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

Community Safety Service Manager

Bristol City Council
£72,878 - £80,741
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced community safety expert to join our senior leadership team. Bristol
Recuriter: Bristol City Council

Pre-School/Nursery Assistant

Essex County Council
Up to £25959.0000 per annum
Pre-School/Nursery AssistantFixed Term, Part Time£25,959 per annum (full time equivalent)Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - North Essex

Essex County Council
£29468 - £34668 per annum
Vocational Trainer - Health and Social Care - North EssexPermanent, Part Time£29,468 to £34,668 per annum (full time equivalent) Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Social Care Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 6
Durham County Council
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Safeguarding Team Manager

Durham County Council
Grade 14 - £50,269 - £54,495
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic Safeguarding Team Manager to lead an operational team within Adult Services. This pivotal role over Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner