Latest news with #JamesWatson-O'Neill
Daily Mirror
22-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Millions of Brits on DWP Universal Credit warned over important new rule change
The charity has issued the warning ahead of the Universal Credit Bill going through the House of Lords and all remaining stages of the bill later today Millions of Universal Credit claimants have been issued with a warning over a rule change being forced "through". National disability charity Sense has raised concerns ahead of the Universal Credit Bill passing through the House of Lords and all remaining stages of the legislation later today. Sense remains deeply worried about the Universal Credit alterations this bill aims to implement, which will result in some disabled people assessed as facing the greatest employment barriers being £47 a week worse off if they make claims after these modifications take effect. James Watson-O'Neill, chief executive at the national disability charity Sense, said: "We're grateful to everyone who campaigned to secure important concessions on this bill, but we remain deeply concerned about the impact these changes will have on disabled people who claim Universal Credit in the future. "When over half of disabled people with complex needs who rely on benefits can't afford essential bills, cutting support should never have been on the table. "We want the government to scrap its proposal to remove the health-related element of Universal Credit for disabled people under 22. This would leave thousands of young disabled people with complex needs £100 a week worse off – an unacceptable blow to those who already face significant barriers and extra costs. Any future benefits reforms must be co-produced with disabled people. "We have the ideas and expertise as disabled people, and as organisations working alongside disabled people, to make the benefits system fairer and more effective – now it's time for the government to listen." Birmingham Live reports that James continued: "The government has promised to tackle the barriers preventing disabled people from entering employment – such as negative attitudes from employers, the lack of assistive technology in JobCentres, and the unlawful denial of reasonable adjustments. "We welcome this commitment, but we will hold the government to account to ensure these changes are delivered effectively and in genuine collaboration with disabled people."
Daily Mirror
11-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Universal Credit change may 'penalise' people with 4 disabilities
The Welfare Bill steadily making its way through Parliament could exclude some of the severe disabilities and young people the government wants to support, experts have warned Despite significant concessions to the Welfare Bill earlier this month, the Universal Credit changes that have been approved for the next stage of its journey through Parliament could still potentially slash hundreds of pounds from the budgets of disabled Brits. Originally, the proposal would reduce the health component of Universal Credit from £97 to £50 per week and freeze it at that level for all claimants not in the Severe Conditions Criteria Group. As it stands now, the Bill will not affect current claimants with this change, only those applying after April 2026 will receive £47 less unless they are part of the Severe Conditions Criteria Group. The Bill also states that this group will be exempt from future reassessments. The Government argues this will prevent people from being incentivised to classify themselves as unfit for work while protecting those who will never be able to work from having to undergo reviews. To be eligible for the new £97 rate after 2026, individuals must be part of the Severe Conditions Criteria group, which demands they meet certain descriptors at all times, such as being unable to handle a 0.5-litre carton of liquid or struggling with basic tasks due to their condition. Juliet Tizzard, director of external relations at Parkinson's UK, criticised the "appalling" new legislation approved by Parliament. Highlighting how it unfairly excludes people with varying symptoms, such as people with Parkinson's. She said: 'The Bill clearly states that someone must be constantly unable to do certain tasks to qualify. This will penalise people with Parkinson's, whose symptoms come and go. 'Until we can be certain that people with fluctuating conditions will not be penalised, we'll continue campaigning for a fair system. We're thankful to the MPs who tried to stop the changes to Universal Credit, and for every campaigner who raised their voice.' Diseases such as multiple sclerosis, severe mental illness, and muscular dystrophy also experience fluctuating symptoms and are therefore unlikely to fulfil the stipulations for the Severe Conditions Group. Potentially missing out on an extra £47 per week if they claim the health element post-2026. Another proposal, that was left unchanged amid the concessions, will raise the eligibility age for Universal Credit's health element from 18 to 22. However, disability charities are voicing their concerns, warning the Government that this plan risks putting young people at a severe disadvantage. James Watson-O'Neill, Chief Executive of the charity Sense, has expressed deep concern about the impact on disabled youth: "The government's decision to press ahead with its welfare reform Bill and make cruel cuts to Universal Credit payments is causing deep fear and distress among young disabled people with the most complex needs and their families. 'MPs have still voted to cut support for disabled people who are assessed as having the greatest barriers to work and apply for benefits after 2026, making them £47 a week poorer. Almost half of disabled people with complex needs are already in debt because their benefit payments don't cover the essentials. 'This proposal will create an unfair, two-tier system, where still more disabled people are pushed into poverty simply because they started claiming benefits later. 'We are calling on the government to reconsider these proposals and rule out plans to cut support even further for disabled people aged under 22. Disabled people should be included fully and from the start in any efforts to reform the welfare system."
South Wales Argus
02-07-2025
- Health
- South Wales Argus
DWP benefits U-turn leaves £4.8 billion hole in the budget
The concessions, including the last-minute shelving of plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (Pip), were enough to head off the Government's first Commons defeat. But they also removed a key plank of Sir Keir Starmer's welfare reform agenda, delaying changes to Pip until after a review of the benefit not due to conclude until autumn 2026. Disability groups have shared their concerns Many disability charities were unhappy with the result," despite some concessions. James Watson-O'Neill, Chief Executive of the national disability charity Sense, said: "Today's vote in Parliament is deeply distressing. By choosing to advance this bill, MPs have voted for measures the government's data say will push 150,000 disabled people into poverty. This is not the right way to reform our welfare system — it's a move that has already caused significant fear and anxiety within the disabled people's community. "We're incredibly grateful to all those who spoke out against the bill. Their efforts helped secure important government concessions, which mean some disabled people will retain the support they rely on. However, this creates a deeply unfair two-tier system — protecting some while leaving new claimants facing serious financial hardship. And the government's latest concession, to delay the tightening of the criteria for PIP, doesn't change the fact that it will eventually become harder for new claimants to access this vital benefit. "Looking ahead, we urge the government to immediately reconsider their proposal to remove the health element of Universal Credit from young people until they turn 22. We also want to work constructively with them to expand the eligibility criteria for additional support for those who will never be able to work, to ensure no one is left behind." PIP IS NOT AN OUT-OF-WORK BENEFIT PIP is an allowance that helps disabled people with the extra costs incurred by having a disability. You can claim it whether you work or not. The media and government narrative about PIP is incorrect and must be challenged KILL THE BILL!… — Atlanta 🦹🏻♀️ #DisabilityRebellion (@areyoflight) June 30, 2025 But Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, shared these concerns: 'Tonight's concessions by the UK government are a victory for not just the millions of people across the country who are disabled, but for every single one of us who may find ourselves disabled one day. Removing Clause 5 is clearly the right decision given the lack of evidence these measures would encourage anyone with a mental health problem to return to work, and the very clear risk of pushing people into poverty, worsening their mental health. Despite this, this bill remains deeply flawed. 'We remain concerned by the measures in this bill which both reduce the amount paid to recipients of the health element of Universal Credit, and limits its eligibility to those over the age of 22. These measures are discriminatory, and will do little to support people back into the workplace. The UK government should drop the implementation of these measures too." What will happen next? Ahead of a crucial vote on cuts to disability benefits, our new evidence casts doubt on whether jobs are even available for disabled people facing cuts 📢 The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3 — Joseph Rowntree Foundation (@jrf_uk) June 24, 2025 With no clarity on when the changes will be enacted or what they might entail, the Chancellor now faces a fiscal headache as a forecast £4.8 billion in welfare savings have been whittled away to nothing. Economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Resolution Foundation think tanks warned that Tuesday's concessions meant Ms Reeves could now expect no 'net savings' by 2029/30 – a key year for meeting her fiscal targets. IFS deputy director Helen Miller said the move had effectively halved the Chancellor's 'margin of error' against her main fiscal rule, once again raising the possibility of tax rises in the autumn. On top of that, a stuttering economy and global instability could mean she has even less room for manoeuvre than expected. I am going into the Commons Chamber to speak against & vote against the Government's appalling Bill to cut disability benefits. I urge all Labour MPs to do so. I was elected to protect disabled people not harm them. — John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) July 1, 2025 Ms Miller said: 'Since departmental spending plans are now effectively locked in, and the Government has already had to row back on planned cuts to pensioner benefits and working-age benefits, tax rises would look increasingly likely.' The Resolution Foundation's Ruth Curtice agreed that there would be no savings in 2029/30, but suggested changes to universal credit – almost the only part of the Government's proposals still standing – could save money in the longer term. On Wednesday morning, the Conservatives accused Labour of making billions in unfunded spending commitments, including both the U-turns on welfare and the partial reinstatement of winter fuel payments. In a letter to Ms Reeves, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride demanded to know where the money was coming from, asking: 'Will you raise tax or increase borrowing?' Ministers have repeatedly insisted that Labour will not raise taxes on 'working people', specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT. Recommended reading: But Ms Reeves also remains committed to her 'iron clad' fiscal rules, which require day-to-day spending to be covered by revenues – not borrowing – in 2029/30. Meanwhile, Sir Keir himself will face a grilling from MPs on Wednesday as he attempts to repair relations with his backbenchers. The weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions comes just a day after 49 of his own MPs voted against his welfare reforms – the biggest rebellion of his premiership so far – while several backbenchers described the Government's handling of the issue as 'chaotic' and 'a shambles'.
Glasgow Times
02-07-2025
- Health
- Glasgow Times
DWP benefits U-turn leaves £4.8 billion hole in the budget
The concessions, including the last-minute shelving of plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (Pip), were enough to head off the Government's first Commons defeat. But they also removed a key plank of Sir Keir Starmer's welfare reform agenda, delaying changes to Pip until after a review of the benefit not due to conclude until autumn 2026. Disability groups have shared their concerns Many disability charities were unhappy with the result," despite some concessions. James Watson-O'Neill, Chief Executive of the national disability charity Sense, said: "Today's vote in Parliament is deeply distressing. By choosing to advance this bill, MPs have voted for measures the government's data say will push 150,000 disabled people into poverty. This is not the right way to reform our welfare system — it's a move that has already caused significant fear and anxiety within the disabled people's community. "We're incredibly grateful to all those who spoke out against the bill. Their efforts helped secure important government concessions, which mean some disabled people will retain the support they rely on. However, this creates a deeply unfair two-tier system — protecting some while leaving new claimants facing serious financial hardship. And the government's latest concession, to delay the tightening of the criteria for PIP, doesn't change the fact that it will eventually become harder for new claimants to access this vital benefit. "Looking ahead, we urge the government to immediately reconsider their proposal to remove the health element of Universal Credit from young people until they turn 22. We also want to work constructively with them to expand the eligibility criteria for additional support for those who will never be able to work, to ensure no one is left behind." PIP IS NOT AN OUT-OF-WORK BENEFIT PIP is an allowance that helps disabled people with the extra costs incurred by having a disability. You can claim it whether you work or not. The media and government narrative about PIP is incorrect and must be challenged KILL THE BILL!… — Atlanta 🦹🏻♀️ #DisabilityRebellion (@areyoflight) June 30, 2025 But Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, shared these concerns: 'Tonight's concessions by the UK government are a victory for not just the millions of people across the country who are disabled, but for every single one of us who may find ourselves disabled one day. Removing Clause 5 is clearly the right decision given the lack of evidence these measures would encourage anyone with a mental health problem to return to work, and the very clear risk of pushing people into poverty, worsening their mental health. Despite this, this bill remains deeply flawed. 'We remain concerned by the measures in this bill which both reduce the amount paid to recipients of the health element of Universal Credit, and limits its eligibility to those over the age of 22. These measures are discriminatory, and will do little to support people back into the workplace. The UK government should drop the implementation of these measures too." What will happen next? Ahead of a crucial vote on cuts to disability benefits, our new evidence casts doubt on whether jobs are even available for disabled people facing cuts 📢 The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3 — Joseph Rowntree Foundation (@jrf_uk) June 24, 2025 With no clarity on when the changes will be enacted or what they might entail, the Chancellor now faces a fiscal headache as a forecast £4.8 billion in welfare savings have been whittled away to nothing. Economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Resolution Foundation think tanks warned that Tuesday's concessions meant Ms Reeves could now expect no 'net savings' by 2029/30 – a key year for meeting her fiscal targets. IFS deputy director Helen Miller said the move had effectively halved the Chancellor's 'margin of error' against her main fiscal rule, once again raising the possibility of tax rises in the autumn. On top of that, a stuttering economy and global instability could mean she has even less room for manoeuvre than expected. I am going into the Commons Chamber to speak against & vote against the Government's appalling Bill to cut disability benefits. I urge all Labour MPs to do so. I was elected to protect disabled people not harm them. — John McDonnell (@johnmcdonnellMP) July 1, 2025 Ms Miller said: 'Since departmental spending plans are now effectively locked in, and the Government has already had to row back on planned cuts to pensioner benefits and working-age benefits, tax rises would look increasingly likely.' The Resolution Foundation's Ruth Curtice agreed that there would be no savings in 2029/30, but suggested changes to universal credit – almost the only part of the Government's proposals still standing – could save money in the longer term. On Wednesday morning, the Conservatives accused Labour of making billions in unfunded spending commitments, including both the U-turns on welfare and the partial reinstatement of winter fuel payments. In a letter to Ms Reeves, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride demanded to know where the money was coming from, asking: 'Will you raise tax or increase borrowing?' Ministers have repeatedly insisted that Labour will not raise taxes on 'working people', specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT. Recommended reading: But Ms Reeves also remains committed to her 'iron clad' fiscal rules, which require day-to-day spending to be covered by revenues – not borrowing – in 2029/30. Meanwhile, Sir Keir himself will face a grilling from MPs on Wednesday as he attempts to repair relations with his backbenchers. The weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions comes just a day after 49 of his own MPs voted against his welfare reforms – the biggest rebellion of his premiership so far – while several backbenchers described the Government's handling of the issue as 'chaotic' and 'a shambles'.
Rhyl Journal
02-07-2025
- Health
- Rhyl Journal
DWP benefits U-turn leaves £4.8 billion hole in the budget
The concessions, including the last-minute shelving of plans to restrict eligibility for personal independence payments (Pip), were enough to head off the Government's first Commons defeat. But they also removed a key plank of Sir Keir Starmer's welfare reform agenda, delaying changes to Pip until after a review of the benefit not due to conclude until autumn 2026. Many disability charities were unhappy with the result," despite some concessions. James Watson-O'Neill, Chief Executive of the national disability charity Sense, said: "Today's vote in Parliament is deeply distressing. By choosing to advance this bill, MPs have voted for measures the government's data say will push 150,000 disabled people into poverty. This is not the right way to reform our welfare system — it's a move that has already caused significant fear and anxiety within the disabled people's community. "We're incredibly grateful to all those who spoke out against the bill. Their efforts helped secure important government concessions, which mean some disabled people will retain the support they rely on. However, this creates a deeply unfair two-tier system — protecting some while leaving new claimants facing serious financial hardship. And the government's latest concession, to delay the tightening of the criteria for PIP, doesn't change the fact that it will eventually become harder for new claimants to access this vital benefit. "Looking ahead, we urge the government to immediately reconsider their proposal to remove the health element of Universal Credit from young people until they turn 22. We also want to work constructively with them to expand the eligibility criteria for additional support for those who will never be able to work, to ensure no one is left behind." PIP IS NOT AN OUT-OF-WORK BENEFIT PIP is an allowance that helps disabled people with the extra costs incurred by having a disability. You can claim it whether you work or not. The media and government narrative about PIP is incorrect and must be challenged KILL THE BILL!… But Mark Rowland, Chief Executive of the Mental Health Foundation, shared these concerns: 'Tonight's concessions by the UK government are a victory for not just the millions of people across the country who are disabled, but for every single one of us who may find ourselves disabled one day. Removing Clause 5 is clearly the right decision given the lack of evidence these measures would encourage anyone with a mental health problem to return to work, and the very clear risk of pushing people into poverty, worsening their mental health. Despite this, this bill remains deeply flawed. 'We remain concerned by the measures in this bill which both reduce the amount paid to recipients of the health element of Universal Credit, and limits its eligibility to those over the age of 22. These measures are discriminatory, and will do little to support people back into the workplace. The UK government should drop the implementation of these measures too." Ahead of a crucial vote on cuts to disability benefits, our new evidence casts doubt on whether jobs are even available for disabled people facing cuts 📢 The analysis found that the parts of the country among the hardest hit by the cuts have fewer job opportunities 1/3 With no clarity on when the changes will be enacted or what they might entail, the Chancellor now faces a fiscal headache as a forecast £4.8 billion in welfare savings have been whittled away to nothing. Economists at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Resolution Foundation think tanks warned that Tuesday's concessions meant Ms Reeves could now expect no 'net savings' by 2029/30 – a key year for meeting her fiscal targets. IFS deputy director Helen Miller said the move had effectively halved the Chancellor's 'margin of error' against her main fiscal rule, once again raising the possibility of tax rises in the autumn. On top of that, a stuttering economy and global instability could mean she has even less room for manoeuvre than expected. I am going into the Commons Chamber to speak against & vote against the Government's appalling Bill to cut disability benefits. I urge all Labour MPs to do so. I was elected to protect disabled people not harm them. Ms Miller said: 'Since departmental spending plans are now effectively locked in, and the Government has already had to row back on planned cuts to pensioner benefits and working-age benefits, tax rises would look increasingly likely.' The Resolution Foundation's Ruth Curtice agreed that there would be no savings in 2029/30, but suggested changes to universal credit – almost the only part of the Government's proposals still standing – could save money in the longer term. On Wednesday morning, the Conservatives accused Labour of making billions in unfunded spending commitments, including both the U-turns on welfare and the partial reinstatement of winter fuel payments. In a letter to Ms Reeves, shadow chancellor Sir Mel Stride demanded to know where the money was coming from, asking: 'Will you raise tax or increase borrowing?' Ministers have repeatedly insisted that Labour will not raise taxes on 'working people', specifically income tax, national insurance or VAT. Recommended reading: But Ms Reeves also remains committed to her 'iron clad' fiscal rules, which require day-to-day spending to be covered by revenues – not borrowing – in 2029/30. Meanwhile, Sir Keir himself will face a grilling from MPs on Wednesday as he attempts to repair relations with his backbenchers. The weekly session of Prime Minister's Questions comes just a day after 49 of his own MPs voted against his welfare reforms – the biggest rebellion of his premiership so far – while several backbenchers described the Government's handling of the issue as 'chaotic' and 'a shambles'.
