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

Highways Technology Engineer

Amey
Competitive
This is an exciting opportunity to work on the maintenance and repair of roadside technology assets across National Highways Area 7 NN6 7UZ, Northampton
Recuriter: Amey

Construction/Project Manager

Amey
£58.000 per annum
You will be responsible for ensuring construction schemes are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of quality and safety Leicester, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Amey

Culture and Inclusion Lead

Devon & Cornwall Police
Grade 11 - Starts at £64,650 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £72,972 per annum
We are seeking a strategic and values-driven Culture & Inclusion Lead Devon
Recuriter: Devon & Cornwall Police

Drug and Alcohol Support Worker

Essex County Council
£31931.00 - £36423.00 per annum
Drug and Alcohol Support WorkerFixed Term, Full Time£31,931 to £36,423 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Executive Director of Place

Hounslow London Borough Council
£159,840 - £186,282
We are now seeking a new Executive Director of Inclusive Growth & Place to lead this bold agenda Hounslow (City/Town), London (Greater)
Recuriter: Hounslow London Borough Council
Linkedin Banner