Government's Response to the Pathways to Work Consultation

Rosie_Scope

Hi everyone. The government has published a response to the Pathways to Work Consultation. Please note that this doesn't set out any further plans for changes to the benefits system, it just breaks down the responses they received from the consultation. Nothing will be changing immediately.

You can read the full response from the Government here:

https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/pathways-to-work-reforming-benefits-and-support-to-get-britain-working-green-paper/outcome/government-response-to-the-pathways-to-work-consultation

Some key points from the response

The government's full response has a breakdown of each of the questions from the Green Paper, but here's a summary of some of the answers for those unable to read the long version:

• The majority of responses to the consultation were in favour of keeping PIP criteria as it is.
• The responses highlighted the impact on disabled people's health and wellbeing as well as the impact on other services should they lose their entitlement to their benefits.
• Responses spoke about providing tailored support for disabled people who would like to work. People liked the idea that there would be more support to try work and return to the benefits system easily if it didn't work out. Many people also emphasised that not everyone will be able to work and this should be recognised fairly.
• There was a focus on providing support in a person-centred way that is tailored to the individual's needs.
• Many believed assessments to determine requirements should be delivered by a medical expert or based on medical evidence.
• There were lots of responses suggesting that employers and businesses should be held accountable for supporting disabled people in work. And that Access to Work needs investment to make sure people receive the right support when they need it.

What happens next?

When the Green Paper was announced, Albus wrote a guide to how things become law which you can read here: How a change in law is passed. The government have not detailed what will happen next, but we are not expecting the Green Paper to move directly to the White Paper stage. There are likely to be individual announcements about any proposed changes to the benefits system over the next 18 months.

Thank you to everyone who managed to respond to the consultation. The responses really reflect the reality of the benefits system for many and I know it's been a very worrying time. Hopefully this data will help the government reflect on their policies going forward and make the system fairer for everyone.

MW123

Thanks for sharing that, @Rosie_Scope

So we can take it as “Thanks for your feedback” and to date, the March 2025 White Paper still stands. No revisions, no withdrawal, no guarantees the feedback will result in amendments to the original White Paper.

It was just a tick box exercise to say they had consulted. Very disappointing, but I can’t say I’m surprised.