the vast majority have 3 or 4 children.
The Chancellor has scrapped the two-child limit, benefitting more than half a million families.
In April 2025, out of families impacted by the limit:
- 6 in 10 had 3 children.
- 6 in 10 had at least one person in work.
- And 6 in 10 are receiving a health or disability benefit.
In April 2025, out of families impacted by the limit:
- 6 in 10 had 3 children.
- 6 in 10 had at least one person in work.
- And 6 in 10 are receiving a health or disability benefit.
November 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Not well understood that 6 in 10 families impacted by the two-child limit are in work, and that the vast majority have 3 or 4 children.
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
"Scrapping the two-child limit and addressing high energy bills will prevent hundreds of thousands of children from growing up in poverty and help households across the country keep the lights on."
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
November 26, 2025 at 3:02 PM
"Scrapping the two-child limit and addressing high energy bills will prevent hundreds of thousands of children from growing up in poverty and help households across the country keep the lights on."
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
Our CEO responds to today's Autumn Budget ⤵️
https://bit.ly/4pDEOzb
Scrapping the two-child limit is a brilliant step forward. Reversing this cruel policy will not only pull hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty altogether (and lift many more out of very deep poverty); it will also stop over 100 additional children from being pulled into poverty every day
November 26, 2025 at 1:32 PM
Scrapping the two-child limit is a brilliant step forward. Reversing this cruel policy will not only pull hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty altogether (and lift many more out of very deep poverty); it will also stop over 100 additional children from being pulled into poverty every day
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
As the #AutumnBudget approaches, we're calling on the Chancellor to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to support people on low incomes as private rents continue to soar.
Read more in our blog ⤵️
https://t.co/xTGMQRoFsk https://t.co/ijj5LHQyVC
Read more in our blog ⤵️
https://t.co/xTGMQRoFsk https://t.co/ijj5LHQyVC
November 5, 2025 at 8:36 AM
As the #AutumnBudget approaches, we're calling on the Chancellor to unfreeze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) to support people on low incomes as private rents continue to soar.
Read more in our blog ⤵️
https://t.co/xTGMQRoFsk https://t.co/ijj5LHQyVC
Read more in our blog ⤵️
https://t.co/xTGMQRoFsk https://t.co/ijj5LHQyVC
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
Proper good news today - the Renters' Rights Act gets Royal Assent. Citizens Advice see 200 people a day with problems in private rented housing. The act shifts the balance towards tenants, but it's just the start, as @tessthompsonca.bsky.social says here wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/the-renters-...
The Renters’ Rights Act is here — but the work is just beginning
After years of waiting, the Renters’ Rights Act has finally received Royal Assent and passed into law. We’ve campaigned hard for this, and…
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 10:36 AM
Proper good news today - the Renters' Rights Act gets Royal Assent. Citizens Advice see 200 people a day with problems in private rented housing. The act shifts the balance towards tenants, but it's just the start, as @tessthompsonca.bsky.social says here wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/the-renters-...
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
You deserve fair pay at work! 💸
On sick leave? You’re still protected 💊
Got a worry at work? We’re partnering with Citizens Advice Southwark and Southwark Law Centre to help you access free advice
Find help and support www.southwark.gov.uk/about-counci...
On sick leave? You’re still protected 💊
Got a worry at work? We’re partnering with Citizens Advice Southwark and Southwark Law Centre to help you access free advice
Find help and support www.southwark.gov.uk/about-counci...
October 21, 2025 at 7:50 AM
You deserve fair pay at work! 💸
On sick leave? You’re still protected 💊
Got a worry at work? We’re partnering with Citizens Advice Southwark and Southwark Law Centre to help you access free advice
Find help and support www.southwark.gov.uk/about-counci...
On sick leave? You’re still protected 💊
Got a worry at work? We’re partnering with Citizens Advice Southwark and Southwark Law Centre to help you access free advice
Find help and support www.southwark.gov.uk/about-counci...
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
“No family should have to borrow money just to eat while waiting for support they’re entitled to.”
We're calling on the government to take action on one of Universal Credit's longest-standing problems: the 5 week wait.
Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4odsGnL
We're calling on the government to take action on one of Universal Credit's longest-standing problems: the 5 week wait.
Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4odsGnL
UK poverty crisis as 500,000 children in homes trapped in benefit debt cycle
Exclusive: Tens of thousands of families are forced to take out loans to cover the five-week wait until their first universal credit payment – but many struggle to pay it back
www.independent.co.uk
October 9, 2025 at 4:40 PM
“No family should have to borrow money just to eat while waiting for support they’re entitled to.”
We're calling on the government to take action on one of Universal Credit's longest-standing problems: the 5 week wait.
Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4odsGnL
We're calling on the government to take action on one of Universal Credit's longest-standing problems: the 5 week wait.
Read more ➡️ https://bit.ly/4odsGnL
Please please stop calling it the “two child benefit cap”. There is no such thing :
www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-...
www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-...
📣📣There is no such thing as the “two child benefit cap” !!!
Lots of discussion at the moment about what Labour will do to reduce child poverty. That’s great. It’s of such fundamental importance… | L...
📣📣There is no such thing as the “two child benefit cap” !!!
Lots of discussion at the moment about what Labour will do to reduce child poverty. That’s great. It’s of such fundamental importance that...
www.linkedin.com
October 1, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Please please stop calling it the “two child benefit cap”. There is no such thing :
www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-...
www.linkedin.com/posts/laura-...
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
Excellent briefing and thread from @jagnaolejniczak.bsky.social 👇
We looked into how our clients really experience the transition to work from the Universal Credit system, suggesting work incentives are helpful but not adequate, and wider barriers to employment are being overlooked
We looked into how our clients really experience the transition to work from the Universal Credit system, suggesting work incentives are helpful but not adequate, and wider barriers to employment are being overlooked
The narrative around Universal Credit has long centred around work incentives.
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Work incentives aren't working: is the Universal Credit review asking the right questions?
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
July 30, 2025 at 11:07 AM
Excellent briefing and thread from @jagnaolejniczak.bsky.social 👇
We looked into how our clients really experience the transition to work from the Universal Credit system, suggesting work incentives are helpful but not adequate, and wider barriers to employment are being overlooked
We looked into how our clients really experience the transition to work from the Universal Credit system, suggesting work incentives are helpful but not adequate, and wider barriers to employment are being overlooked
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
The challenge of energy affordability is very real, but rising block tariffs aren’t the answer. People on low incomes with poorly insulated homes or who need more energy for health reasons could see rising bills, while those with multiple homes or can install solar panels avoid paying a fair share
Ed Miliband has been urged by more than 100 Labour MPs to explore overhauling UK energy bills.
He is understood to be considering a number of options for progressive energy pricing, inc discounts for the least intensive consumers – known as rising block tariffs
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
He is understood to be considering a number of options for progressive energy pricing, inc discounts for the least intensive consumers – known as rising block tariffs
www.theguardian.com/environment/...
More than 100 Labour MPs urge Ed Miliband to explore radical energy bills overhaul
Living Standards Coalition writes to energy secretary calling on him to do more to help struggling households
www.theguardian.com
July 22, 2025 at 11:49 AM
The challenge of energy affordability is very real, but rising block tariffs aren’t the answer. People on low incomes with poorly insulated homes or who need more energy for health reasons could see rising bills, while those with multiple homes or can install solar panels avoid paying a fair share
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
The most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty is to abolish the two-child limit, which would cost £7,480 per child lifted out of poverty.
If it is not scrapped then one-in-three children will be in poverty by 2029-39, including half of children in large families 👉 buff.ly/oiV5Re2
If it is not scrapped then one-in-three children will be in poverty by 2029-39, including half of children in large families 👉 buff.ly/oiV5Re2
July 16, 2025 at 8:05 AM
The most cost-effective way to reduce child poverty is to abolish the two-child limit, which would cost £7,480 per child lifted out of poverty.
If it is not scrapped then one-in-three children will be in poverty by 2029-39, including half of children in large families 👉 buff.ly/oiV5Re2
If it is not scrapped then one-in-three children will be in poverty by 2029-39, including half of children in large families 👉 buff.ly/oiV5Re2
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
New paper from Citizens Advice on how to deliver tangible growth - which puts money in people’s pockets - in consumer markets.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
How to deliver tangible growth in consumer markets
UK households need tangible economic growth which puts money in their pocket. Consumer confidence is critical - cutting consumer protection is not the answer
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
July 14, 2025 at 8:14 AM
New paper from Citizens Advice on how to deliver tangible growth - which puts money in people’s pockets - in consumer markets.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
TLDR: Consumer confidence is key & slashing hard won consumer protections without adequate safeguards isn’t the answer.
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
The Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment bill has its third reading on Wednesday.
Cuts to UC health look to be going ahead.
Here’s 3 reasons why that’s a bad idea ⤵️
Cuts to UC health look to be going ahead.
Here’s 3 reasons why that’s a bad idea ⤵️
July 8, 2025 at 8:36 AM
The Universal Credit (UC) and Personal Independence Payment bill has its third reading on Wednesday.
Cuts to UC health look to be going ahead.
Here’s 3 reasons why that’s a bad idea ⤵️
Cuts to UC health look to be going ahead.
Here’s 3 reasons why that’s a bad idea ⤵️
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
The cuts to Universal Credit for ill & disabled people that remain in this bill will be deeply harmful, but campaigners & MPs have forced a climbdown on huge swathes of the wider cuts that were originally proposed. You cannot deliver principled welfare reform to a predetermined savings target
July 1, 2025 at 6:45 PM
The cuts to Universal Credit for ill & disabled people that remain in this bill will be deeply harmful, but campaigners & MPs have forced a climbdown on huge swathes of the wider cuts that were originally proposed. You cannot deliver principled welfare reform to a predetermined savings target
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
6/15 The best summary of the UCPIP Bill and what it means that I have seen in the past 24 hours is from @lauralhutch.bsky.social & @tommacinnes.bsky.social of @citizensadvice.bsky.social
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
They call out the awful euphemism underpinning the entire exercise.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
They call out the awful euphemism underpinning the entire exercise.
These are not reforms
Written by Laura Hutchinson and Tom MacInnes
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
July 1, 2025 at 1:21 PM
6/15 The best summary of the UCPIP Bill and what it means that I have seen in the past 24 hours is from @lauralhutch.bsky.social & @tommacinnes.bsky.social of @citizensadvice.bsky.social
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
They call out the awful euphemism underpinning the entire exercise.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
They call out the awful euphemism underpinning the entire exercise.
Anti poverty organisations all unanimously urging MPs to vote against the UCPIP Bill this afternoon, and calling on the government to carry out proper reviews and consultation before legislating.
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
July 1, 2025 at 9:22 AM
Anti poverty organisations all unanimously urging MPs to vote against the UCPIP Bill this afternoon, and calling on the government to carry out proper reviews and consultation before legislating.
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
This is too important to vote through on an act of faith.
www.ucpipbill.co.uk/wp-content/u...
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
If the UCPIP Bill becomes law it will cut PIP for over 400k disabled people & UC for over 700k people who are disabled or have a long-term health condition by 2030. Government’s own impact assessment says the cuts will plunge 150k people into poverty by the end of this Parliament
July 1, 2025 at 7:27 AM
If the UCPIP Bill becomes law it will cut PIP for over 400k disabled people & UC for over 700k people who are disabled or have a long-term health condition by 2030. Government’s own impact assessment says the cuts will plunge 150k people into poverty by the end of this Parliament
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
A long thread on why the concessions in and around the UCPIP Bill (ie the disability benefits cuts) are illusory, disingenuous and potentially makes things worse 🧵
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
June 30, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A long thread on why the concessions in and around the UCPIP Bill (ie the disability benefits cuts) are illusory, disingenuous and potentially makes things worse 🧵
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
If the UCPIP Bill passes, the arbitrary 4 point rule will be enshrined in law. It will prevent the Timms Review from being genuine co-production with disabled people.
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote for their constituents & against the Bill tday.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote for their constituents & against the Bill tday.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
These are not reforms
Written by Laura Hutchinson and Tom MacInnes
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
July 1, 2025 at 7:49 AM
If the UCPIP Bill passes, the arbitrary 4 point rule will be enshrined in law. It will prevent the Timms Review from being genuine co-production with disabled people.
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote for their constituents & against the Bill tday.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote for their constituents & against the Bill tday.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
Strongly recommended reading on planned "reforms" to (primarily disability-related) UK social security.
This Medium post by @lauralhutch.bsky.social & @tommacinnes.bsky.social of @citizensadvice.bsky.social
.
10/10 for a cogent, pithy title.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
This Medium post by @lauralhutch.bsky.social & @tommacinnes.bsky.social of @citizensadvice.bsky.social
.
10/10 for a cogent, pithy title.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
These are not reforms
Written by Laura Hutchinson and Tom MacInnes
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
June 30, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Strongly recommended reading on planned "reforms" to (primarily disability-related) UK social security.
This Medium post by @lauralhutch.bsky.social & @tommacinnes.bsky.social of @citizensadvice.bsky.social
.
10/10 for a cogent, pithy title.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
This Medium post by @lauralhutch.bsky.social & @tommacinnes.bsky.social of @citizensadvice.bsky.social
.
10/10 for a cogent, pithy title.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Exempting current claimants from harmful cuts does not mean profound harm will not be inflicted as result of UCPIP bill.
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote against the bill. These are not reforms. They are cuts to people who can least afford it.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote against the bill. These are not reforms. They are cuts to people who can least afford it.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
These are not reforms
Written by Laura Hutchinson and Tom MacInnes
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
June 30, 2025 at 3:59 PM
Exempting current claimants from harmful cuts does not mean profound harm will not be inflicted as result of UCPIP bill.
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote against the bill. These are not reforms. They are cuts to people who can least afford it.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Citizens Advice is urging MPs to vote against the bill. These are not reforms. They are cuts to people who can least afford it.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/these-are-no...
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
How are the cost of essentials affecting low-to-middle-income families across Britain?
On Monday, join our discussion with @claremoriarty.bsky.social @peterlevell.bsky.social and @lalithatry.bsky.social chaired by @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social
Sign up here ➡️ buff.ly/3NYLh0r
On Monday, join our discussion with @claremoriarty.bsky.social @peterlevell.bsky.social and @lalithatry.bsky.social chaired by @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social
Sign up here ➡️ buff.ly/3NYLh0r
June 29, 2025 at 11:47 AM
How are the cost of essentials affecting low-to-middle-income families across Britain?
On Monday, join our discussion with @claremoriarty.bsky.social @peterlevell.bsky.social and @lalithatry.bsky.social chaired by @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social
Sign up here ➡️ buff.ly/3NYLh0r
On Monday, join our discussion with @claremoriarty.bsky.social @peterlevell.bsky.social and @lalithatry.bsky.social chaired by @mikebrewerecon.bsky.social
Sign up here ➡️ buff.ly/3NYLh0r
Reposted by Laura Hutchinson 🌸
Just spoke to @timesradio with a bit of myth busting on PIP and response to rebel deal.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
June 27, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Just spoke to @timesradio with a bit of myth busting on PIP and response to rebel deal.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.