Work and Pensions Committee Calls For Delay To PIP and UC Green Paper Reforms
The cross-party Committee of MPs recently completed a short inquiry into the Government’s Green Paper welfare reform proposals, although has yet to publish its full report.
In her letter, Ms Abraham says that while the Committee strongly support the Government’s ambition to reform the social security system, it has concerns about “the potential unintended consequences of the legislative changes, as well as the sequencing of reforms and the lack of a full impact assessment.”
She concludes her letter by making the following recommendations: “We ask the Government to delay any changes to PIP eligibility or UC rates, extend and expand the current consultation, and work to co-produce measures with Disabled people and their organisations, reflecting the Government’s commitment on ‘nothing about me, without me’.
“We strongly recommend that the Government take a ‘precautionary principle’ approach and immediately undertake an independent, comprehensive analysis of the impact of the proposed cuts in UC health support on employment, poverty and health outcomes.
“We also urge the Government to delay its plans to amend the eligibility criteria for the daily living component of PIP and engage Disabled people and their organisations in order to co-produce proposals for a new PIP, as part of the PIP review.
“Most importantly, we need to guarantee that those who need PIP will not lose out. At that point, it should publish and properly consult on its proposals more widely.”
Ms Abraham's letter to the Secretary of State about the Pathways to Work Green Paper is available from parliament.uk.
See DR UK’s submission to the Work and Pensions Committee’s inquiry: Green Paper consultation is a “sham”: DR UK submission to Work and Pensions Committee
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We also have a page dedicated to different factsheets and guides to help you navigate the social security system, with information on PIP, Universal Credit, Work Capability Assessment and more. We know recent news is making applying for the support you need even more daunting, and we want to be there to help you.