The official 2024 budget discussion.

JonnycJonny · October 30

She unequivocally said that they will be proceeding with reform to the WCA - a sweeping statement without any specific detail.

apple85 · October 30

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/933302#Comment_933302

I’m following 3 reputable news live texts and none have mentioned this specifically apart from what I’ve already posted (I will check the budget pdf later when published)

WhatThe · October 30

The first ever female chancellor is actually very competent. I didn't expect to say so. I didn't vote Labour but very much wanted them in power.

Albus is right about their appalling PR but they can change that. There wasn't much about welfare spending and no new policies.

Tumilty · October 30

So do people think that there are back benchers that are uncomfortable with hitting the disabled so they won't hit us hard, cause unrest in the party etc

Votadini · October 30

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/933310#Comment_933310

She said it just before going on to talk about tackling benefit fraud. She clearly said they'd be going ahead with the Conservative plans to reform the WCA, which isn't a surprise as it had already been leaked to the Financial Times. Now we have confirmation.

apple85 · October 30

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/933315#Comment_933315

I’d still advise waiting till the budget doc pdf is published

We all knew wca were going to be reformed regardless of party in charge - but did reeves specifically state they’d be keeping the Tory blueprint plans on this to the letter?

That seems less clear from what you and others have relayed back

apple85 · October 30

apple85 · October 30

Votadini · October 30

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/933322#Comment_933322

https://x.com/MartinSLewis/status/1851608696352051453

"They are going to continue the work capability plan of last govt - likely to mean a crackdown on incapacity benefit claims"

I agree we should check her words carefully but they'd already briefed this to sections of the press so it's sadly no surprise.

Nashota · October 30

Apparently the BBC got the information about Carers Allowance wrong.

This is the information that they have posted on their X account.

apple85 · October 30

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/933338#Comment_933338

I think the following are reeves full words (please forgive that I can’t find full answers at once - I’m juggling a lot today):

‘She told the Commons: “Today, I am also taking three steps to ensure that welfare spending is more sustainable.“First, we inherited the last government’s plans to reform the work capability assessment. We will deliver those savings as part of fundamental reforms to the health and disability benefits system that the Work and Pensions Secretary (Liz Kendall) will bring forward.
“Second, I can today announce a crackdown on fraud in our welfare system often the work of criminal gangs. We will expand DWP’s (Department of Work and Pensions) counter-fraud teams using innovative new methods to prevent illegal activity and provide new legal powers to crackdown on fraudsters, including direct access to bank accounts to recover debt. This package saves £4.3 billion a year by the end of the forecast.
“Third, the Government will shortly be publishing the “Get Britain Working” White Paper tackling the root causes of inactivity with an integrated approach across health, education and welfare.“And we will provide £240 million for 16 new trailblazer projects targeted at those who are economically inactive and most at risk of being out of education, employment or training to get people into work and reduce the benefits bill.”’

mangomungo · October 30

Deleted

onlymeagain · October 30

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/933344#Comment_933344

Which will only benefit people who don't receive Universal Credit or legacy benefits.

apple85 · October 30

speech is over

Full budget doc will be published online imminently

As I said before I may not be able to post highlighted pages at a quick pace as I also need to look up things for my family which I hope you all understand is my priority on a personal level

But I’ll do my best to post thing up quickly

toby50 · October 30

can someone explain to me after we have heard the budget today . What’s happening to our benefits especially Lcwra, they seem to be targeting that benefit. Thanks