Firstly, I want to acknowledge that the media speculation ahead of this week’s government announcement will have caused a good deal of anxiety and uncertainty for many of my constituents. I recognise that this has been a worrying time for many people and I am grateful to everyone who has written or spoken to me about their concerns. Some of what has been announced this week is complicated, so I’ve included some answers to frequently asked questions at the end of this statement.
As I’ve said before, people deserve to get the help they need to be able to return to or stay in work where this is possible. The current system simply doesn’t do enough to support people’s aspirations to return to work, which is why I am encouraged by some of what I’ve heard from the government, such as scrapping the failing Work Capability Assessment, the significant £1 billion financial investment in employment support services, and the ‘right to try’ that will guarantee that work in and of itself never will never lead to a benefit reassessment.
These are all welcome and significant measures that will help more people to enjoy the benefits and dignity of work, because disabled people and those with health conditions who can work, must be given the same rights and opportunities to do so as everyone else.
However I’ve been clear that the government must not make changes that would unfairly penalise people who cannot work or that will cut vital support for vulnerable people.
I welcome the government’s reassurance that there will be no freeze to – or means test of – Personal Independence Payments (PIP) or burdensome reassessment for those who have permanent conditions.
However, from listening to constituents and disability charities, it’s clear there are concerns around the impact of some of the measures, particularly around changes to the qualifying criteria for PIP and changes to the incapacity element of Universal Credit.
That’s why I urge everyone with a stake in these changes to take part in the government’s consultation. I want the voices of disabled people who are subject to these changes to be clearly heard; and I want to see the government listening to and working with disabled people so that the result is the successful and much-needed reform to make this system work, and not financial hardship for some of society’s poorest and most vulnerable people.
I’ll continue to listen to and engage with people who are affected by these changes and will be meeting with disability charities this week to understand their perspective. I remain keen to hear from constituents who want to share their experiences and concerns with me – I read all your messages and your input is very much welcome.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
Will I still get my payments as normal?
Yes, please be assured there will be no immediate changes to your health and disability related benefit payment.
Will my claim be affected?
No, there will be no immediate changes to your health and disability-related claim. If you have made a claim or are getting a health and disability-related benefit you should continue to contact us as usual and provide any information or changes to your circumstances and current needs.
When will the changes to health and disability benefits be made?
The government is consulting on the proposed changes to health and disability benefits. The consultation will be open for at least 12 weeks and no changes will be made until it has reviewed all the responses.
Will my benefits change immediately?
No, please be assured there will be no immediate changes to your health and disability related benefit payment.
I’ve submitted a claim but haven’t heard the outcome, will my claim be affected?
No, there will be no immediate changes to your health and disability related claim. If you have made a claim or are getting a health and disability related benefit you should continue to contact us as usual and provide any information or changes to your circumstances and current needs.
When will the changes to health and disability benefits be made?
The government is consulting on its proposed changes to health and disability benefits. The consultation will be open for at least 12 weeks and no changes will be made until the government has reviewed all the responses. You are welcome to take part in the consultation.