Work and Pension Secretary Liz Kendall spoke to the House of Representatives (March 18) about the social security system that “failed” when she announced her plans.
Prior to today's announcement, Labour left-wing lawmakers and party union supporters bumped into the proposal, claiming they would punish disabled and poor people.
Addressing Congress, Ms. Kendall announced that the universal credit “work ability assessment” (used to determine eligibility for payments of incompetent benefits based on a person's fitness-based workload) will be scrapped in 2028.
The plan includes:
Only the most severely disabled persons are eligible for benefits. More in-person assessments will be introduced for those who advocate for more benefits. There will be no more reassessment for people with the most severely disabled. The government will invest £1 billion in its work programmes to bring people back to employment.
York Outer MP Luke Charters has previously spoken out in support of the plan. Meanwhile, York Central's Rachel Muskell raised concerns.
“This government is revising a broken social security system inherited from conservatives who have written down millions of people and locking them into a cycle of inactivity,” Charter told the press.
He added: “I support the procedure announced today, which includes an investment of £1 billion a year to help those who can work while protecting those who can't.”
Ms. Maskell said after speaking in the House of Representatives:
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“This has led the government to freeze individual independent payments (PIPs) and to make broader changes through consultations, but there continues to be important concerns that changing eligibility criteria for gaining support may not require assistance and this may not be consulted.”
Both lawmakers say that the government's green paper, “Let the UK work” – this is currently open to discussions. Maskell said she will work with the components of disabled people to represent them in this.
She added: “With three in 10 disabled people in poverty, there have been major changes in the social security system, with 290,000 developing mental health challenges and 600 killing lives, I am urging the government to be considerate and compassionate.
Charter said the government's assessment of waste work capabilities would bring “dignity” to his members of York.
“I also welcome the plan to ensure that people in the most serious situations that are left unable to do their jobs don't need to reevaluate again,” he said.
The new “trial” scheme to try will allow employment to be brought to justice without losing support that is already qualifying.
“We believe these plans will unlock people's potential, ensure social equality and provide a sustainable welfare state for future generations.”
Ms. Maskell called on employers to help disabled people in the workplace.
She said: “To allow people to return to benefits without further evaluation is a positive step because it means that people can return to support in the event of a placement failure.
“People who are looking for more governments to go further should reflect this outcome.”
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