No benefit from welfare reform

It’s time, says Ruth Patrick, for a reminder of what the Government is proposing to do to reform disability benefits and why that is both inappropriate and potentially threatening to people’s livelihoods

Of all the welfare “benefits” and “support” provided to disabled people it is Disability Living Allowance (DLA) that has always stood out as coming closest to resembling a policy intervention aligned to the social model of disability and the aspirations of disabled activists. The social model reminds us that disability is the result of societal barriers, both physical and attitudinal, and that it is society that needs to change and adapt if disability is to be overcome, not the individual disabled person. DLA reflects these principles as a benefit which is paid to all disabled people who meet the admittedly medicalised eligibility criteria and is one of the few non-means tested benefits still available. It is designed to meet the extra costs associated with living with impairment(s) and has helped millions of disabled people achieve greater independence and inclusion in the 20 years since its introduction.

It is thus particularly sad that it too is under threat as the ConDem Government continues its wholehearted assault on the welfare state: stripping back entitlement, reducing levels of support and reforming benefits with vigour reminiscent of Thatcher’s frantic privatising agenda of the 1980s. Readers will no doubt be familiar with plans to replace DLA with a new benefit alluringly entitled “Personal Independence Payment” (PIP). Whether PIPs will provide either independence or personalised support remains to be seen, but the headline target to reduce overall expenditure on the benefit by 20% suggests that many will find their support drastically reduced or withdrawn altogether.

Due to be launched in April 2013, PIPs will involve the introduction of yet another level of benefit reassessment as all existing claimants have their eligibility re-tested. We can only hope that the Government has learnt some lessons from the troubled Work Capability Assessments, but unfortunately our old friend ATOS Healthcare will remain centre stage. This private contractor will enjoy increased profits as millions more disabled people are herded through their assessment centres. The industry of disability will grow, ironically at just the same time as the financial support and assistance available for disabled people themselves continues to plummet.

Unsurprisingly, these reforms have been met by a surge of campaigning activity with both established charities and the new online campaign outfits such as The Broken of Britain condemning and critiquing the Government’s plans. Sometimes, though, some hard, stark facts are needed.

In this case, a recent survey from the Papworth Trust about the possible impact of the DLA reform is both telling and concerning. Papworth Trust surveyed over 2,000 disabled people to explore the possible consequences of the DLA reforms. Worryingly, some 86% of respondents said they would have to cut back on essentials such as food or being able to get out and about if their DLA payments were stopped or reduced. On the basis of these figures, the Government’s changes will see rates of disability poverty and social exclusion rise – reversing years of progress.

Cameron has become well known for his frequent u-turns with the “backtrack” and “policy rethink” sometimes appearing part of his political DNA. These DLA reforms scream out for a speedy three-point-manoeuvre – indeed this is essential if the spirit of the social model of disability is to be kept alive in welfare benefits practice in the future.

• For more information about Papworth Trust’s survey or to sign up to their campaigns network, email policy@papworth.org.uk