Cuts to Universal Credit health benefits which were announced by the previous Government, and which are due to take effect in September, are unlawful, the High Court has ruled.
The Conservative Government argued its work capability assessment (WCA) reforms, which would have cost more than 400,000 claimants over £3,000 a year, were intended to help people into work.
However, High Court judge Mr Justice Calver has found that the previous Government’s ‘primary rationale’ for the reforms was to reduce costs and that the eight-week consultation process was too short.
A Labour government spokesperson said: ‘As part of wider reforms that help people into work and ensure fiscal sustainability, the Government will re-consult on the WCA descriptor changes, addressing the shortcomings in the previous consultation, in light of the judgment. The Government intends to deliver the full level of savings in the public finances forecasts.’
