UK: CRISIS IN HOUSING BENEFIT SYSTEM
Article Abstract:
A spokesman for the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (Nacab) claims that the UK housing benefit system is in serious crisis in many areas of the UK. In the past the system has seen significant levels of fraud, and it continues to suffer from poor administration, and complex and often unfair regulations. Housing benefit assessment and payment may take as long as eight months, causing landlords to take tenants to court for possession orders. It is thought that the delays are due in part to a new government anti-fraud measure, the verification framework. It is unlikely, however, that accusations of excessive measures relating to proof requirements will halt the government's aim of cutting back on benefit fraud.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: HEALTH AUTHORITIES URGED TO GO PRIVATE
Article Abstract:
The UK government is urging health authorities to turn to the private sector when treatment is not available on the National Health Service (NHS). The Department of Health maintains that there is an key distinction between using private treatment when necessary, and forcing people to pay for it. Use of private hospitals is seen as a stopgap measure, although the government recently rejected calls from the Conservatives to take the step during the flu epidemic. The government is set to announce joint private sector building projects for hospitals, schools and public transport worth GB[pound] 20bn over three years. It also claims to have saved GB[pound] 2bn through the existing GB[pound] 12bn of such partnerships.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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UK: NHS DENTISTRY PLAN TO BE LAUNCHED
Article Abstract:
A plan will be launched on 19 September 2000 to ensure that by September 2001 anyone in the UK wanting dental treatment on the National Health Service (NHS) is allowed such access. The GB[pound] 100mn initiative is designed to curb the growing number of dentists joining the private sector, a trend that has caused millions to lose out on NHS care. There are currently 19.7mn UK adults registered with an NHS dentist, compared with 24.2mn in 1992. Ministers will also call on dentists to look at extending the gap between the a recommended dental check-up to once at year from every six months, given that in general the condition of peoples' teeth is improving.
Publication Name: The Independent
Subject: Retail industry
ISSN: 0951-9467
Year: 2000
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