Menu
03/01/2013
Benefit Cuts For People Who Refuse Exercise
Under new proposals published today obese and other unhealthy people could be monitored to check whether they are taking exercise and have their benefits cut if they fail to do so.
Westminster council and the Local Government Information Unit say new technologies such as smart cards could be used to track claimants' use of leisure centres, allowing local authorities to dock housing and council benefit payments from those who refuse to carry out exercise prescribed by their GP.
The proposals, published in the report, A Dose of Localism: the Role of Councils in Public Health, address how councils can meet the financial challenges posed by their new public health function amid rising levels of obesity and major budget cuts.
The report suggests linking benefit payments to claimants' lifestyles, and notes that some councils have introduced schemes allowing GPs to prescribe exercise at swimming pools, yoga, gyms and walking clubs.
"Where an exercise package is prescribed to a resident, housing and council tax benefit payments could be varied to reward or incentivise residents," the authors state.
(H/GK)
Westminster council and the Local Government Information Unit say new technologies such as smart cards could be used to track claimants' use of leisure centres, allowing local authorities to dock housing and council benefit payments from those who refuse to carry out exercise prescribed by their GP.
The proposals, published in the report, A Dose of Localism: the Role of Councils in Public Health, address how councils can meet the financial challenges posed by their new public health function amid rising levels of obesity and major budget cuts.
The report suggests linking benefit payments to claimants' lifestyles, and notes that some councils have introduced schemes allowing GPs to prescribe exercise at swimming pools, yoga, gyms and walking clubs.
"Where an exercise package is prescribed to a resident, housing and council tax benefit payments could be varied to reward or incentivise residents," the authors state.
(H/GK)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
01 March 2005
Average council tax rise dips to 4%
Average council tax will rise by 4% in England this year, the lowest percentage increase since 1994, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has reported. CIPFA research predicted that council tax bills would rise by an average £45 to £1, 187 for a "band D" property in 2005/06 in England. In Scotland and Wales, rises of 3.
Average council tax rise dips to 4%
Average council tax will rise by 4% in England this year, the lowest percentage increase since 1994, the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) has reported. CIPFA research predicted that council tax bills would rise by an average £45 to £1, 187 for a "band D" property in 2005/06 in England. In Scotland and Wales, rises of 3.
20 May 2003
£26m in funding for e-government announced
Eighty-two local e-government projects, from 'smart' library and transport cards to a shared database on abandoned cars, will receive a share of £26 million in funding, Local Government Minister Chris Leslie announced today. The funding awarded today is part of a £350 million drive to support local e-government over three years.
£26m in funding for e-government announced
Eighty-two local e-government projects, from 'smart' library and transport cards to a shared database on abandoned cars, will receive a share of £26 million in funding, Local Government Minister Chris Leslie announced today. The funding awarded today is part of a £350 million drive to support local e-government over three years.
12 August 2013
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
Final Round Of Benefit Caps Begins
The final round of benefit caps that have seen benefit claims restricted to £500 a week for couples and those with children and £350 for single people is to come into effect today, in those council areas affected by the scheme.
18 April 2008
Consumer Council For Water 'Disappointed Fine Will Not Benefit Customers'
Following Ofwat's announcement that Thames Water will pay a reduced fine of £9.7 million, down from £12.
Consumer Council For Water 'Disappointed Fine Will Not Benefit Customers'
Following Ofwat's announcement that Thames Water will pay a reduced fine of £9.7 million, down from £12.
24 October 2003
New regulations set to 'open up access' to countryside
Regulations are being put before Parliament today which are set to open up the countryside and improve public access, the government has said.
New regulations set to 'open up access' to countryside
Regulations are being put before Parliament today which are set to open up the countryside and improve public access, the government has said.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Dry and bright start but scattered showers soon developing in the west. These showers will become heavy and possibly thundery by afternoon, gradually extending eastwards later. Maximum temperature 22 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with any lingering showers soon dying out. Then a few clearer spells possible before low cloud spreads in through the early hours, with coastal fog in places. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
