News, events and articles

Society Matters Group CEO Alison Dunn awarded MBE in King’s Birthday Honours

Society Matters Group is proud to announce that its Chief Executive, Alison Dunn, has been awarded an MBE in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours List for Services to Communities across the North East of England.

HMRC Mileage Rate Changes for 2026/27 – What Workers and Employers Need to Know

In this article, Society Matters Social Delivery Manager Adam Matthews explains the new HMRC mileage rate changes for 2026/27, why the increase was introduced, who may be eligible and what the changes could mean for workers who use their own vehicles for business travel. The article also explores backdating rules, Mileage Allowance Relief and includes practical case study examples showing how the new rates may work in practice.

Carers Allowance 50 Years On: A Time to Reflect or Reform?

With the news that nearly one million people are missing out on Pension Credit, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman unpacks why, despite repeated attempts by government, so many pensioners are not claiming this vital support…

Pension Credit: Why Are We Still Here?

With the news that nearly one million people are missing out on Pension Credit, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman unpacks why, despite repeated attempts by government, so many pensioners are not claiming this vital support…

2026 Welfare Benefit Rates

2026 Welfare Benefit Rates Poster

Shut Out: The Quiet Reality of ‘Gatekeeping’ in Britain’s Homelessness System

Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters, explores how people in housing crisis are being turned away at the very point they seek help—and what this means for frontline professionals.

The Quiet Struggle of Claiming Disability Living Allowance for Children

Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters, explores the hidden barriers facing families claiming Disability Living Allowance for children — and why a system built on statutory tests too often fails to translate the realities of disabled childhood into accessible entitlement.

The End of Section 21: What the End of “No-Fault” Evictions Really Mean for Renters and Landlords

In this month’s article, Adam Matthews, Social Delivery Manager at Society Matters, unpacks the looming abolition of Section 21 notices. From key deadlines to what replaces no-fault evictions, he explores how the reforms will reshape the relationship between renters and landlords in England.

The Incoming Cuts to Universal Credit: A Line in the Sand for Sick and Disabled Claimants

In this month’s article Social Delivery Manager, Adam Matthews, talks about his concerns about the upcoming cuts and to Universal Credit for some people with disabilities and long term health conditions from next April.

A Budget with a Conscience: Why the End of the Two-Child Rule Matters

In this issue, Social Delivery Manager Adam Matthews breaks down what the end of the two-child limit means for families and looks at the other major Budget changes shaping the financial outlook for people across the country. 

Access to Work: What You Need to Know – Free Recorded Webinar

Couldn’t join our live session? No problem. The full replay of Access to Work: What You Need to Know is now available for you to watch at your convenience. Whether you are catching up or joining for the first time, we encourage you to view the session and stay up to date with the latest updates.

Access to Work: Balancing Support and Sustainability

In this month’s article, Society Matters Trainer Gareth Newman explores the impact of

Access to Work and the changing nature of support in light of prospective changes.