2025-03-26 16:44:04
Disempowering those that need support: the cruel irony of Reeves’ welfare reform
I am deeply concerned by the Spring Statement today, which announces further cuts to the health element of Universal Credit (UC) in addition to recent reductions to Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Last week, Liz Kendall told us that the Government wants to reform welfare in order to empower more people into work.
This week, the DWP’s impact assessment, which was quietly pushed out after the Spring Statement, shows that for those people affected by these measures, the changes to PIP will cost them an average of £4,500, and the changes to the health element of UC will cost them £3,000 more.
The same impact assessment clearly acknowledges that another 250,000 people could be living in relative poverty by 2030.
This package of cuts risks having a significant impact on learning disabled adults and their ability to live full and independent lives. It also effects the wider range of people with disabilities that rely on PIP and UC to live their lives with dignity.
It is a fundamental truth that living with a disability costs more; travel, living space, working, cleaning, cooking, basic life activities that many in society take for granted cost more.
Disabled people continue to face unfair extra costs. The higher cost of specialist equipment, higher usage of everyday essentials and energy and an inadequate welfare system are all making it harder for disabled households to meet the extra cost of disability – an average of an additional £925 a month.
It is particularly concerning that the Government delayed the release of its impact assessment, which lays out just how many people will be impacted by these changes, whilst also talking about wanting people to get into work.
These measures risk disempowering the very people they aim to support. Only one in four learning disabled adults of working age is in work.
Research commissioned by Mencap shows that 86 per cent of learning disabled adults would like a job if the correct support was in place.
These decisions could make it even harder for them to access the opportunities they deserve.
We also know that any money removed from social security creates pressures elsewhere in the system.
As the Disability Policy Centre rightly notes, these measures will create additional pressure on the NHS, social care and community mental health support services.
At precisely the time when people need additional social care support, the Chancellor is leaning harder on those who provide it.
At the same time as removing important benefits, the Government’s changes to Employer National Insurance Contributions make it even harder for social care charities like Hft to be financially sustainable.
Today’s Spring Statement represents a serious blow to disabled people in this country and those who support them.
Rachel Reeves’ comment that the Government is reforming the welfare system, while protecting the most vulnerable people does not reflect the reality outlined in the Government’s own impact assessment.
Those who draw on our support deserve better and our brilliant colleagues who deliver that care deserve to be valued for the vital work they do.
We will keep making this case to government, including as part of the Casey Commission on adult social care reform.
As Rachel Reeves said herself, she is ‘impatient for change.’
So is the social care sector. Without significant change, it will be pushed ever closer to the brink of collapse.
Notes to editors
For further information please email media.enquiries@hft.org.uk
About Hft
Proudly established in 1962 by a group of visionary parents, Hft is a charity supporting more than 2,500 learning disabled adults in England and Wales. Together, we are creating a future where learning disabled people and their families can live the best life possible.
Providing personalised support. Creating solutions for living independently. Coming together to campaign for positive change. Fundraising for new opportunities and a bigger impact.
In 2033, we’ll live in a world where learning disabled people have greater choice. About where they live. The support they need and want. And how to spend their time and money.
Learning disability versus difficulty
A learning disability is different from a learning difficulty but the terms are often confused and used inter-changeably. A learning difficulty does not affect general intellect, whereas a learning disability is a life-long condition characterised by a reduced intellectual ability and struggle with everyday activities.
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For more information about Hft please visit www.hft.org.uk
