Responding to The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, published today, Dr Rhidian Hughes, Chief Executive of the Voluntary Organisations Disability Group (VODG) says:
‘There is a great deal of concern about what the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill means for people’s lives, especially as it comes before the Green Paper on Welfare Reform concludes.
‘Undoubtedly reform is needed to the welfare system. It is complex, frustrating and often works against people. There are many effective ways of supporting disabled people to enter and stay healthy in employment and training - as demonstrated by disability organisations within the VODG membership. But the policy narrative around welfare reform is too often focused on cuts. According to the Resolution Foundation proposals in the current Bill could see up to 1.2 million disabled people lose support, with many facing losses of £4,200–£6,300 a year. This is unacceptable and must change.
‘We urge MPs to work with disabled people, families and carers to put disabled people at the heart of this Bill as it makes its way through Parliament and remember the lives that will be directly impacted by this legislation.’