As the UK adjusts to the new reality that we are to leave the EU, what difference will this make to claimants?{jcomments on}
The short answer from Benefits and Work is that we have no clear idea at all.
We know that the agreement David Cameron negotiated with the EU in February of this year will no longer take effect. So the emergency brake for in-work benefits for workers from the EU can no longer be put into force, nor will the cuts to child benefit which would have reduced payments where the child lives in another country.
We also know that the shadow secretary for work and pensions, Owen Smith, resigned today following in the footsteps of most of Labour’s front bench.
In addition, sterling is continuing to fall in value, especially against the dollar, which may mean price rises for many basic commodities including fuel.
Aside from that, we are as much in the dark as everyone else.
Will IDS return to the front bench when a new leader of the Conservative party is elected? And if so, will he want his old job back at the DWP?
If shares and sterling continue to plummet will this lead to further inflation, a loss of tax revenue and calls for more cuts to benefits in a new wave of post-referendum austerity?
Or will things calm down very quickly and carry on much the same as they did before last week’s momentous result?
Will they even improve, with politicians deciding that there will be more cash available to spend on claimants once we don't have to pay out for EU membership?
Your guess is very definitely as good as ours, so please do let us know what you think.
