LONDON (AP) — On Tuesday, the Labour Party government in Britain announced a significant overhaul of the welfare system aimed at saving 5 billion pounds ($6.5 billion) for the financially strapped administration. However, critics warn that these changes could adversely affect some of the UK's most vulnerable populations.
The government argues that the reform will assist individuals currently deemed "written off" in finding employment. This strategy is viewed as risky, especially for a party that was established over a century ago to advocate for the rights of working individuals, leading to unease among trade unions and party supporters.
During a session in the House of Commons, Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the government had inherited a flawed social security system that is failing those it is intended to assist and ultimately hindering the nation’s progress. She pointed to alarming statistics, noting that one in ten working-age individuals is claiming sickness or disability benefits, with millions more capable of working trapped in the benefits system.
Kendall placed blame on the Conservative Party, which lost power in July after a 14-year tenure, for damaging both the economy and health care system. She assured that “the social security system will always be there for people in genuine need,” while simultaneously announcing changes to the assessment methods for disabilities, which critics argue will complicate the process for individuals seeking and maintaining benefits.
These proposed changes, pending parliamentary approval, are expected to generate savings exceeding 5 billion pounds by the year 2030. Despite the cuts, there are elements of the overhaul that are not about reductions; for example, there will be an above-inflation increase to Universal Credit, one of the most common welfare benefits. Moreover, 1 billion pounds is allocated to initiatives designed to eliminate barriers to employment, including new regulations that will permit welfare recipients to explore paid job opportunities without the fear of losing their benefits.
The government asserts that inadequate support for employment is keeping sick and disabled individuals in a state of economic inactivity. Kendall emphasized that compared to many other developed nations, spending on sickness and disability benefits in the UK continues to rise while in other countries it remains stable or is declining.
Meanwhile, the Disability Benefits Consortium, which includes over 100 charities and organizations, expressed that the proposed changes would “largely hit those who are unable to work and rely on these benefits to survive,” deeming the modifications as cruel. Sarah Hughes, the CEO of the mental health charity Mind, echoed these concerns by stating that the cuts would further complicate access to support and exacerbate the nation’s mental health crisis.
Despite these concerns, Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s center-left administration, which has suffered from declining popularity amid sluggish economic performance and strained public services, is proceeding with the welfare reforms. Treasury chief Rachel Reeves is scheduled to present a budget statement on March 26, anticipated to include further cuts to public spending due to lower-than-expected tax revenues and soaring borrowing costs.
Speculation about the extent of the proposed cuts has been rife in the weeks leading up to the announcement. Labour lawmaker Imran Hussain pointed out that “thousands of the most severely disabled people in my constituency, and millions across the UK, have watched in disbelief as politicians debate cuts to the support that enables their very survival, leaving many at breaking point.”
In her speech, Kendall acknowledged the “worry and anxiety” surrounding these changes and stated, “I hope I’ve made it clear to the House today, I don’t start from a position of being tough. I start precisely from a position of compassion.”
