Overview

The Benefit Entitlement (Restriction) Bill aims to limit access to taxpayer-funded benefits for non-UK citizens from the European Union and European Economic Area (EEA). The bill introduces stricter eligibility criteria and limits the amount and duration of benefits payable.

Description

This bill makes several key changes to benefit entitlement:

• Declaration of Nationality: Applicants for national insurance numbers and taxpayer-funded benefits must declare their nationality.
• Dependants: Non-UK EU/EEA citizens are only eligible for housing benefit or council tax benefit in England and Wales if they are spouses or dependants of a UK citizen.
• Amount of Benefit: Benefits paid to EU/EEA citizens cannot exceed the equivalent benefit in their home country.
• Claimant's Contribution: EU/EEA citizens must have made national insurance contributions for at least four years to be eligible for benefits, and any benefit payment cannot exceed six months in a year.
• Information Gathering: The government must collect and publish data on the number and cost of benefits paid to non-UK EU/EEA citizens.

Government Spending

The bill is expected to reduce government spending on benefits by limiting the number of non-UK EU/EEA citizens eligible and by capping benefit amounts. Exact figures are not provided in the bill text.

Groups Affected

• Non-UK EU/EEA citizens: This group will face significant restrictions on their access to UK taxpayer-funded benefits, potentially impacting their ability to live and work in the UK.
• UK citizens with EU/EEA spouses or dependents: These individuals may face challenges in accessing benefits if the restrictions are implemented.
• UK Government: The government will be responsible for implementing the new rules and collecting/publishing data on benefit payments.

Powered by nyModel