In autumn 2023, the Government announced that it would be pushing ahead with cuts to social security for people with either no, or a limited, capability for work. This is despite serious concerns raised by various organisations including Equity (see our response here).
Challenging the cuts
Ellen Clifford, award-winning author of The War on Disabled People and campaigner for Disabled People Against Cuts has recently been granted permission for a judicial review to challenge these proposed cuts. Equity’s Social Security and Tax team have provided supporting evidence, alongside other organisations.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) estimate that the cuts will affect 424,000 claimants by 2028/2029. The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) estimate that only 15,400 (3.6%) of these claimants will move into work as a result.
The remaining 408,600 will lose out on the following:
• A £416.19 per month payment (the Limited capability for work and work related activity or ‘LCWRA’ element)
• The ability to do some work and receive some earnings without their payments being reduced
• No more protection from sanctions: claimants will be required to undertake DWP mandated work-related activities and be subject to financial sanction if they do not comply
Equity’s Deaf and Disabled Members Committee will be seeking support on this issue at the TUC Disabled Workers conference later this month.
For more information about the challenge, see Government To Be Taken To Court Over Work Capability Assessment Reforms.
If you need advice on your social security rights, contact Equity’s Social Security and Tax Advice service. Check out our online advice resources. You can call the Social Security and Tax Advice helpline on 0207 670 0223 (Monday and Thursday 10am-1pm and 2-5pm) or email helpline@equity.org.uk.
