Mark Whitehead 19 December 2018

Universal Credit potentially ‘disastrous’ for disabled people

MPs have warned of potentially 'disastrous' consequences for disabled people if the Universal Credit benefits system goes ahead as currently planned.

The Department for Work and Pensions has said no claimant will be worse off when they move onto the new system, and severely disabled people will get more than they would have done under the old system.

But members of the parliamentary work and pensions committee say less severely disabled people could 'pay the price'.

They say benefits top-ups for disabled people who do not have a paid-for carer under the previous system do not exist under Universal Credit.

Committee chair Frank Field said: 'It would be a terrible betrayal of these people to allow another failure of planning in this mega reform to worsen their situations, even one bit.

'No one should ever be forced further into poverty, deprivation, miserable hardship by a policy reform.

'The Government must assure disabled people across this country that will not happen to them, and plan and put the measures in place to make that promise good.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior/Principal Regeneration Officer

Fareham Borough Council
£45,465 - £55,379
Our town centre regeneration is moving from planning to delivery, and we're looking for someone who wants to help make regeneration happen. Fareham, Hampshire
Recuriter: Fareham Borough Council

Insight and Influence Lead

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO4 - £49,056 to 52,194
Children don't just deserve a voice. They deserve influence. London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Business Support Apprentice

Essex County Council
Up to £15435.00 per annum
Business Support ApprenticeFixed Term, Full Time£15,435 Per AnnumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Data Partnerships Lead

Royal Borough of Greenwich
PO3 - £45,750 - £49,056
Make a real difference in someone's life by becoming a Shared Lives Carer. Shared Lives London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Lettings Officer

Royal Borough of Greenwich
Scale 6 - £35,520 to £36,585
You will help allocate council and housing association homes across the borough. London (Greater)
Recuriter: Royal Borough of Greenwich
Linkedin Banner