Responding to the government’s announcements today on disability benefits and fit note reform, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
‘The language used by the Prime Minister today to announce welfare reforms is deeply concerning.
‘To blame the benefits system, disabled people and people seeking support for mental health conditions in such a polarising way is harmful and completely ignores the impact of the government’s continued refusal to properly invest in early intervention, prevention, and community-based support.
‘There are many positive ways of supporting people to enter and stay healthy in work. However, the government’s proposed reforms seem to be less about investment in what we know works, and more about cutting costs by again targeting disabled people and those in need.’
-ENDS-
Government announcements:
- Disability benefits system to be reviewed: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/disability-benefits-system-to-be-reviewed-as-pm-outlines-moral-mission-to-reform-welfare
- Fit Note Reform: https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/fit-note-reform-call-for-evidence