Welfare reform concessions are not enough, say disability groups

In an attempt to curb a rebellion by its MPs, the Labour Government has made some changes to its controversial welfare reform. However, disability groups have universally said that no amount of “concessions” will make it acceptable.

The Universal Credit and Personal Independence (PIP) Bill, published last week, is due to have its first vote on Wednesday; however, over 120 MPs signed a reasoned amendment that would reject it in its entirety.

Reasons given were that the bill failed to provide a fair and compassionate approach to reforming disability benefits, did not include measures developed in collaboration with people with disabilities and their caregivers, and the provisions had not been designed to uphold the dignity, independence, and security of those who rely on the welfare system.

The Work and Pensions Secretary, Liz Kendall, has informed MPs today that the Bill will be amended so that claimants of PIP and the health element of Universal Credit will continue to receive their existing benefits. Only future claimants would be hit by the planned welfare reform.

Welfare reform has “potentially lethal effects”

In a joint statement, the disbility groups Crips Against Cuts, the National Survivor User Network (NSUN), Mad Youth Organise, Just Treatment, DPAC, Taking the PIP, and Disabled Rights UK stated that they are voicing their united and absolute opposition to the apparent concessions offered by the government as they will have “potentially lethal effects”.

They said: “As Disabled people, we will not accept a Bill that condemns future generations of Disabled people to devastating cuts in their vital support in order to avoid that fate ourselves. Rather than fixing this Bill’s dangerous attack on Disabled people, these concessions will introduce a new and cruel inequality into our communities.

“They will condemn young Disabled people, and those yet to be Disabled, to a future of poverty, hardship and worsening health. Not to mention those unable, or yet to apply due to how taxing the process of proving your eligibility is.

“We are absolutely clear that no amount of “concessions” will make this government Bill acceptable. Any and all cuts made to the already limited support Disabled people rely on – both now and in the future – must be resisted.”

The statement added that the government had underestimated the power of disabled people and their allies, and now they are underestimating the strength of solidarity.

Creates a two-tier system for disabled people

Mencap said that the news will come as a huge relief to thousands of people with a learning disability who are currently claiming PIP and have been living in fear of what the future holds. But there will be a generational divide in the quality of life for people with a learning disability if new claimants for PIP next year face different rules.

Jackie O’Sullivan, Executive Director of Strategy and Influence, added: “We are encouraged that campaigners have been heard in their opposition to the planned cuts. But cutting disability benefits is not a fair way to mend the black hole in the public purse.”

The National Autistic Society said that it should not have taken this much pressure to get the Government to listen and step back from some of their damaging proposals.

Tim Nicholls, Assistant Director of Policy, Research and Strategy at the National Autistic Society, added: “Today’s announcement will address some of the fear many autistic people who currently receive PIP felt about losing vital support that makes their daily life more manageable. But autistic people who might need PIP in the future, like autistic children who will become autistic adults, will still be fearful about where they fit in this two-tier system.

The Government has rightly announced a review into the PIP assessment to make it ‘fair and fit for the future’ with co-production with disabled people at its heart. But it is still rushing ahead with cuts for new claimants. The Government should do the right thing: hit ‘pause’ on these changes and let disabled people have a meaningful say on the future of disability benefits. We won’t stop campaigning until the benefits system truly works for autistic people.”

Alison Bloomer

Alison Bloomer is Editor of Learning Disability Today.

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