Three reforms to universal credit, the UK’s main working-age means-tested benefit received by 6.6 million families, take effect on 6 April 2026. Together, they will change the incomes of almost all who receive the benefit … First, the real value of the UC standard allowance will be increased by 2.3% more than inflation … Second,…
This year’s Universal Credit uplift means that the basic rate of unemployment benefits will go up by more than inflation for the first time since 1983.
This year’s Universal Credit uplift means that the basic rate of unemployment benefits will go up by more than inflation for the first time since 1983. But the real-terms value of unemployment benefit is still 5% lower than in 2010-11. By contrast, State Pension rose by 20% over the same period.
‘A cruel penalty’: disabled people face lower benefit payments if conditions not deemed lifelong
https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2026/mar/29/disabled-benefit-claimants-face-lower-payments-if-conditions-not-deemed-lifelong-charities-say Hundreds of thousands of severely ill and disabled people making new claims will have their benefits cut if the government assesses that their condition might improve, charities have said. In April, the health element of universal credit – an extra payment for people assessed as too unwell to work or prepare for work –…
Landlords now to fulfil new legal duty for Renters’ Rights Act
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/landlords-now-to-fulfil-new-legal-duty-for-renters-rights-act Millions of tenants across England will receive new vital information on the biggest changes to renting in history on 1 May 2026 Government has published a new official document explaining tenancy changes, which landlords and agents must give legally to their tenants by 31 May 2026 11 million renters are just 6 weeks away…
Check how Universal Credit is changing in 2026
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/benefits/universal-credit/claiming/check-how-universal-credit-is-changing-in-2026/ The government have announced changes to Universal Credit that will affect everyone from April 2026. These changes are the result of the Universal Credit Act 2025 and the November 2025 budget. The amount of Universal Credit you get will change. This is because the Universal Credit ‘standard allowance’ is increasing. A monthly Universal Credit…
Universal Credit explained
https://www.turn2us.org.uk/get-support/information-for-your-situation/universal-credit Whether you are new to Universal Credit, or have an existing claim, we understand it can feel like a daunting and complex process. We are here to support you every step of the way. On this page we break down Universal Credit into simple steps so that you can easily find all the information…
Millions in England to pay higher water bills after suppliers appeal
Anglian, Southern, Wessex and South East allowed to raise charges more than originally permitted by watchdog
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2026/mar/10/england-higher-water-bills-anglian-southern-wessex-south-east?CMP=Share_AndroidApp_Other Millions of households in England will pay even higher water bills than previously expected, after the competition regulator gave its final verdict on industry spending plans for the coming years. Five water companies had appealed to the Competition and Markets Authority to let them raise bills higher than was initially allowed by Ofwat, the…
Brighton and Hove rental inflation drops to 2.5%
https://www.ons.gov.uk/economy/inflationandpriceindices/bulletins/privaterentandhousepricesuk/february2026 Average UK monthly private rents increased by 3.5%, to £1,367, in the 12 months to January 2026 (provisional estimate); this annual growth rate is down from 4.0% in the 12 months to December 2025. Average rents increased to £1,423 (3.5%) in England, £826 (5.8%) in Wales, and £1,021 (2.6%) in Scotland, in the 12…
Proposed benefit and pension rates 2026 to 2027
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027/proposed-benefit-and-pension-rates-2026-to-2027 Coming into effect in April 2026, note the LCWRA reduced rate is for new claimants only there after. And from rightsnet, https://www.rightsnet.org.uk/resources/benefit-rates#universal_credit
Top 50 universal credit housing element, sorted by studio and one bed flat
Shared accommodation rate and then one bed, two bed, three bed and four bed. Brighton and Hove as the 18th most expensive broad rental market area – with the top 13 covered by London. Central London £829.83 £1,439.97 £1,793.98 £2,160.02 £3,060.00Inner East London £699.50 £1,439.97 £1,750.00 £2,160.02 £3,000.00Inner North London £708.27 £1,439.97 £1,793.98 £2,160.02 £3,060.00Inner…