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.'

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know image

Skills Pipelines: What local government needs to know

Councils and mayors are to be handed a central role in developing skills pipelines for local industries, as the Government unveils what it calls a ‘fundamental change’ to the education system aimed at tackling youth unemployment. Here's what council leaders and officers need to know.
SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Structural Engineer

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Apply your structural expertise to protect the safety of our borough's buildings and communities England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Assistant Building Control Surveyor

The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council
Negotiable
Build your expertise in a borough where safety, sustainability and technical excellence matter England, London
Recuriter: The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea Council

Minibus Driver

North Yorkshire Council
£25,620 - £25,989 pro rata per annum
You will be responsible for the safety of passengers during these journeys and will ensure that the passengers board Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Operations Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£25,989 - £27,254 per annum
The transport provided enables people to access day centres, learning opportunities, supported employment Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Medical Passenger Assistant

North Yorkshire Council
£27,254 - £29,064 pro rata
Are you the kind of person who naturally looks out for others and loves working as part of a community? Selby, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council
Linkedin Banner