What’s happening?
This week in Parliament the government talked about Welfare Reform.
We know many people are worried and feeling uncertain about the future and what it means for them.
There have been lots of news reports of what might happen that are scary or unclear.
The Green Paper is a consultation and this means that there will be a process of asking people what they think about the suggested changes.
The changes that are in the Green Paper are not happening yet.
The earliest that the changes could be in place is April 2026. This means there will be no immediate changes in your situation.
From next week there will be a consultation until 30th June and then the government will decide on the final plans.
Action:
Many people and organisations are working hard to share the impact of these suggested changes so the government understands what is good or bad about them.
Learning Disability England’s members are taking action and joining together with others. We will join others in their campaigns and keep speaking up.
There are opportunities to respond to the suggested changes.
LDE will be responding to the consultation and we encourage members to do this too.
We’re going to host a members’ meeting for people to get information about the Green Paper and add to LDE’s response.
We spoke with members about PIP last year and we’ll share those opinions in our response, too.
Members have said that the system does need to change but it needs to change in a way that doesn’t harm people or put them at risk.
How disabled people are being spoken about:
The member representatives are concerned and angry about the way disabled people are being spoken about in parliament, the media and society.
“This feels like discrimination, othering and sends messages that people are worth less if they are disabled.”
Kate Chate, Co-Chair for Family and Friends Members
The plans have framed disabled people in negative ways. We’ve seen an increase in negative language used to talk about disabled people and this needs to stop as it has real-life consequences.
“How this is being done is setting people against each other and is creating distrust.”
Scott Watkin, BEM. Paid supporter Co Chair
Personal Independence Payments are there to make up for how much more life costs if you are disabled.
For some of us PIP helps us work and for other people to helps them survive because it costs more to live day to day.
We think it is shameful for any government to blame disabled people for society problems.
“One size doesn’t fit all; our situations create different barriers to work. Don’t assume we are lazy and don’t want to work.”
Jack Marshall, Self-advocate Co-Chair
The Member rep Co-Chairs are writing to Sir Stephen Timms, Disability Minister about the damage we think the government are doing by talking about welfare reform like this.
We all want a Good Life where we contribute, and all take responsibility for our society.
Here are some of the things people and organisations are doing so far, we will keep sharing people actions and campaigns as people tell us:
SCOPE – Write to your MP with their template
Mencap – Easy Read on changes to benefits
Disability Rights UK – Comments on the consultation
Inclusion North – Call to write to your MP and how to find your local MP
Inclusion London – Write to your MP with their template
Bringing Us together – Write to your MP about the impact on carers
If you’re worried and need to talk to someone:
Here is a link to a website where you can find local self-advocacy groups who might be able to support you: https://selfadvocacygroups.co.uk/
We want to hear from members to take action together, we are stronger together!
If you have campaigns, work or action others can get involved in let us know on info@LDEngland.org.uk