Welfare Reforms

Yesterday (18 March), the Work and Pensions Secretary made a statement in the House setting out the government’s plans for welfare reform with the publication of the Pathway’s to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. A summary of the key announcements can be found on our website including plans to merge Jobseeker’s Allowance and Employment Allowance, abolish the Work Capability Assessment by 2028 and review the PIP assessment. The Government did not publish the impact assessment, which is due with the Spring Statement at the end of the month, and so far the DWP website is not sharing BSL or accessible documents linked to the consultation.

Ahead of its publication VODG and over 50 of our member CEOs signed a letter to The Chancellorcoordinated by Scope on the costs of cuts to disability benefits.

A letter has also been shared with VODG CEOs from United Response on the lack of accessible formats linked to the Green Paper. Member organisations are being asked to share their support by the end of the day.

VODG will be working with our members and networks to respond to the Green Paper. Further details on how to get involved with this work to follow.