The DWP benefits most likely to be impacted by cuts have been disclosed. Insiders say that health-related benefits are in the government’s crosshairs ahead of the Spring Statement, indicating potential reductions to the disability living allowance (DLA) and personal independence payment (PIP).
Jess McQuail, director of Just Fair, a group advocating for positive societal change, told Yahoo News: “Ministers may claim they’ve inherited this crisis, but they are still making political choices that deepen poverty and inequality.”
PIP is currently granted to individuals over 16 with long-term physical or mental health conditions impacting daily activities or mobility, with weekly payments ranging from £72.65 to £108.55 for daily living support, plus additional amounts for mobility requirements. From April, enhanced claimants could receive up to £749 monthly.
However, the proposed review might impose stricter eligibility assessments on those suffering from conditions like osteoarthritis, chronic pain syndrome, inflammatory arthritis, osteonecrosis, and metabolic disorders.
From April, enhanced claimants could receive up to £749 monthly, reports Chronicle Live. Jess added: “Instead of restoring our social protections and upholding people’s fundamental rights, they are continuing with policies that erode the basic conditions people need to live with dignity.”
Kartik Raj, senior Europe researcher at Human Rights Watch, spoke to Yahoo News about the current UK situation. He said: “The UN committee’s conclusions lay bare what is evident to people in the UK struggling to put food on the table and behind on their bills.”
Raj urged the government to take immediate action: “The government should end the two-child limit and benefit cap, and cut the wait for universal credit. These are a matter of people’s human rights. Every day of inaction pushes more people into poverty.”
He also highlighted ongoing scrutiny, stating: “The committee has called for a cumulative assessment of these social security policies and other austerity measures, and will continue to exercise scrutiny when it follows up with the UK government in two years’ time.”