@The_SSAC

The Social Security Advisory Committee provides independent & impartial advice to Govt on social security & welfare. Read our blogs: https://xitter.cf/t.co/vKjwwS1K47

 Westminster, London, SW1H 9NA
gov.uk/ssac
Joined April 2013
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In this blog @joannecairnsus1 discusses our latest project on irregular social security uprating. Drawing on stakeholder evidence & detailed analysis, it explores how support has changed over time & whether current approaches still meet original objectives ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/22/…

Keeping pace? Reviewing benefits, thresholds and caps in a changing economy

Since joining the Social Security Advisory Committee in September last year, I’ve been hugely impressed by the depth of expertise and the breadth of experience that the Committee benefits from. My...

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Shining a spotlight on social security towards the end of working life: SSAC member @prospect_clark reflects on why we are examining the experiences of people in their 60s, including interactions between benefits, work incentives & employment support 👇ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/03/…

Shining a spotlight on social security towards the end of working life

For as long as I can remember, and probably a long time before that, ‘our ageing society’ has been a ubiquitous phrase. Despite recent wobbles, life expectancy is far higher than it was a couple of...

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Hearing directly from our stakeholders helps ensure SSAC's scrutiny & advice are informed by real-world experience. In this blog, SSAC member Owen McCloskey @owenmc24 reflects on the value of our recent discussions with Northern Ireland stakeholders👇 ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/07/01/…

Northern Ireland stakeholder engagement: the value of local experience

I was delighted to be appointed to the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) in January 2026. SSAC is an independent statutory body that provides impartial advice on social security related...

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Having served two terms on SSAC, our brilliant colleague Phil Jones prepares to step away next week. In his blog, Phil reflects on the past eight years - including his journey onto SSAC, where it has made a difference and the challenges along the way 👇 ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/06/26/…
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Thank you Phil - we will miss you and your invaluable contributions to our work!
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Delighted to welcome @sam_royston to the Committee! We look forward to working with you Sam! gov.uk/government/news/socia…
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Dr Stephen Brien added: I'm delighted that SSAC will benefit from Sam's considerable experience. The combination/breadth of research, policy & practical insight Sam brings will be valuable in all aspects of our work, especially when examining how DWP policies operate in practice.
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Dr Royston takes up his five year appointment on 1 July. We are also delighted that existing members Daphne Hall (@karaokedaf) and Dr Suzy Walton have been reappointed for a second term. Congratulations both!
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CASE@CASE_LSEMay 27
All are welcome to attend our upcoming CASE #SocialExclusionSeminar on 03/06/26. In this session, Dr Stephen Brien @The_SSAC will examine how social security shapes young people’s education and career decisions at age 16. Find out more and register: sticerd.lse.ac.uk/case/_new/…
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From stakeholder to Committee member: read Fran Bennett's early reflections on SSAC from the 'other' side 👇 ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026-05-14/…
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Very striking report showing the cost to poorer families of young people taking apprenticeships rather than staying in full time education. The benefit system penalises apprenticeships. It shouldn't. ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/23/…

The benefits system risks discouraging apprenticeships

The benefits system risks discouraging apprenticeships Different things in life evolve at different rates. That much is inevitable, but it’s still a source of trouble. Just think of all those...

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The benefits system risks discouraging apprenticeships: @prospect_clark's blog reflects on SSAC's latest report which identifies a mismatch between the education & benefits systems, & explores how that can affect the choices young people make at age 16. ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/23/…
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1 Successive governments have held up apprenticeships as a valid 16+ choice But @The_SSAC has uncovered how a serious mismatch with benefits has evolved It puts barriers in the way of young people taking up the best training for them My blog explains ssac.blog.gov.uk/2026/04/23/…
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*NEW REPORT* At a time when more than 1 in 8 young people are NEET, SSAC finds that benefit rules at age 16 can create financial cliff‑edges - particularly around apprenticeships. The impacts fall hardest on disadvantaged families, including young carers. gov.uk/government/publicatio…

SSAC Occasional Paper 27: The influence of the social security system on educational and vocational...

This report looks at how the social security system interacts with the decision to remain in full-time education or pursue an alternative pathway post-age 16.

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*NEW* Our advice to the Secretary of State on @DWPgovuk's 'Right to Try' regulations was presented to Parliament today, alongside the Government's response to our recommendations. More here👇 gov.uk/government/publicatio…

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendme...

A report by the Social Security Advisory Committee (SSAC) and statement from the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

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SSAC's examining Govt's 'Right to Try' proposals following our initial scrutiny of the related draft regulations. Want to find out more? Dr Stephen Brien's letter to @DWPgovuk sets out our early observations & identifies areas for further consideration 👇 gov.uk/government/publicatio…

The Universal Credit, Personal Independence Payment and Employment and Support Allowance (Amendme...

Letter from the SSAC Chair to the Minister for Social Security and Disability about the Government’s Right to Try policy.

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*New appointments* We are delighted to welcome Richard Machin and Owen McCloskey as new members of #SSAC! We look forward to working with you Richard and Owen! @RMachinNotts @owenmc24 gov.uk/government/news/appoi…

Appointments to the Social Security Advisory Committee January 2026

The Social Security Advisory Committee welcomes 2 new members.

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Baroness Sherlock OBE: "Richard & Owen bring a wealth of expertise & fresh perspectives that will strengthen SSAC's ability to provide insightful & balanced advice. Their experience will be invaluable as we continue to shape policies that make a real difference to people’s lives"
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Welcoming Richard and Owen, Dr Stephen Brien commented: "Their impressive skills and diverse viewpoints will enrich our discussions & help us tackle the complex issues that affect so many in society. I look forward to working closely with them as we continue our important work."
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