Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill

A Bill to make provision for warnings to be given to benefit claimants before they are given sanctions; and for connected purposes.

Originating House

House of Commons

Last Updated

29 April 2022

In Plain English

AI-generated

The Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill would require that claimants receive a warning before any benefit sanction is applied. It aims to give people a chance to address issues before penalties take effect, and to set out how warnings should be issued and what they must cover.

Key Points

Requires that a warning be given to benefit claimants before sanctions are imposed.
Sets out when, how, and what information must be included in a warning (e.g., delivery method and timelines).
Aims to protect vulnerable claimants by ensuring warnings are timely, clear and fair.
Includes related administrative provisions to support the warning process within the sanctions regime.

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons, where it is debated in principle; it would move to committee stage for detailed examination if progressed.

Who is affected?

Benefit claimants (including Universal Credit and other welfare benefits) and their familiesPeople at risk of sanctions and their advisersStaff and agencies delivering or administering welfare benefits (e.g., the Department for Work and Pensions)Welfare rights organisations, charities and advice servicesLocal authorities involved in administering related benefits and sanctions

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill

24 Jun 2021

The 2021-2022 session of Parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill | TrackPolitics