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

12 February 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

This bill would require a warning to be given to benefit claimants before any sanctions are applied to their payments. It creates a formal pre-sanction process so claimants can understand what could lead to a sanction and have a chance to address the issue. It also covers related changes needed to make this warning system work within the benefits regime.

Key Points

Warn claimants before any benefit sanction is imposed.
Introduce a defined warning process (what must be included, how warnings are delivered, and timing).
Aim to improve fairness by giving claimants notice and a chance to rectify issues before benefits are reduced or stopped.
Covers connected purposes, allowing for regulatory or administrative changes to implement the warning system.

Progress

The bill is currently at the second reading in the House of Commons. If it progresses, it will move to committee stage for detailed examination, followed by report stage, third reading, and then a debate in the House of Lords.

Who is affected?

Benefit claimants (including Universal Credit, Jobseeker’s Allowance, ESA, and other benefits)Families and households relying on benefitsFrontline staff at the Department for Work and Pensions/Jobcentre Plus who administer sanctionsWelfare rights organisations, charities, and advisers supporting claimants

Generated 21 February 2026

Updates & Documents

News (1)

Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill

14 May 2024

The dissolution of Parliament took place on Thursday 30 May 2024. All business in the House of Commons and House of Lords has come to an end and this bill will make no further progress.

Parliamentary Votes (0)

No recorded votes for this bill yet.

Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill | TrackPolitics