Reintroduction of Social Security Conditionality And Sanctions

Dear constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the reintroduction of social security conditionality and sanctions.

We need a proper plan to get Britain back to work and I believe that sanctions are not the answer. The reintroduction of social security conditionality and sanctions has come at a time when unemployment has risen sharply and vacancies have dropped. With the unemployment crisis looming, the Government must explain how it is going to offer proper support to those seeking work at this time.

Unfortunately, despite calls to extend the suspension – which I supported – sanctions were reintroduced on 1 July. I believe threatening to reduce people’s financial support at this time is untenable. The focus should be on proposing pragmatic, constructive ways to get people the support they require.

When pressed on whether it had consulted with relevant stakeholders about reintroduction of sanctions, the Government said it “represents a return to business as usual, not a policy change and therefore has not required direct consultation”. I am especially concerned that the voices of people who go through the disability social security assessment process are not being listened to. I note that the Department for Work and Pensions says it has not undertaken or commissioned any research to see whether there is any potential link between the sanctions regime and the mental health and wellbeing of individuals.

The Government has said it will bring forward a National Strategy for Disabled People and a Green Paper on Health and Disability Benefits and Support, although both are now subject to delays due to COVID-19. I will follow developments on both pieces of work closely.

More generally, I am calling for additional flexibility on the furlough scheme. It should be extended beyond the date that has been given, and there needs to be recognition that some sectors cannot possibly make a contribution at this stage. Unless action is taken, the UK is likely to face mass unemployment on a scale not seen for decades once the scheme is withdrawn. The Government must prevent additional unemployment, support those who become unemployed and enable the creation of new jobs.

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue.

Yours sincerely,

Peter Dowd MP