DWP urges PIP claimants most likely to be hit by reforms to take action
DWP urges PIP claimants most likely to be hit by reforms to take action
The UK Government is urging people likely to be affected by the changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Universal Credit to complete a consultation
(Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne )
Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms emphasised the importance of disabled people shaping welfare reforms. It comes as the UK Government launches an official consultation on proposed changes to benefits systems like Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit.
Urging individuals and disability charities to contribute through the consultation process, Sir Stephen underscored the impact this could have to ensure their views help shape the proposed changes. The move accompanies the government's commitment to forming 'collaboration committees,' designed to foster dialogue and recommendations among groups related to specific work sectors.
Revealed on March 18 by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), the desired reforms aim to grant those with illnesses and disabilities equal chances in the workplace, intending to generate employment opportunities, enhance living standards, and fortify the economy within the government's Plan for Change framework.
Efforts are additionally targeted at reforming what has been dubbed a 'broken benefits system', streamlining it to more effectively serve those in need, while facilitating job entry for those able to work and upholding fairness for taxpayers, reports the Daily Record.
In his statement, Sir Stephen voiced stark criticism of the existing setup: "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.
"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.
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"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."
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The consultation on reforms to health and disability support officially launched on April 7 on GOV.UK with publication of all accessible versions of the Pathways to Work Green Paper. The consultation is open until June 30, 2025.
The proposed reforms aim to support people into work, protect people who can never work and put the welfare system on a sustainable footing so that it can continue to support those in need now and into the future.
DWP said: "One in three of us faces a long-term health condition, so we all need a system that can support us to stay in work or get back into work."
The measures are the latest step in the UK Government's drive to build a modern welfare system that helps people get jobs rather than creating unnecessary barriers, with ministers' proposed plans set to:.
Provide more tailored employment support for those who can work, breaking down barriers to opportunity
Simplify the system and reduce unnecessary assessments, cutting bureaucracy and making it easier to navigate
Improve the way financial support is assessed and delivered, ensuring it reaches those who need it most and that people using the system have a better experience and are treated with dignity and respect
Build a more flexible approach that recognises the diverse needs of disabled people and those with long-term health conditions
DWP said that without changes, it is forecast that the system could cost as much as £70 billion a year by the end of the decade and risk not being there for people when they need it in future.
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Issues open for consultation include:
Supporting people to thrive with the new support offer
Supporting employers and making work more accessible
Reforming the structure of the health and disability benefits system
The DWP stated: "These are part of the wider reforms that also include reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren't indefinitely written off, targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs, and rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit."
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