More news & blogs
Read the latest news & blogs on how we are working to create a London free from poverty
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Z2K Covid-19 Response
From Tuesday 14th April, we are opening our phones lines from 10 to 4 pm. We are also available via our online contacts form. Our services are open to anyone who is: - of working age - live in London - be entitled to means-tested benefits We are also continuing to plan our longer term response, to be ready to push for a continuation of all temporary uplifts in benefits, a complete suspension of sanctions and the benefit cap, and for continued systemic change to ensure a benefits system that works effectively as a safety net.
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A social security system for the long-term, not just COVID-19
Our Social Security system should act as a safety net. With the outbreak of COVID-19, the number of people needing its support has risen by over a million, and the cracks that have been there for years are suddenly at the forefront of a lot more people’s attention.
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We will continue to fight poverty in our founder Reverend Paul Nicholson’s name
Reverend Paul Nicolson might no longer be with us, but we should take inspiration from his life and work. In the meantime, today our hearts and thoughts are with Paul’s family and friends.
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Why Universal Credit was flawed from the start
The Lords Economic Affairs Committee has just held an inquiry into Universal Credit (UC). As Z2K outlined in our response to this inquiry, 10 years on and many delays later, UC is failing to deliver on its original aims because these aims were either misconceived or subject to bad design decisions.
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Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State – or at least that bit DWP wants you to see
Why the total absence of disabled and ill people from BBC’s 3-part documentary Universal Credit: Inside the Welfare State accurately reflects Government’s attitude towards people living in the most vulnerable situations
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The grim reality of homelessness, sofa-surfing and the sharp end of renting in London
At Z2K we’ve begun a new project looking to amplify the voices of some of our clients. Rose and John co-write this piece detailing John's experiences of homelessness, sofa-surfing, and sharp end of renting in London.
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DWP abuses the power they have over peoples’ Universal Credit journals
Many people receive incorrect Universal Credit payments as a result of Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) maladministration. As Liz* and Emma* have experienced, it can be difficult to identify maladministration when the DWP retrospectively correct their errors on peoples’ Universal Credit journals.
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Z2K Celebration Event: what we got up to
On Thursday 16th January 2020 6pm-8pm, Z2K were excited to host our first ever celebration event at St Anne’s Church in Soho. It was the first opportunity we had to bring all that are involved with Z2K, from funders to volunteers to clients, to see our achievements from 2019.
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£20 a week to live on: what happens when the double whammy of Universal Credit and the Benefit Cap hits
For some people, the double whammy of moving to Universal Credit and being hit by the Benefit Cap, leaves them destitute and poverty stricken. Alex* is a prime example of this as he was left with just £20 per week to live on.
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Why the ASA ruling on the DWP Universal Credit advertisements is a massive win for advice workers and the thousands of people they help navigate the benefits system
"To spend £225k of public money - according to the government’s own figures – on a deceitful PR exercise when people are literally starving is unforgivable, and they must be held to account." Raji reflects on the ASA ruling on the DWP Universal Credits Ads and what needs to happen next.
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Universal Credit stats – Obscuring the true extent of poor decision making
"This opacity of the Universal Credit behemoth is making it far easier for the DWP to mislead the public, and deflect criticism of its shortcomings." Our caseworker Andy on how Universal Credit stats are obscuring the true extent of poor decision making
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Harriet Sassoon, Morrison & Foerster
“Working with Z2K is incredibly rewarding not least because the impact of a positive PIP or ESA appeal can significantly improve the quality of life for individuals who are struggling to cope with the daily activities that we often take for granted."
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