A couple of events have happened this week that we thought you would like to know about. 1. Interview with Iain Duncan Smith. We didn't think that we would be updating you this early but we were sent this video interview with Iain Duncan Smith, The Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, which was published on 10th March. http://www.camdennewjournal.com/IDS-sanctions In this astonishing interview that last only 2.21 minutes, we believe that Duncan Smith was less than truthful twice and made six statements off the top of his head. Amongst other ideas about sanctions he shared with the interviewer were: "It really clarifies the mind." and "75% of those who have been sanctioned all say it suddenly helped them to focus to get on, 75% of those who have been sanction all say it." You can read more of his comments with our responses here: https://mzolobajluk.wordpress.com/2016/03/14/that-camden-interview-ids-less-than-truthful-twice-and-six-statements-off-the-top-of-his-head/ 2. National Audit Office Study - Scheduled for Autumn 2016 - Have your say. This study will examine whether the Department for Work and Pensions is achieving value for money from its administration of benefit sanctions. This includes how benefit sanctions fit with the intended aims and outcomes of DWP’s wider working age employment policy, whether sanctions are being implemented in line with policy and whether use of sanctions is leading to the intended outcomes for claimants. Please let the NAO politely know how sanctions have effected you, especially if you have been sanctioned or if you decided to leave the benefit system all together after a sanction. If you follow the link you will find information on how you can contribute to this study: https://www.nao.org.uk/work-in-progress/benefit-sanctions/ As always feel free to contact us at maggiezed@hotmail.com Take care Maggie