Possible refroms

Tonawanda17

Hi. 

I found this article this morning. It states "More is on the way too. Earlier this month, Rishi Sunak said: “The (welfare) system is not working as it was designed to work and now we are bringing forward reforms that will mean that we look at the eligibility for who is signed-off sick”.

Does anyone have any idea what this reforms they are brining forward could be. Thanks.

The link to the article is : https://www.msn.com/en-gb/money/other/feeling-the-benefit-how-will-tax-cuts-impact-welfare-policy/ar-BB1h6JBC?ocid=hpmsn&cvid=fa1285d62dbb4bed8915218c8b4b16fd&ei=16

Albus_Scope

Hi @Tonawanda17 the reforms were talked about in the Autumn statement, but again, nothing has actually happened yet, so please don't panic.  With a general election looming, we're going to be seeing a lot of talk about benefits reform.

Kimmy87

I've read the article I saw nothing new and the PM's comments most likely relate to things previously announced.  

As you've been advised several times these are all plans and ideas, that have many hurdles before they could ever become legislation.
This Government also has to go through an election this year AND win a majority for these proposals to stand any realistic chance of success. 
It is almost inevitable that the election results will NOT be a Conservative majority.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Tonawanda17, As Albus mentioned, I think this is probably referring to the proposed changes from the Autumn Statement late last year. Things like changes to the work capability assessment and tougher rules for people searching for work who aren't on the health-related benefits. This was Scopes response from just after things came out, it talks about some of the proposed changes.

I'm not sure if 'bringing forward' means they're planning to try and make things happen quicker, or whether it's just simply that they've come up with this plan to make changes and they're 'bringing that plan forward' by confirming what they've proposed, I'll keep researching and see whether I can understand it any better

Tonawanda17

Thanks everyone. I read the response link that rosie posted. I am on ESA Support group. Am i correct in thinking that a reassesment wouldn't be a new claim?

Thanks

Rosie_Scope

Hi @Tonawanda17, as far as I understand, the changes will only be for completely new claims that start from scratch, so it shouldn't affect you.

As we're due a general election, it could be that these changes never make it in anyway. It's difficult to say at this stage, but we'll keep everyone posted if we hear anything more about it

Tonawanda17

Thanks, my concern on reading the article was that they would change the criteria for the support group sooner rather than later then say that myself and others no longer meet the requirements. Thanks

Tonawanda17

Thanks everyone.