Disabled people encouraged to share views on welfare reforms

The government is urging disabled people to express their opinions on planned changes to the welfare system.

Last month, ministers announced reforms including:

• increasing the standard allowance of universal credit
• tightening eligibility criteria for personal independence payments (PIP)
• scrapping the work capability assessment in 2028
• not penalising people on benefits for trying out a new job
• reducing incapacity benefits for people under 22
• more frequent reassessments for PIP claimants
• merging JSA and ESA
• investing an extra £1bn in employment support

People affected by the changes have been invited to have their say through a consultation, so their views can help shape the proposed changes.

The consultation is open to individuals, disability charities and organisations, and runs until Monday 30 June.

“I encourage people to engage so they can have their say,” said Sir Stephen Timms, social security and disability minister.

“We want a system that genuinely works for disabled people and those with health conditions, as well as the country and the economy, and we want to hear their views and voices at the heart of the new system.”

Why is the government reforming the benefits system?

According to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP):

• one in 10 people of working age are now claiming a sickness or disability benefit
• nearly 1m young people aren’t in education, employment or training
• 2.8m are out of work because of long-term sickness 

Meanwhile, a government poll of sick and disabled people has found that:

• 44% don’t believe the DWP gives enough support to people who don’t work because of a sickness or disability
• 35% think the DWP could do more to help unemployed people of working age find jobs

“We inherited a broken welfare system, which incentivises ill health, locks people out of work and isn’t fit for a future in which so many of us will face long-term health conditions,” Sir Stephen commented.