Where proper engagement between the different agencies involved has not worked—particularly local authorities and the local Jobcentre Plus offices—that has arisen—and also housing associations—but where it's worked well, it has worked well.

And it's about more than just money: it's about helping people get into work, stay in work and live independently. From next month, claimants will be offered an advance of up to 100 per cent. In practice, this means that new claimants in December can already receive an advance of up to 50 per cent, and may now receive a second advance of up to 100 per cent in the new year. Payments of advances will now be recoverable over 12 months rather than six; claimants who had previously received housing benefit will receive an extra two weeks of support, worth on average £233, which will be unrecoverable, automatic and received early in the first assessment period.