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

Parliament last updated

12 February 2025

In Plain English

AI-generated

May contain errors — check source documents for definitive information.

The Benefit Sanctions (Warnings) Bill would require a warning to be given to benefit claimants before any sanction is imposed. It aims to give claimants clearer information and time to respond before penalties take effect, and is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons.

Key Points

Requires warnings to be issued to benefit claimants before sanctions can be imposed.
Sets rules for when warnings must be given and what information they should contain.
Aims to improve fairness and transparency in the sanctions process.
Includes provision for connected or related purposes alongside the main warning requirement.
At an early stage in Parliament (2nd reading in the Commons; originated there).

Progress

The bill is currently at the 2nd reading in the House of Commons, with the first reading having taken place on 11 December 2023; it has not yet progressed to the committee or report stages.

Who is affected?

Benefit claimants (people who claim welfare benefits and could be sanctioned)Department for Work and Pensions staff who administer sanctionsWelfare advice organisations and claimant advisers supporting claimants

Generated 21 February 2026

Bill Stages

1st readingCommons

11 Dec 2023

2nd readingCommons

Committee stageCommons

Report stageCommons

3rd readingCommons

1st readingLords

2nd readingLords

Committee stageLords

Report stageLords

3rd readingLords

Royal Assent

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.