Benefit Reforms Disabled People 2025-03-17
2025-03-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP addresses the balance required in welfare reform to ensure that those who can work are supported while protecting those unable to work due to disability or illness.
Work is good for us: it is good for our physical and mental health, and for our general wellbeing. When someone can work, it is essential that they are given all the support to do so. That said, it is also imperative that those who are sick, vulnerable or disabled are always protected. Does the Minister agree that striking the balance between supporting those who can work and protecting those who cannot work must be central to any welfare reform?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That balance will be at the heart of the Green Paper that we are bringing forward. We will deliver proper employment support for disabled people, which has been taken away since 2010. We will deal with the incentives to inactivity that the current system presents. Of course, there will always be people who are unable to work through disability or ill health, and we are committed to fully supporting them too.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP mentions specific constituents who rely on disability benefits, including Laura and Debbie, expressing concerns about potential cuts.
My constituents in Eastleigh who support and help to care for disabled family members are desperately concerned about any potential cuts to benefits, including personal independent payment. They include Laura, whose son is registered blind, and Debbie, who helps to care for her disabled daughter and is herself disabled. Can the Minister reassure my constituents that disability benefits for people who are unable to work will not be cut?
I am concerned about the level of anxiety and speculation that has been around over recent weeks. I am sad that that has happened and that people have been concerned, but the current welfare system is failing the very people it is supposed to help—the people it is there for. Our aim is to make the system sustainable so that it will be there for people now and in the future. When the hon. Lady sees the proposals, I think she will see how we will deliver on that commitment.
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Assessment & feedback
reassurance against cuts
Speculation
System Failure
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
The MP seeks confirmation on whether there will be an analysis alongside the Green Paper to assess its impacts on poverty, employment, and health.
Can my right hon. Friend confirm that there will be an analysis alongside the Green Paper on the impacts it will have on poverty, employment and health?
I can confirm to my hon. Friend that we will produce a full impact assessment in due course.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy