Needless to say, the Conservative Government’s scheme to soften the impact of sanctions has nothing to recommend it, as it merely puts people under the strain of trying to convince a Job Centre Plus adviser not to dock their cash.

The strand that marks the homeless and those with mental health problems as “vulnerable”, and therefore able to claim hardship payments immediately, is no comfort to anybody.

Benefit sanctions are forcing people to become homeless or to sleep rough, according to the charity Crisis.

The study, based on research from Sheffield Hallam University, claims that 21% of people sanctioned in the last year became homeless as a result.

In addition, 16% of those sanctioned were forced to sleep rough.

However the government has already announced a trial scheme to soften the impact of sanctions, particularly for those who have nowhere to live.

Source: Benefit sanctions force people to sleep rough, claims charity – BBC News