News
Our response to the government statement on welfare reform
The Spinal Injuries Association (SIA) is deeply concerned about the recent announcement by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall regarding significant reforms to disability benefits.
The proposed changes, aimed at reducing welfare expenditure by £5 billion annually, include tightening eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and overhauling incapacity benefits.
We recognise the need to support disabled people in living independent and fulfilling lives, and we understand the Government’s emphasis on ensuring the system is sustainable and meets the needs of those it is designed to support. However, we remain deeply concerned about the potential impact of some of the proposed changes, particularly the tightening of eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the shift in the way incapacity benefits are assessed. PIP is a vital form of support for many people with spinal cord injuries, helping to cover the additional costs associated with their condition, including mobility aids, personal care, and transportation. We want to ensure that any changes do not create additional barriers for those who rely on this crucial support.
It is imperative that such measures do not disproportionately impact individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. The proposal to abolish the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) and use PIP assessments as a measure of work capability could also have unintended consequences, including conflating the distinct purposes of these assessments, leading to inappropriate evaluations of individuals’ abilities and needs. It is essential that assessments remain distinct and are designed to fairly and accurately reflect the challenges faced by people with complex disabilities like spinal cord injuries.
We urge the Department for Work and Pensions to work closely with disability organisations, including SIA, to ensure that any reforms are implemented in a way that does not disproportionately impact those with spinal cord injuries. It is crucial that policy changes promote inclusion and empowerment rather than inadvertently marginalising those they aim to assist. We welcome further discussions on how the system can be improved while maintaining the essential support that people with disabilities need to lead independent lives.
The SIA remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of people with spinal cord injuries. We will continue to monitor developments closely and work constructively with Government to ensure that the voices of those affected are heard and considered in the policymaking process.
More information …
We understand that this will be an especially worrying time for the SCI community. If you’re concerned about these changes, you can contact us for advice and support. Call our helpline on 0800 980 0501, or visit our website for more ways to get in touch with our support network:
Here at Spinal Injuries Association we continue to work on your behalf throughout the year on the issues that you tell us matter to you. Visit our campaigns page to find out about the work we are currently doing to bring about positive changes for the spinal cord injured community: