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

Transport and Major Work Manager

Slough Borough Council
£54,556 to £60,085 per year Inclusive of Local Weighting Allowance of £1096
Drive the future of transport and infrastructure in Slough Slough, Berkshire
Recuriter: Slough Borough Council

Head of In-House Repairs and Maintenance

North Yorkshire Council
£69,228 - £78,018
We are seeking an exceptional and experienced leader to join our Housing service as Head of In-House Repairs and Maintenance. Northallerton, North Yorkshire
Recuriter: North Yorkshire Council

Youth Justice Service Assistant Practitioner

Essex County Council
+ local gov benefits
Youth Justice Service Assistant PractitionerFixed Term, Full Time£33,049 to £37,698 per annum Location
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Children and Families Advisor - C&F Hub

Essex County Council
£26284.00 - £33256.00 per annum + + 26 Days Leave & Local Gov Pension
Children and Families Advisor - C&F HubFixed Term, Full Time£26,284 to £33,256 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Principal Planner - Maldon District Council

Essex County Council
£41946.14 - £47266.03 per annum
Maldon District Council is working in partnership with Essex Shared Services to support the recruitment of the role of Principal Planner, a full-time England, Essex, Maldon
Recuriter: Essex County Council
Linkedin Banner