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Deaf and Disabled Organisations Consider Withdrawal from Government Engagement Over Benefit Cuts

A coalition of organisations representing Deaf and Disabled people is reevaluating its partnership with the government in response to proposed cuts to social benefits. Known as Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations (DDPOs), these groups, which are led by and cater to disabled individuals, express significant dissatisfaction regarding what they perceive as inadequate engagement from the Labour government.

The scrutiny comes at a time when the government is initiating a 12-week consultation period to gather feedback on these benefit cuts, including the launch of accessible formats for wider public participation.

Sir Stephen Timms, the Minister for Social Security and Disability, emphasized the necessity of incorporating disabled people’s perspectives into future policy-making. During an appearance on the BBC’s podcast, Access All, he stated, “I truly hope that they will continue to communicate with me, as understanding their views on these proposals is crucial.” He further noted, “It is essential that the opinions and voices of disabled individuals are central to our initiatives in this realm and across all government sectors.”

Reflecting on the Spring Statement from March, there are plans for a substantial reformation of benefits aimed at achieving savings of £5 billion. Central to this proposal is the tightening of eligibility for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP), designed to assist individuals with daily tasks. Another notable change may restrict individuals under 22 from receiving additional universal credit payments tied to health conditions.

The head of policy at Disability Rights UK, Fazilet Hadi, voiced the deep frustration and betrayal felt by many within the disabled community, describing the planned cuts as “a significant assault on the financial stability of disabled people.” Hadi articulated, “Disability Rights UK remains committed to dialogue with government ministers, as we believe it is crucial to convey the strong opposition to these proposals.”

She added, “However, we may reassess our stance if it becomes clear that the broader disabled community decides to adopt a different approach.”

Svetlana Kotova, director of campaigns and justice at Inclusion London, echoed similar concerns, indicating that her organisation is also rethinking its engagement strategy. She remarked, “Substantial reductions in financial support will thrust disabled individuals—which includes children—into poverty, yet the government is not adequately consulting on these drastic measures.”

Highlighting the implications of these proposals, suspended Labour MP John McDonnell expressed his dismay and anger regarding the cuts during the same podcast, characterizing them as shocking and detrimental. He indicated a desire for the government to reverse its course, stating he is “praying” for a change of heart.

Originally, the government’s strategy aimed for annual savings of £5 billion by 2030; however, the Office for Budget Responsibility has readjusted these figures to predict a more modest net saving of £3.4 billion. The government maintains that without substantial reforms, the cost to taxpayers could escalate to as much as £70 billion annually by the decade’s end.

In an attempt to mitigate expenditures, other proposed changes may include freezing additional payments for existing Universal Credit claimants and significantly reducing such payments for new applicants. The government has indicated that a portion of the savings will be redirected into job programs aimed at addressing youth unemployment.

In tandem with the ongoing consultation, which concludes on June 30, the government has introduced “collaboration committees.” These committees are set to engage civil servants alongside disability experts and individuals with personal experience to facilitate discussion, provide challenges, and yield recommendations for policy development.

For further insights, you can listen to Sir Stephen Timms on the BBC Access All podcast.

Source
www.bbc.com