Latest news with #WorkCapabilityAssessment
Scottish Sun
16-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Raft of Universal Credit & PIP cuts spark major Labour revolt as over 100 MPs declare fury at Keir Starmer's plans
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SIR Keir Starmer yesterday told Labour rebels to fall into line over welfare cuts – as more than 100 of his own MPs are demanding a U-turn. The PM insisted the system is 'not working for anybody' and vowed to press ahead with slashing the health element of Universal Credit and tightening disability benefit rules. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sir Keir Starmer is facing a rebellion of more than 100 Labour MPs Credit: Getty 2 Furious MPs are urging the PM to delay disability benefits cuts Credit: Unpixs Asked if he would soften the package, he said: "The argument for reform is overwhelming and that's why we will get on and we will reform." It comes as furious MPs are urging him to delay the cuts and have slammed the lack of proper impact checks. In a blistering letter to the Chief Whip, they said: "We regret we are unable to support a Bill before this has taken place.' If all the MPs who have signed the letter follow through and vote against the plans, it could wipe out Sir Keir's majority and trigger the biggest rebellion of his leadership. Such is the worry inside Labour, that a party source warned dissenting MPs they could be punished at the ballot box. The source said: 'There is only going to be so much money, time and resources at the next election. "How people behave now will make a difference to how those resources are allocated." It comes as some furious MPs are poised to rebel against Sir Keir because they think they're toast at the next election. Moderate backbenchers who have so far towed the party line are mulling taking a public stand on issues including disability benefit cuts, immigration and winter fuel payments – even if it means losing the whip. There is also growing anger around the two-child benefit cap still being in place. Key measures are reforms to PIP and Universal Credit Merging jobseekers' allowance and employment support allowance, where people who have worked get more than those who have not Scrapping the Work Capability Assessment by 2028, with all health payments made via PIP in the future Under-22s to be banned entirely from claiming Universal Credit incapacity benefits An above-inflation rise to the standard allowance of Universal Credit, but the highest incapacity payment cut A much higher bar for people to claim Personal Independence Payments to save £5billion a year A "right to try" scheme that allows jobless Brits to have a go at working without losing their benefits if they cannot manage The Sun understands some MPs want to work 'with a clear conscience' until the end of this parliament – knowing that they are unlikely to return because of the threat of Reform. A Red Wall Labour MP said: 'Multiple colleagues with slim majorities think they have no chance of winning their seat. 'They want to hold the PM to account on issues causing an uproar locally, including PIP payments, and think they have nothing to lose if they defy party whips going forward.' Another Labour MP told The Sun: 'The numbers willing to rebel are much higher than expected. 'I think people shouldn't underestimate just how much welfare is a driver of why a lot of Labour MPs, particularly moderates, are in the Labour party in the first place. 'A lot of our politics was defined by the performative cruelty of the Osborne era, and that casts a long shadow.' What are Work Capability Assessments? The DWP uses the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to evaluate a claimant's ability to work when applying for Universal Credit due to a health condition or disability. The WCA focuses on assessing functional limitations rather than specific medical diagnoses. It considers both physical and mental health, awarding points based on how an individual's condition impacts their ability to carry out daily activities. After the assessment, claimants may be placed into one of two groups - Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). Claimants assigned to the LCW group are recognised as currently unfit for work but may be capable of returning to employment in the future with the right support and assistance. Those in this group are required to engage in work-related activities, such as attending Jobcentre appointments or training courses. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions, including a reduction or suspension of benefits. Claimants are placed in the LCWRA group if their health condition or disability is considered so severe that they are not expected to be able to work or participate in any work-related activities in the foreseeable future. Those in the LCWRA group receive an additional amount on top of their standard Universal Credit allowance currently worth £416.19 a month. Over 150,000 on benefits will see their payments cut under Personal Independence Payments (PIP) changes, the DWP has confirmed. The Government is shaking up the way PIP is assessed meaning hundreds of thousands will miss out from November 2026. From late next year, new and existing PIP claimants being reassessed will have to score a minimum of four points in at least one activity to receive the Daily Living Component. It will see those unable to cook qualify, but not those who can use a microwave. Likewise, assistance required to wash your lower body would not deem you eligible but your upper body would. And, while requiring help to use the toilet meets the threshold, needing reminded to go would fall below it. The higher rate of the Daily Living Component is currently worth £110.40 a week. Claimants will also have to score at least eight points when being assessed. The Government estimates this means by 2029/30 around 800,000 won't receive the Daily Living Component of PIP. But it has also confirmed 150,000 will be missing out on Carer's Allowance or the Universal Credit Carer's Element by 2029/30 too. This is because to receive either of these carer's benefits you have to be caring for someone who receives the Daily Living part of PIP. It means new and existing PIP claimants finding they are no longer eligible will disqualify their carer's from next November when the changes kick in.
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP 'could have prevented' tragic deaths of benefit claimants, MPs' report says
The Work and Pensions Committee said the DWP provides a 'lifeline to millions of people' but when mistakes are 'it is possible that the severest consequences can arise' Tragic deaths of benefit claimants could have been prevented by the DWP, a grim report by cross-party MPs concludes today. The Work and Pensions Committee said the department, which provides vital financial support, acts as a 'lifeline to millions of people'. But it warned: "When mistakes are made, it is possible that the severest consequences can arise". It follows several high-profile deaths of vulnerable people following their interaction with the benefits system and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Among those named in the report is Errol Graham, who starved to death in 2018, eight months after his disability benefit payments were stopped. The Committee report said: "The coroner at the inquest found there had been a series of missed opportunities to share information between agencies, and had information been shared, support for Mr Graham may have been mobilised." Since 2020-21 around 240 internal reviews have been started by the DWP into cases where there has been serious harm, or allegations the department's actions have led to death or harm. The Committee report said: "Over several years there are known to have been hundreds of serious harms and deaths of claimants, many of which could have been prevented had DWP discharged its responsibilities more effectively." MPs are now calling for a new legal duty to be introduced by the government at the DWP to protect vulnerable benefit claimants. They said: "This would include a duty to refer vulnerable claimants to other agencies, including those which have a duty of care, to ensure their additional needs are supported." Chairwoman Debbie Abrahams said: 'We heard evidence that that the process itself of engaging with the DWP itself too often led to mental distress. Where this led to not being able to get financial support, many had paid the ultimate price.' She added: 'We've heard that whilst some have been lifted by the system when it works well, this can depend on claimants' confidence that the system will help them. Too often, we heard their trust has been smashed by continual cost-cutting drives and an unhelpful media narrative. Many fear coming forward and expressing that they need additional support due to their circumstances and they fall deeper into vulnerability and despair as a result.' Joy Dove, 71, who has been campaigning for justice since the death of her daughter, Jodey Whiting in 2017, welcomed the report. Jodey, 42, was a vulnerable mum who took her own life after her benefits were stopped leaving her with no income, after she missed a Work Capability Assessment. The DWP reversed the decision six week later. In 2019, an investigation by the Independent Case Examiner (ICE) found there were serious failings in the DWP's handling of Jodey's ESA application. She welcomed the report and said while it was too late for her family, she hoped it would save the lives of other vulnerable adults. She told The Mirror: 'It's too late for my family but if it helps others it will be a good thing. We need to recognise when people are vulnerable. The DWP didn't do that with my daughter. 'I tried everything - I wrote letters, I even went to the Job Centre for her but no-one wanted to know. No-one saw Jodey, if they did they would have seen that she was suffering, you could see she wasn't right." She added: 'She couldn't breathe, couldn't leave the house but no-one cared. I welcome this report. I just hope it can make a difference. Things get said then nothing gets done, so the detail needs to be looked at, let's hope things are put into place to identify vulnerable people and make sure people are treated better.' A DWP spokeswoman said: 'This government is committed to protecting the people who use our services and fixing the broken welfare system we inherited so it works for those who need it. 'That's why we are currently consulting on a new safeguarding approach, and our reforms will improve people's lives and rebuild trust, by establishing an approach that genuinely supports vulnerable people. As we deliver our Plan for Change, we encourage people to have their voices heard through our consultation so we can build a safeguarding approach that works better for all.'
Daily Record
13-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Record
DWP confirms PIP assessment review starts this week as part of welfare reforms
Sir Stephen Timms, leading the review, will be meeting with disabled people and organisations representing them this week. The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has confirmed that a review of the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment has started. Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall told the Commons on Monday that Minister for Social Security and Disability Sir Stephen Timms, leading the review, will be meeting with disabled people and organisations representing them this week. The review of PIP assessments is part of the UK Government's welfare reform plans which also includes ramping up face-to face assessments, changing the eligibility rules for the daily living component for PIP and scrapping the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) for Universal Credit. About 3.7 million people who have a long-term physical or mental health illness in England, Wales and Northern Ireland currently receive PIP payments of up to £749.80 each month. The disability benefit has been replaced in Scotland by Adult Disability Payment. During the scheduled DWP question session in Parliament, the SNP's Stephen Gethins sought reassurance that 'the full details about how the changes will interact with devolved powers will come before a vote is brought to this Chamber'. Responding to the Arbroath and Broughty Ferry MP, Ms Kendall explained how Sir Stephen Timms is 'working closely with all the devolved Administrations to ensure that the changes work in every part of the country'. She added: 'I also say to Opposition Members that we want to ensure that disabled people in Scotland have the same rights, chances and choices to get into work, stay in work and get on in their work, so I hope the hon. Member will be keen to work with us on those issues, too.' The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has previously said the changes, which are part of a broader shift to get more people off benefits and into work, would affect about 800,000 people. During the parliamentary session, several Labour MPs urged Ms Kendall to publish an impact assessment, while others called for the introduction of a wealth tax. Ms Kendall said: 'Personal Independence Payment is a crucial benefit that makes a contribution towards the extra costs of living with a disability. I know how anxious many people are when there's talk about reform, but this Government wants to ensure PIP is fair for people who need it now and into the future. 'In our Green Paper we promised to review the PIP assessment, working with disabled people, the organisations that represent them, and other experts. And I can tell the House we are starting the first phase of that review today (May 12). 'My right honourable friend, the minister for social security and disability (Sir Stephen Timms) is going to be inviting in stakeholders this week to develop the scope, and terms of reference for this review. We will keep the House updated as this work progresses.' Labour MP Imran Hussain (Bradford East) said 41,000 disabled people in his constituency would be affected. He told MPs many of them were 'rightly horrified' by Ms Kendall's policy. He drew attention to the change which means people will now need to score four points in at least one of the daily living tasks to qualify for the daily living component of PIP - along with points in other sections to reach the eligibility threshold for either the standard or enhanced rate. Mr Hussain said: 'The four-point rule has the potential to devastate the lives of tens of thousands of people in Bradford overnight. These plans would take away the vital lifeline from those with the greatest need, living in the most deprived areas, often. I cannot support any cuts that worsen inequality in places like Bradford. 'So I say to the minister, in absolute sincerity, please listen to the growing calls, in this place and out there, to scrap these unfair cuts and instead do the right thing by taxing the super rich so they can pay their fair share?' Ms Kendall replied: 'I hear very clearly what my honourable friend says, but I also want to be clear to the House - for people who can never work, we want to protect them. For disabled people who can work, we want to support them. 'The truth is that if you are a disabled person and in work, you are half as likely to be poor than if you are out of work. We want to improve people's chances and choices by supporting those who can work, to do so, and protecting those who cannot.' The changes, which are part of a package of measures that could save £5 billion-a-year by the end of the decade, were announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves in March. Mr Hussain's party colleagues Warinder Juss (Wolverhampton West) and Neil Duncan-Jordan (Poole) said ministers should be transparent about how current claimants will be affected. Mr Juss said: 'Can my right honourable friend please outline what analysis has been done to understand how the changes proposed in the pathways to work Green Paper will affect those who rely on PIP not just for employment support, but for their daily living and mobility needs?' Sir Stephen Timms said: 'We are determined to open up opportunities for people who have been out of work, often for a long time, on health and disability grounds, give them the chance through much better employment support to get into work, but we recognise there will be people who will not be able to work and will never be able to work.' He said those with the most severe lifelong conditions will qualify for the new Universal Credit health element from April next year.
Daily Record
30-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
DWP responds to calls to scrap proposed changes to health and disability benefits
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has rejected proposals in an online petition calling on the UK Government to scrap proposed welfare changes for people on health and disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment (PIP). More than 16,400 people have signed in support of the petition, posted by disability activist Abigail Broomfield who argues that instead of reducing benefits, the DWP should be providing 'support, not hardship and deprivation, for those who cannot work.' However, the DWP response highlighted how the 'UK Government must urgently tackle the spiralling welfare bill , restore trust and fairness in the system, and protect disabled people. Social security reforms will therefore continue as planned.' The welfare reform proposals centre on changes to both the eligibility criteria for and the reduced payment rates of benefits and include plans to abolish the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), meaning the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessment would determine eligibility for PIP and the health element of Universal Credit. Changes are set to come into effect in November 2026 for new and existing claimants. Responding to the 'Protect disabled people who cannot work from planned cuts to benefits' petition, posted on the official UK Government petitions website, DWP said: 'Our welfare system is broken, costing almost a third as much as it does to run the NHS in England while leaving people for years on benefits with no offer of support, no hope of a future in work and no opportunity to improve their standard of living. 'Working-age adults who are in work are three times less likely to be in poverty than those out of work. We need to act to end the inequality that sees disabled people and people with health conditions trapped out of jobs, despite many wanting to work, and ensure our welfare system is there for people who need it, now and long into the future. 'As part of our Plan for Change we're introducing the most far-reaching reforms in a generation, with £1 billion a year being invested to give people the best possible chance with tailored support that can be adapted to meet their changing circumstances - including their changing health.' DWP went on to list the changes being made to the system to 'support sick and disabled people - many of whom want to work - into jobs, while protecting those with the most severe conditions who can never work'. Commenting on the DWP's response, Ms Broomfield told the Daily Record: 'They've not addressed how they're going to protect disabled people who can't work and have just repeated points from the Green Paper. 'In fact they've doubled down on how by claiming that getting disabled people into work is going to protect disabled people.' The disability campaigner added: 'A Freedom of Information request revealed that nearly 90 per cent of disabled people or 1.3 million people who only get standard rates or PIP are going to be losing money.' Ms Broomfield will continue her campaign to get the petition to 100,000 signatures of support where it would be considered by the Petitions Committee for debate in Parliament. You can read the full petition and DWP response on the Petitions Parliament website here. The 12-week consultation on reforms to health and disability support officially launched on April 7 on 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: 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. Issues open for consultation include: DWP said: "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."
The Sun
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Up to 25,000 dying people could be over £2,000 worse off after benefit changes
THOUSANDS of terminally ill individuals could lose £2,000 per year if the government proceeds with its plans to cut incapacity benefits. The end-of-life charity Marie Curie has warned that 25,000 Universal Credit recipients face significant financial strain as the health-related component of the benefit is set to be slashed. 1 Under reforms outlined in a recent Green Paper, incapacity payments for new claims will be halved from April 2026, dropping from £423.27 to £208.10 per month for individuals with limited capability for work and work-related activity. The cuts, first announced in March, were presented as a measure to curb Britain's ballooning welfare budget and bring greater control to the nation's finances. Marie Curie has criticised the proposals for failing to include specific protections for terminally ill individuals, including those eligible under the Special Rules for Terminal Illness. These rules currently allow those with a life expectancy of less than 12 months to access benefits more quickly and receive higher payments without undergoing lengthy medical assessments. This potential £2,000 annual loss would add to the existing financial hardships faced by terminally ill individuals. According to a recent report by the charity, over 300 people die in poverty every day in the UK. Jamie Thunder, senior policy manager at Marie Curie, said: "The last thing people facing a terminal condition need is even more worry about whether they can make ends meet. "Government protections in place are already woefully insufficient. "Rather than putting even more pressure on people already facing hardship, more needs to be done to ensure those dealing with terminal conditions can die with dignity, and spend their remaining days with their loved ones, rather than scrambling to keep the heating on. "Ministers must urgently set out how terminally ill people will be protected, including dying people with longer prognoses or with rare conditions that are hard to predict." 10 PIP freebies worth up to £40k WELFARE SHAKE-UP Last month, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced major welfare cuts to balance the nation's finances and boost employment. Key welfare changes include: Raising the eligibility threshold for PIP, achieving £3.4billion in annual savings. Temporarily introducing an above-inflation rise to Universal Credit's standard allowance (until 2029), while reducing the highest incapacity payment. Banning under-22s from claiming incapacity benefits under Universal Credit entirely. Slashing Universal Credit incapacity benefits for new claimants Abolishing the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) by 2028, with all health-related payments to be transitioned to PIP in the future. Launching a "Right to Work Guarantee", allowing unemployed individuals to attempt returning to work without losing benefits if they find it unsustainable. Merging jobseeker's allowance and employment support allowance, with a system that awards higher payments to those who have a work history compared to those who have not. What's happening to Universal Credit payments? Under the reforms announced by the government last month, the standard Universal Credit allowance will rise, while the health-related component will be reduced for new claimants. The government has confirmed that the standard allowance for Universal Credit will receive a temporary increase exceeding the rate of inflation. This uplift will be calculated based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate, with an additional five percentage points applied. For a single person aged 25 and over, this will result in a £7 weekly rise from April 2026 - an increase from the current £92 per week to £106 per week by 2029. The DWP previously estimated that above-inflation increases will boost the average claimant's standard allowance by £775 in cash terms compared to inflation-only rises by 2029. However, those receiving incapacity benefits are set to face a significant cut under the new terms. For existing claimants, the current incapacity payment of £423.27 per month for individuals with limited capability for work and work-related activity will remain frozen at this level until 2030. For new claims from April 2026, however, this payment will be halved to £208.10 per month, or £50 per week, and will also remain frozen at this reduced rate until 2030. The DWP has stated that a new premium will be introduced for those with the most severe, lifelong conditions who are unable to work, though the specifics of this proposal have yet to be disclosed. What is the Universal Credit standard allowance? UNIVERSAL Credit is a welfare scheme which was designed to combine several of the old "legacy benefits The standard allowance is the basic monthly payment provided to individuals or families who qualify. The amount you receive depends on your age and whether you're single or in a couple: Single, under 25: £316.98 Single, 25 or over: £400.14 Couple, both under 25: £497.55 Couple, one or both 25 or over: £628.10 You may also be eligible for additional amounts if you have children, have a disability or health condition, or need help with housing costs. What else is changing? The Work Capability Assessment, which determines whether someone is deemed fit for work or has limited capability for work (LCW) or limited capability for work-related activity (LCWRA), will be scrapped by 2028. Instead the DWP will use the PIP assessment to assess entitlement for any Universal Credit health supplements. Claimants under the age of 22 will no longer be eligible for the health element of Universal Credit. The government is also introducing legislation to remove barriers to employment for benefit claimants by ensuring that attempting work will no longer automatically trigger a reassessment or review of their award. The intention is to give people the confidence to try work without fear of immediately losing their benefits if it doesn't work out. What are Work Capability Assessments? The DWP uses the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to evaluate a claimant's ability to work when applying for Universal Credit due to a health condition or disability. The WCA focuses on assessing functional limitations rather than specific medical diagnoses. It considers both physical and mental health, awarding points based on how an individual's condition impacts their ability to carry out daily activities. After the assessment, claimants may be placed into one of two groups - Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). Claimants assigned to the LCW group are recognised as currently unfit for work but may be capable of returning to employment in the future with the right support and assistance. Those in this group are required to engage in work-related activities, such as attending Jobcentre appointments or training courses. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions, including a reduction or suspension of benefits. Claimants are placed in the LCWRA group if their health condition or disability is considered so severe that they are not expected to be able to work or participate in any work-related activities in the foreseeable future. Those in the LCWRA group receive an additional amount on top of their standard Universal Credit allowance currently worth £423.27 a month.
