A new petition has been launched urging the UK Government to “halt all planned benefit cuts for disabled people unable to work.”
The petition, created by disability activist Abigail Broomfield, advocates for providing support rather than hardship for those who cannot work due to disability.
Broomfield emphasizes that instead of reducing benefits, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) should focus on supporting disabled individuals.
Proposed Welfare Reforms
Last month, the UK’s Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, revealed plans for reforms to disability and health-related benefits, set to take effect in November 2026. These changes are aimed at addressing soaring welfare costs and are expected to save £5 billion by 2029/30.
The proposed reforms, as outlined in the Green Paper, focus on adjusting eligibility criteria and reducing benefit payment rates. One of the significant changes includes the abolition of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA).
This would be replaced by the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment, which would determine eligibility for PIP and the health element of Universal Credit.
The DWP has stated that these reforms are intended to give sick and disabled individuals the same opportunities to work as everyone else.
The reforms are part of the UK Government’s Plan for Change, aiming to boost economic growth, improve living standards, and offer a fairer welfare system for taxpayers.
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The Petition’s Key Points
The petition, posted on the Petitions-Parliament website, calls for the UK Government to halt the proposed benefit cuts for individuals unable to work. It suggests that instead of reducing benefits, they should rise in line with inflation. The petition emphasizes:
- Disabled individuals who cannot work should not experience a reduction in their benefits.
- Individuals with acquired disabilities should not be punished, as they may have once contributed to taxes.
- People born with disabilities deserve consistent support without the threat of cuts.
- The petition also highlights how the pandemic exacerbated the gap between the current financial support and the increased cost of living for disabled individuals. These proposed cuts are seen as worsening this issue.
The petition will require 10,000 signatures to receive a response from the UK Government and 100,000 signatures to be considered for debate in Parliament.
Minister’s Statement on Welfare Reforms
Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, recently emphasized that welfare reforms should be shaped by those with disabilities.
He encourages individuals, as well as disability organizations and charities, to participate in the official consultation process, ensuring their views are reflected in the proposed changes.
Sir Stephen stressed that the current welfare system is broken, creating disincentives for people to return to work and failing to provide long-term support for those with health conditions.
He emphasized that reforms should aim to create a system that works not only for disabled individuals but for the economy as a whole.
12-Week Consultation on Health and Disability Support
The UK Government has launched a 12-week consultation on April 7, 2024, to discuss the proposed reforms to health and disability support. The consultation period will run until June 30, 2025, and aims to:
- Support individuals who can work by providing more tailored employment opportunities.
- Protect individuals who are unable to work from cuts in benefits.
- Place the welfare system on a sustainable footing to ensure it remains effective and supportive for future generations.
The DWP further stated that one in three people will experience a long-term health condition during their lifetime, highlighting the importance of a welfare system that supports people who are working or trying to return to work.
Reforms to the Welfare System
The planned reforms are intended to make the welfare system more flexible and supportive of those with long-term health conditions.
They are part of a broader effort to build a modern welfare system that removes barriers to employment while providing necessary financial support to those who need it most.
Key Measures in the Reforms
- More tailored employment support to help people access jobs and overcome barriers to employment.
- Simplification of the system to reduce unnecessary bureaucracy and make it easier for individuals to navigate.
- Improved financial support assessments to ensure that benefits are delivered effectively and people receive the help they need.
- A flexible approach that accounts for the diverse needs of disabled individuals and those with health conditions.
Issues for Consultation
Several key issues are open for consultation, including:
| Issue | Description |
|---|---|
| Supporting people to thrive with the new offer | Focus on improving opportunities and removing barriers to work. |
| Supporting employers and making work accessible | Policies to make workplaces more inclusive. |
| Reforming health and disability benefits | Overhaul to create a more effective and fair system. |
These areas are vital to shaping the future of the welfare system and ensuring that it supports those who need it most.
The UK Government is moving towards a major overhaul of the welfare system to create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities and health conditions. However, as proposed benefit cuts loom, the petition to halt these reductions reflects the growing concern about the impact on vulnerable populations.
As reforms continue to evolve, the consultation process remains an important platform for affected individuals and organizations to voice their opinions and shape the future of disability and health-related benefits.
FAQs
What are the proposed changes to disability benefits?
The proposed changes include altering eligibility criteria, reducing benefit payment rates, and abolishing the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) in favor of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment.
How can I participate in the consultation process?
You can participate by submitting your views through the official consultation on the GOV.UK website until June 30, 2025.
What will happen if the petition reaches 100,000 signatures?
If the petition reaches 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament by the Petitions Committee.
How will the reforms impact people with disabilities who cannot work?
The reforms aim to support people who cannot work by protecting their benefits and ensuring they receive adequate financial support, rather than facing cuts.