Sara Williams
@debtcamel.bsky.social
Campaigner against unaffordable credit & for better debt advice.
My website debtcamel.co.uk/ mostly used for long-form pieces
Mainly hangs out on Insta, same handle
My website debtcamel.co.uk/ mostly used for long-form pieces
Mainly hangs out on Insta, same handle
Hat tip to @javierblas.bsky.social who says this is the sound of the global economy slowing down. Hass is one of the world's top-10 machine tools companies, crucial to build new factories.
April 9, 2025 at 9:04 AM
Hat tip to @javierblas.bsky.social who says this is the sound of the global economy slowing down. Hass is one of the world's top-10 machine tools companies, crucial to build new factories.
Reposted by Sara Williams
Disability benefits: soothing words, frightening numbers
New column attempting to cut through the spin www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/pol...
New column attempting to cut through the spin www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/pol...
The devastating reality of disability benefit cuts
The government must face the consequences of taking support from the poorest, and try to find a better way
www.prospectmagazine.co.uk
March 19, 2025 at 5:25 PM
Disability benefits: soothing words, frightening numbers
New column attempting to cut through the spin www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/pol...
New column attempting to cut through the spin www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/politics/pol...
Reposted by Sara Williams
This has, understandably, been overshadowed by far bigger developments
But this is interesting because, barring pensions, contributory social insurance has only ever been weakened in my years of watching these things. I’m not sure it’s ever been strengthened since the late 60s
But this is interesting because, barring pensions, contributory social insurance has only ever been weakened in my years of watching these things. I’m not sure it’s ever been strengthened since the late 60s
Excellent to hear Liz Kendall announce a consultation on time-limited contributory based benefits, paid at higher rates
Taking up proposals I developed with colleagues at the Fabians
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
Taking up proposals I developed with colleagues at the Fabians
fabians.org.uk/publication/...
In time of need | Fabian Society
Fabian Society
fabians.org.uk
March 20, 2025 at 8:13 AM
This has, understandably, been overshadowed by far bigger developments
But this is interesting because, barring pensions, contributory social insurance has only ever been weakened in my years of watching these things. I’m not sure it’s ever been strengthened since the late 60s
But this is interesting because, barring pensions, contributory social insurance has only ever been weakened in my years of watching these things. I’m not sure it’s ever been strengthened since the late 60s
Reposted by Sara Williams
Tens of thousands of people will be hit by “knock-on impact” of PIP cuts. Unpaid carers face losing carer’s allowance if their family member loses eligibility for disability benefits - a devastating double loss.
Me and @patrickjbutler.bsky.social report. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Me and @patrickjbutler.bsky.social report. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Some disabled people could lose £10k a year in benefits by end of decade
Experts say planned cuts will deliver series of ‘painful income shocks’ for many
www.theguardian.com
March 20, 2025 at 10:46 AM
Tens of thousands of people will be hit by “knock-on impact” of PIP cuts. Unpaid carers face losing carer’s allowance if their family member loses eligibility for disability benefits - a devastating double loss.
Me and @patrickjbutler.bsky.social report. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Me and @patrickjbutler.bsky.social report. www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
Reposted by Sara Williams
Without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty 📢
We've joined Scope to urge the Chancellor to reconsider potential cuts to disability benefits.
Read our open letter: www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/op....
We've joined Scope to urge the Chancellor to reconsider potential cuts to disability benefits.
Read our open letter: www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/op....
The cost of cuts to disability benefits: Our open letter to the Chancellor | Disability charity Scope UK
Right now, the government is considering changes to disability benefits. But for millions of disabled people, these benefits are a lifeline. They are the difference between surviving and being pushed deeper into poverty. Scope, alongside a coalition of charities, has written to the Chancellor, urging the Government to think again. Our full letter is below.
www.scope.org.uk
March 11, 2025 at 8:52 AM
Without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty 📢
We've joined Scope to urge the Chancellor to reconsider potential cuts to disability benefits.
Read our open letter: www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/op....
We've joined Scope to urge the Chancellor to reconsider potential cuts to disability benefits.
Read our open letter: www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/op....
Reposted by Sara Williams
The latest episode of Debt Reckoning, the IMA podcast, is out now. We’re joined by @debtadviser.bsky.social of Greater Manchester Money Advice Group, to discuss the prospect of writing off up to £1bn worth of energy debt. Listen and subscribe on Spotify: buff.ly/3K52CZQ
March 4, 2025 at 12:05 PM
The latest episode of Debt Reckoning, the IMA podcast, is out now. We’re joined by @debtadviser.bsky.social of Greater Manchester Money Advice Group, to discuss the prospect of writing off up to £1bn worth of energy debt. Listen and subscribe on Spotify: buff.ly/3K52CZQ
Reposted by Sara Williams
“Arup analysing the line’s impact – based on data that was yet to capture the full swell of passengers – more than 90% of customers said it had changed their area for the better. Nearly two-thirds said it had also made it easier to access jobs and employment.”
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
A prize worth pursuing: has Elizabeth line shown what rail investment can achieve?
Project has smashed forecasts on passengers numbers and created a story of regeneration along its route
www.theguardian.com
February 28, 2025 at 10:48 AM
“Arup analysing the line’s impact – based on data that was yet to capture the full swell of passengers – more than 90% of customers said it had changed their area for the better. Nearly two-thirds said it had also made it easier to access jobs and employment.”
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
www.theguardian.com/business/202...
Reposted by Sara Williams
Fujitsu told to pay up by Post Office campaigners over ‘ghastly fraud’.
Fujitsu supplied flawed IT system, gave false evidence to the courts to convict innocent postmasters, landed public purse with £1.8bn compensation.
It has faced no prosecution/fine. Still gets public contracts.
Fujitsu supplied flawed IT system, gave false evidence to the courts to convict innocent postmasters, landed public purse with £1.8bn compensation.
It has faced no prosecution/fine. Still gets public contracts.
Fujitsu told to pay up by Post Office campaigners over ‘ghastly fraud’
The company has already acknowledged it has a ‘moral obligation’ to contribute to compensation.
www.independent.co.uk
February 28, 2025 at 11:06 AM
Fujitsu told to pay up by Post Office campaigners over ‘ghastly fraud’.
Fujitsu supplied flawed IT system, gave false evidence to the courts to convict innocent postmasters, landed public purse with £1.8bn compensation.
It has faced no prosecution/fine. Still gets public contracts.
Fujitsu supplied flawed IT system, gave false evidence to the courts to convict innocent postmasters, landed public purse with £1.8bn compensation.
It has faced no prosecution/fine. Still gets public contracts.
Reposted by Sara Williams
Many thanks to Experian for exhibiting at #IMAConf25 and sponsoring this year's IMA Money Adviser of the Year Award. There's still time to make a nomination before the deadline on 16 March!
IMA Money Advice Awards - Institute of Money Advisers
IMA Money Advice Awards 2025 The 2025 IMA Money Advice Awards will be presented during IMA Conference 2025, at the Rep Theatre in Birmingham on 12 June. Nominations are now open in the following…
buff.ly
February 27, 2025 at 12:28 PM
Many thanks to Experian for exhibiting at #IMAConf25 and sponsoring this year's IMA Money Adviser of the Year Award. There's still time to make a nomination before the deadline on 16 March!
Reposted by Sara Williams
Incapacity benefit cuts consultation was ‘misleading’ and unlawful, judge rules.
@patrickjbutler.bsky.social writes up the big disability benefit win here: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@patrickjbutler.bsky.social writes up the big disability benefit win here: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Incapacity benefit cuts consultation was ‘misleading’ and unlawful, judge rules
Labour’s plan to push through ‘fit for work’ test reforms to save £3bn set back after activist’s high court challenge
www.theguardian.com
January 16, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Incapacity benefit cuts consultation was ‘misleading’ and unlawful, judge rules.
@patrickjbutler.bsky.social writes up the big disability benefit win here: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
@patrickjbutler.bsky.social writes up the big disability benefit win here: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Sara Williams
11-year-old chimney sweep George Brewster was forced up a flue measuring just 12x7.5 inches.
His death, after becoming jammed inside, finally galavanised parliament to act.
Never forget what cruelties would be inflicted by greed were it not for “red tape”.
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
His death, after becoming jammed inside, finally galavanised parliament to act.
Never forget what cruelties would be inflicted by greed were it not for “red tape”.
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Chimney sweep whose death changed child labour laws honoured with blue plaque
George Brewster, youngest to get plaque, died aged 11 in 1875 after getting stuck in flue, leading to law banning ‘climbing boys’
www.theguardian.com
January 15, 2025 at 12:30 PM
11-year-old chimney sweep George Brewster was forced up a flue measuring just 12x7.5 inches.
His death, after becoming jammed inside, finally galavanised parliament to act.
Never forget what cruelties would be inflicted by greed were it not for “red tape”.
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
His death, after becoming jammed inside, finally galavanised parliament to act.
Never forget what cruelties would be inflicted by greed were it not for “red tape”.
www.theguardian.com/culture/2025...
Reposted by Sara Williams
Recent research conducted by @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on behalf of SEA exposes the reality of economic abuse highlighting how perpetrators use it trap victim-survivors and make it difficult for them to leave.
January 14, 2025 at 11:36 AM
Recent research conducted by @ipsosintheuk.bsky.social on behalf of SEA exposes the reality of economic abuse highlighting how perpetrators use it trap victim-survivors and make it difficult for them to leave.
It's good the FCA has listened to respondents to their consultation and has now changed the new complaint extension rules to INCLUDE leasing. www.fca.org.uk/publication/...
December 19, 2024 at 9:20 AM
It's good the FCA has listened to respondents to their consultation and has now changed the new complaint extension rules to INCLUDE leasing. www.fca.org.uk/publication/...
A retrograde step from Starling www.instagram.com/p/DC516e4MEt...
November 28, 2024 at 9:37 AM
A retrograde step from Starling www.instagram.com/p/DC516e4MEt...
Reposted by Sara Williams
I'm very glad to say that Money Box Live returns next Wednesday - I've missed it while we've been away!
Straight back in with an important topic - economic abuse, financial coercion and control. If you have lived experience & feel able to share please email me felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk.
Can be anon.
Straight back in with an important topic - economic abuse, financial coercion and control. If you have lived experience & feel able to share please email me felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk.
Can be anon.
November 27, 2024 at 9:37 AM
I'm very glad to say that Money Box Live returns next Wednesday - I've missed it while we've been away!
Straight back in with an important topic - economic abuse, financial coercion and control. If you have lived experience & feel able to share please email me felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk.
Can be anon.
Straight back in with an important topic - economic abuse, financial coercion and control. If you have lived experience & feel able to share please email me felicity.hannah@bbc.co.uk.
Can be anon.
Reposted by Sara Williams
Good to hear this from PM: “end the culture of blaming and shaming people who for too long haven’t been getting the support they need.” We desperately need this change in attitudes as well as policy. For years gov focused on hassling & punishing people. Time to try genuine support & opportunity.
November 26, 2024 at 8:21 AM
Good to hear this from PM: “end the culture of blaming and shaming people who for too long haven’t been getting the support they need.” We desperately need this change in attitudes as well as policy. For years gov focused on hassling & punishing people. Time to try genuine support & opportunity.
Reposted by Sara Williams
If true, well gosh. An actual, sensible practical policy. The right will hate it, but it will actually enable (or partly enable) dealing with the massive backlog built up under the last government on nonsense 'waiting for Rawanda' grounds - which is costing billions in accommodation costs.
Excl: Ministers will announce millions in extra funding for lawyers to represent asylum seekers to help clear the backlog of appeals that is blocking efforts to move migrants out of hotels:
www.thetimes.com/article/eddb...
www.thetimes.com/article/eddb...
Government pledges millions in legal aid to clear asylum backlog
The justice secretary is to announce a major increase in funding for lawyers to represent migrants in asylum courts
www.thetimes.com
November 25, 2024 at 10:39 PM
If true, well gosh. An actual, sensible practical policy. The right will hate it, but it will actually enable (or partly enable) dealing with the massive backlog built up under the last government on nonsense 'waiting for Rawanda' grounds - which is costing billions in accommodation costs.
Barclays gives up legal challenge to £40m FCA fine over its emergency fundraising in 2008 www.thetimes.com/article/bfe6...
November 26, 2024 at 7:20 AM
Barclays gives up legal challenge to £40m FCA fine over its emergency fundraising in 2008 www.thetimes.com/article/bfe6...
Reposted by Sara Williams
Check out our write up of the @NESTInsight event from last week on their Fluctuation Nation report, which shows the impact of having a volatile income and what can be done about it.
New report uncovers ‘Volatility Premium’ for millions
A new report from Nest Insight examines the premium people face because of irregular incomes.
buff.ly
November 25, 2024 at 9:00 AM
Check out our write up of the @NESTInsight event from last week on their Fluctuation Nation report, which shows the impact of having a volatile income and what can be done about it.
Reposted by Sara Williams
The obsession of our national debate about the benefits system with how it should respond to people 'refusing to work' has massively hindered progress towards more effective support
It would be like discussing how to be a good employer almost exclusively in terms of managing disciplinary processes
It would be like discussing how to be a good employer almost exclusively in terms of managing disciplinary processes
November 24, 2024 at 8:02 PM
The obsession of our national debate about the benefits system with how it should respond to people 'refusing to work' has massively hindered progress towards more effective support
It would be like discussing how to be a good employer almost exclusively in terms of managing disciplinary processes
It would be like discussing how to be a good employer almost exclusively in terms of managing disciplinary processes
What would you add to this list?
November 25, 2024 at 8:03 AM
What would you add to this list?
Reposted by Sara Williams
taxpolicy.org.uk/2024/11/24/h...
This from @danneidle.bsky.social looks like a rare, genuine must-read.
This from @danneidle.bsky.social looks like a rare, genuine must-read.
How to stop IHT avoidance but protect farmers
New data suggests that one third of the farm estates affected by the Budget changes aren’t owned by farmers – they’re held by investors for tax planning purposes. This suggests the Budget proposal…
taxpolicy.org.uk
November 24, 2024 at 11:40 AM
taxpolicy.org.uk/2024/11/24/h...
This from @danneidle.bsky.social looks like a rare, genuine must-read.
This from @danneidle.bsky.social looks like a rare, genuine must-read.
Reposted by Sara Williams
Pension engagement is ... low. 29% not aware that their DC pension contributions are invested.
November 23, 2024 at 1:39 PM
Pension engagement is ... low. 29% not aware that their DC pension contributions are invested.
Reposted by Sara Williams
Good BBC coverage on how dream of homeownership has turned into a leasehold nightmare for some buyers facing exorbitant service charges increases and careless management orgs.
One harrowing example of an owner almost driven to suicide from the stress and financial pressure of huge cost increases ⬇️
One harrowing example of an owner almost driven to suicide from the stress and financial pressure of huge cost increases ⬇️
November 23, 2024 at 9:51 AM
Good BBC coverage on how dream of homeownership has turned into a leasehold nightmare for some buyers facing exorbitant service charges increases and careless management orgs.
One harrowing example of an owner almost driven to suicide from the stress and financial pressure of huge cost increases ⬇️
One harrowing example of an owner almost driven to suicide from the stress and financial pressure of huge cost increases ⬇️