Benefits for Disabled People

With food prices and rents increasing, heating bills going up and taxes rising, I know this is a very difficult time for many.

I have been calling on Ministers to offer real help to those who need it. Therefore, I welcome the Government’s announcement, in the Autumn Statement of 17 November 2022, that most in-work and disability benefits will rise by 10%. However, I note that this is still less than the rate of inflation recorded in October 2022, and so is not the real terms increase that many charities have called for. The rise will also not take effect until April 2023, despite many charities requesting that it be implemented immediately.

Prior to the Autumn Statement, the Government had already announced one off cost of living payments of up to £900 for people in receipt of eligible low-income benefits, and £150 for people on disability benefits. Nevertheless, I know that disability charities have argued that the Statement did not sufficiently recognise the fact that many disabled people have particularly high energy needs because of managing conditions and running specialist equipment. I hope Ministers will consider these arguments.

The Chancellor also confirmed a pause in the continuing migration of working-age claimants of disability living allowance (DLA) onto personal independence payment (PIP), which has been ongoing since October 2013. I welcome this pause but I am concerned that the Government has not ruled out introducing means testing for a range of benefits including PIP, Carers Allowance, Attendance Allowance and DLA for children. In my view, people on low incomes and disabled people should not be paying the price for the failure of the mini-Budget and the resulting economic upheaval that it caused.

I note that this year has seen benefits sanctions rise to record highs. In my view sanctions should only be used as a last resort and such high rates should be seen as an indication that the present system is not working. I believe we must overhaul the current Universal Credit system. We must treat people with dignity, not burden them with impossible debts and protect people’s financial independence in our social security system.