Public ‘opposed to benefits reforms’

Most members of the public don’t agree with the government’s proposed welfare reforms.

Ministers recently announced changes including: 

• freezing the health element of universal credit at £97 a week until 2029-30
• reducing the universal credit health element by £47 a week for new claimants
• tightening eligibility criteria for personal independence payments
• scrapping the work capability assessment in 2028
• reducing incapacity benefits for people under 22 

But according to research carried out by More in Common for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF), these planned reforms don’t have widespread support.

Nearly three in five (58%) people said they think the changes are a bad idea, while less than one in three (32%) agreed with them.

Public sceptical about government’s motivations

The lack of support could be partly down to people questioning the government’s reasons for making these changes.

Ministers have stressed that a key ambition is to help more disabled people into work.

But although one in three (33%) believe this reason, almost half (47%) believe the changes are being made to fill a gap in the budget.

The study also found that three-fifths (60%) think the government is going in the wrong direction on tackling hardship and the cost-of-living crisis.

As a result, many people are prepared to switch their vote if the government doesn’t make enough progress on tackling hardship and reducing the cost of living.

For example, nearly three-quarters (73%) of Labour voters said they’d consider voting for another party if they don’t see noticeable improvements.

“The government came into office pledging to end the moral scar of food bank use,” JRF said.

“These reforms will leave many disabled people at greater risk of needing to use one.”

Disabled people encouraged to have their say

People affected by the planned welfare reforms have been encouraged 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.”