Green Paper Discussion - includes accessible formats and consultation event sign up links!

Hi @egister

Thanks for sharing your views-I now see where you’re coming from.
That said, I’d like to gently highlight something I mentioned yesterday: many disabled people, myself included, never expected to become full-time campaigners or warriors. We’re all navigating a lot already -emotionally, practically, and systemically. While it’s important to stay informed, there’s also a risk of being overwhelmed and distracted by the sheer volume of alarming information, especially when it veers into territory that isn’t directly actionable right now.

For example, regarding concerns around AI: from what I’ve briefly read in the House of Commons library -research briefing document (Apr 2025)on use of AI (some of which are accessible only to government officials via login), while there are - and have been -some pilots involving AI in government(various departments)processes, there is currently no official evidence that it is being widely used and implemented  systematically to scrutinise benefit claims or public correspondence to MPs or Parliament. From what I understand, the use of AI in governmental organisations, systems, and processes is currently described more as a future opportunity rather than a widespread practice -and when it has been used, there appears to be some level of transparency to the public. I can also see that there is structured official  guidance for civil servants on the use of generative AI, which is mainly used for research purposes. So while we should stay vigilant, I think it’s equally important to stay grounded in what’s immediate and verifiable -like the very real and imminent threat and dangers posed by the proposals in the current Pathways to Work green paper.

In these difficult times, I believe that hope, focus, and collective actions-rooted in facts — are our best tools, provided they are carried out in a strategically informed manner.I strongly believe-Our voices do matter, and together, we can make a difference.

In Solidarity ✊

Hi all

Sorry I haven't been here much lately but I haven't been too well and I have my stupid pip review form to get through.

I won't be around much this weekend but I wish you all well and lots of love. X

Hi Everyone

Due to having had some very difficult external circumstances affecting my life and that of my partner in recent months I have made the decision that I contribute less to this community.

It certainly means that I will be around just not as much as I was. I have ME/CFS, an anxiety disorder and depression and the events that have happened have all made my health conditions a lot worse.

You may have read the good news that my partner (who is also disabled) and I had. With him being pension age and the fact that I am not having my next PIP review until pension age, myself means we are exempt from the cuts.

Although we are really relieved, we still had to go through the same scenario as you are all doing until Timms announced that exemption a week ago.

Knowing that was an act of calculated cruelty is nothing I take personally but it is still having a very negative effect on me, despite doing all I can to not think about it.

That has bought everything to a head unfortunately so I am doing my best to make my life easier. However, I do not want you to think that I won't be here to help you fight these appalling decisions because I will, just not as much. ✊

I do hope that normal service will resume shortly on the forum. Things seem to be improving. 👍

I send you all my very best wishes especially @noonebelieves @pinkrose and @secretsquirrel 😊

I read that the rules for PIP are changing at the end of May 2025. I thought this wasnt coming into effect until Nov 2026?

Well Labour lose Runcorn in the by election …..

Here's hoping this is the beginning of the end for Starmer & co …..

Surely there will be rumblings of discontent within the party and questions asked about his leadership !

''But while Labour held on by just 687 votes, Reform enjoyed a huge 21% swing – a rise of 30% since 2021, Labours vote was down 11%''.

That was what I woke up to this morning 😩It really was no surprise, my City will never ditch Labour, worrying that Reform has that swing in votes, God help us all.

The overall percentage turnout was 32.27 per cent, looks like folk are probably fed up and couldn't be bothered to vote.

DWP figures released in response to an FOI request from the Benefits and Work website show how many people with different disabilities and illnesses currently receive the PIP daily living allowance having scored under four points in all categories. They include:

• 214,000 claimants with arthritis – that’s 77% of all arthritis claimants receiving the daily living allowance

• 38,000 with cardiovascular diseases – 62%

• 45,000 with respiratory diseases – 55%

• 38,000 with multiple sclerosis and neuropathic diseases – 48%

• 23,000 with cancer – 33%

• 11,000 with cerebral palsy and neurological muscular diseases – 24%

• 26,000 with psychotic disorders – 23%

The figures also indicate how many new applicants with different conditions would over time fail to qualify for PIP from November next year if the plans are voted through. 

The "Do not scrap the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)" petition has finally been published ….

Everyone needs to get it signed !