UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour faces backlash over its welfare consultation, slammed as a “sham” for excluding PIP cuts and major reforms from public discussion.
Labour’s controversial welfare changes will soon allow affected benefit claimants to share their input, but the planned cuts are off the table for discussion.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) “Pathways to Work” green paper reveals that many policies will be excluded from the consultation, prompting campaigners and charities to call the process a “sham.”
What did the social security minister say about welfare reform?
Social Security and Disability Minister Sir Stephen Timms announced the consultation’s start, stating,
“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.”
He said,
“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.
Mr Timms added,
“I encourage people to engage so they can have their say as we listen, learn and deliver support which will help millions into work, put welfare spending on a more sustainable path, and unlock growth as part of our Plan for Change.”
What has the coalition of 21 groups written to work and pensions secretary Liz Kendall?
The Disabled People’s Organisation Forum, a coalition of 21 groups, has written an open letter to Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall. The letter raises “serious concerns with the human rights implications” of the ongoing consultation process.
The letter, endorsed by Disability Rights UK and Amnesty International, claims that the DWP has already settled on major policies, violating the Cabinet Office’s consultation guidelines.
It also expresses worries over the delay in releasing accessible versions of the paper. The letter also warns that MPs might vote on policies without having a clear analysis of how they will assist people in finding employment.
The signatories say,
“In short, the consultation is essentially a sham – it removes our rights as Disabled people to take part in civic society,”
Adding Labour must
“ensure that all proposals are open to consultation and public scrutiny, and reissue consultation questions which cover all policy proposals within the paper (not just those that DWP have chosen to include).”
What did the DWP spokesperson say about reforms to health and disability benefits?
A DWP spokesperson stated,
“We have set out a sweeping package of reforms to health and disability benefits to make urgent changes so people are genuinely supported into work, while putting the welfare system on a more sustainable footing, so that the safety net is always there to protect those who need it most.”
Referring to the accessible versions, they said,
“The publication of all accessible versions triggered the start of the official consultation, providing everyone with 12 weeks to respond,”
Adding,
“We encourage people to engage with the consultation, so a wide range of voices are reflected in the responses we receive.”
What did the court rule about the unlawfulness of welfare health assessment consultation?
In January, the High Court ruled that the consultation on welfare health assessment changes proposed by the past Tory government was not lawful, deeming it “unfair and misleading.”
Justice Calver stated that the eight-week consultation was “rushed” and “unfair,” failing to account for the significant loss of benefits that claimants experienced under the planned reforms.
He pointed out that the consultation presented a “misleading impression,” suggesting the plans were aimed at assisting people into work, when in reality, they seemed centered on slashing welfare spending.
In response to the judgment, Labour said it would “address its shortcomings” in its own process. Meanwhile, the DPO Forum highlighted “striking similarities” to the green paper, raising serious concerns.
How will Labour’s £4.8 billion welfare cuts affect benefits?
Labour’s plans for £4.8 billion in welfare cuts would reduce key health benefits in Britain.
The largest cost-cutting measure is the reduction in the Personal Independence Payment, claimed by 3.6 million individuals, making up 85% of the proposed cuts.
The government has also decided to freeze the Universal Credit health element for those already receiving it, and to slash it by almost 50% for new claimants.
However, the DWP’s consultation would include these measures, meaning disabled people won’t have the chance to discuss them in any session. Just 11 of the 22 proposed policies will be addressed.