Reforming the Disability Benefits System

I disagree with the approach taken by the previous Government’s approach when discussing reforms to the disability benefits system.

I am personally committed to championing the rights of disabled people and to the principle of working with them, so that their views and voices will be at the heart of Government policy.

In the Get Britain Working White Paper, the current Labour Government promises that disabled voices will form the basis of its reforms to disability benefits and that any changes will work to reduce poverty for disabled people. I would accept nothing less. I want to see a social security system that gets decisions right the first time and which focuses on what people can do, not just what they cannot.

I am also in favour of reforms that can give practical help and support to get people into work and to stay in work. Because of this I was pleased to see the Autumn Budget’s commitment to fund more than £800 million in disability employment support. This approach would see a greater focus on personalising employment support.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intends to devolve more power to local areas so they can shape a joined-up work, health, and skills offer that suits the needs of the people they serve. These plans are central to the Government’s missions of kickstarting economic growth and breaking down barriers to opportunity.

In addition, I support an “into work guarantee” which would allow disabled people to try work without fear of losing their benefits and having to undergo yet more assessments.

Please be assured, I am committed to championing the rights of disabled people and to the principle of working with them, so that their views and voices will be at the heart of Government policy in these areas.