The Universal Credit Bill becomes law. Here are the changes to disability benefits you need to know

@Catherine21

Hi Catherine, thanks for sharing the screenshot. It’s really helpful to have this context. Looking at the dates, it seems that the Freedom of Information request was made on 21 July, just before the Welfare Reform Bill finished passing through the House of Lords in July. The Government responded on 4 August, so the information shown reflects plans from that time.

I want to be clear that what you shared is unrelated to the new PIP consultations that have been announced. The person who shared the screenshot on social media is calling for people to oppose the proposals in the autumn White Paper for Pathways to Work.

This is understandable, as the White Paper outlines proposed changes like full work search conditionality and sanctions, with significant shifts in how claims related to disability living components are assessed. The Government plans to decouple certain health-related benefits from others, focusing more on the impact on daily living rather than capacity to work. These changes will affect many current claimants under Universal Credit and related benefits.

Essentially, this White Paper sets out primary legislation proposals that will reshape support for disabled and low-income people, both in and out of work. Opposition efforts aim to influence or challenge those plans before they become law.

In short, the Pathways to Work White Paper is about changing who can claim sickness and disability benefits, reshaping eligibility and assessments, and realigning support to focus more on helping people back into work while still supporting those who can’t.

It will be interesting to see what’s included in the final Pathways to Work White Paper and whether it reflects any proposals from real people or groups who participated in the consultation. We’ll need to prepare to challenge it, just as we did with the Welfare Reform Bill.

People who are affected, if they can, should challenge the Pathways to Work White Paper because it puts disabled people and those with health conditions at risk of losing crucial support. Stricter rules and harsher requirements could push many into poverty and hardship. This isn’t just policy, it directly impacts real lives. Speaking out is vital to ensure the Government listens and protects vulnerable people from harmful cuts.

The fight for disabled rights will never stop. I for one, won't. The laws that they use are specific, one being that every agreement has to have a discussion period and a formulation period.

Sounds great on paper. But, in theory, this is one sided. (My opinion) Where is the signeed agreement that said the laws will change during the pandemic for assessment? And where are the laws that have taken back those same laws as we are no longer in a Pandemic.

PDF documents are agreed and signed documents that BOTH side must agree to. If one side, (our side) send in a White paper asking for certain things to be looked at, like the cost of Disability, home help, electric and gas capping for the disabled to name some, it's because some one (An Expert) has looked at the costing and said its not the same as able bodied people.

So why are 'our experts' not listened to yet some who is not disabled get to make the final call? No they don't. they have to show supporting evidence. I have seen none….. Professor Harrington wrote 1000 page plus documents as to what is wrong with the system, yet year after year the government produced a GREEN PAPER as to what they are going to do. I have read this and also the previous draft copies, and they are rubbish. (my opinion)

I have to keep writing MY OPINION since I have access to documents that others don't. And it is because of this I fight for disability rights with MP's and AM's in both the Senedd in Wales and beyond.

My first comment is that, we have been allocated a budget for disability rights and help, yet the green paper states that it is to help people who are stagnant on the dole. Since when is being stagnant on the dole a disability that requires extra help.

@onebigvoice

Your dedication to advocating for disability rights is truly inspiring. By consistently raising crucial concerns, challenging unjust policies, and collaborating with representatives, you are making a profound and tangible difference for those who are too often unable to speak for themselves. Thank you for your tireless efforts to ensure disabled voices are heard and respected.

As we anticipate the white paper on pathways to work this autumn, I am very curious about your strategy. I must admit, before joining Scope a few years ago, I was quite naive, I once believed our country genuinely supported its sick and disabled citizens. However, witnessing the stress, hardship, and injustice faced by many of our members over the years has been a profound wake-up call.

Given this, I’d love to know:

How do you intend to approach the new proposals?

What do you believe will have the greatest impact?

What specific actions can members themselves take to make the most difference?

Firstly I would like to thank you for reading my post, and taking the time to comment.

How do you intend to approach the new proposals?

What do you believe will have the greater impact?

What specific actions can members themselves take to make the most difference?

All in one:

Firstly get involved, you and many others have and can continue to make a difference by finding out who is your constituent MP, or AM, as these are the people that represent you in your area.

Who put them their? You did, if you voted for them so they represent you. All MP's by now would have received the proposals of the Green Paper and should have already at meetings months ago discussed this as we would not have a discussion period now to put forward a White paper or manifesto.

You can write to your MP about anything, from waste disposal to up and coming events.

Find out when the have a surgery were you can go and have a coffee and talk about things that affect you. This includes how did you vote at the last call for a vote to support or as a rebuttal against………. you have to know whether you are being listened to, to have an input to anything, and ask questions again if the answer you are given is not explained, 'so you can understand'

On paper the manifesto is exactly what it says its going to do. In fact not all is as it seems. Allocation of budgets, and implementation of budgets are two totally different things. You can allocate a budget for say the NHS, but on this one point in reading the Green paper, about three paragraphs in it states something totally different.

In order to understand policy you have to understand the difference. I am sorry this is where I need to explain so that there are no grey areas open to further interpretation and is in Plain English because this is how I teach. I hope you don't skip the explination but th last paragraph says it all.

Green papers are discussion documents aimed at gathering feedback on policy proposals, while white papers are authoritative reports that outline specific government policies or solutions.

Definitions and Purposes

• Green Paper: A green paper is a preliminary discussion document that presents various ideas and proposals for public consultation. Its primary purpose is to stimulate debate and gather feedback from stakeholders, experts, and the public. It is not a final or binding document but serves as an exploratory tool to open dialogue on potential policies. 
• White Paper: A white paper is a more authoritative document that outlines a specific position or proposal. It is often used to present a solution to a problem and is intended to inform and persuade decision-makers. A white paper typically follows the green paper stage and reflects a stronger commitment from the government to move forward with the proposed policy. 

Key Differences

1. Stage in Policy Development:

• Green papers are usually the first step in the policy-making process, inviting public input before a more refined proposal is developed.
• White papers represent a more advanced stage, indicating that the government is ready to move forward with specific proposals based on feedback received from the green paper. 

1. Audience:

• Green papers target a broad audience, including the general public, industry stakeholders, and experts, encouraging wide-ranging input and discussion.
• White papers are typically aimed at a more specialized audience, such as policymakers, industry leaders, and academics, providing detailed information and analysis. 

1. Content:

• Green papers contain preliminary ideas, options, and questions for consideration, allowing for various interpretations and discussions.
• White papers present well-researched arguments, often backed by data and analysis, and outline a definitive set of proposals.

Conclusion

In summary, green papers and white papers serve distinct roles in the policy-making process. Green papers are exploratory and invite public consultation, while white papers are authoritative documents that outline specific policies or solutions, reflecting a commitment to implement those proposals. Understanding these differences is crucial for engaging effectively in policy discussions and decision-making processes.

Example of this is exactly the opposite, where the White paper is an 'upgrade' of policy that allows everyone a chance to have input, but the Government wait for the White paper to be submitted then 'alter' certain aspects, with a view of saying we have had discussions and listened to what STAKEHOLDERS, POLICY INDUSTRY LEADERS, (HOPEFULLY THE UNIONS) ACADEMICS, (LIKE PROFESSOR HARRINGTON, and the GRAYLING REPORT TO NAME TWO.) But I see it the other way round, where we are asked to resolve issues they can't so that when an idea is aired, if it goes wrong its your fault, and if it goes right it was because we listened to the voters and realise we have had hard decisions, but someone has to make them.

I have written many White papers and had input to them since before the 1990's, but the paragraph I referred to earlier said, We have allocated £650 Million to assist Disabled people to get the help they need and to assist them back into work 'when they are ready'

A few lines on and the word DISABLED, (WHICH SHOULD ALSO INCLUDE LONG-TERM SICK) had been changed to, we will include PEOPLE who ARE on the 'dole' and are stagnant without the prospect of getting employment…….

The courses run within the budget are for 'neurodiverse' people. Another change, since the word disability no longer explains the extent of the disability, and by using the words 'long term sick,' explains nothing. Disability, including long-term-sick have been grouped and have different problems.

A PDF File is the end result, where discussion has taken place, (another problem since they have also started implementing sections without prior negotiation.) and a 'mutual agreement' from both sides is formulated where all concerned sign and date that they agree to its content.

Once signed, it can only be altered when all agree to the 'new terms' as some agreements need to be tested, but there are clauses within the contract that states that should a review be completed, and the projected out come, or the costing of implementation out weigh's the results, that they would revert back to the original agreement. There are also clauses that state that in the original contract some issues were not budgeted for, like, document up grades, computer realignment with new legislation, or cyber fraud, where these can be discussed out side the normal contract life, and be 'tweaked' by mutual agreement.

If both parties do not sign then the original contract stands. The assessment process being one such document.

The assessment process changed before, but when the Pandemic struck, different ways to administer the assessment process took place. Powers were given to assessment companies by the DWP to assess people quicker. Since we are no longer in a Pandemic, why have the original rules of assessment been re-introduced.

Why am I having an assessment from the NHS, that allows me to get treatment from source, to include medication not sold over the counter, operations whether they are a 'quick fix' to help with a flare up, or whether they are only to prolong life, and those results, by people who are qualified to write in my medical history, to have another group hired by the DWP to assist them in a backlog, FOR FINANCIAL AID.

If they are hired by the DWP to assess me financially, then I do not need to except the outcome of their reports as they, unlike the NHS do not give their reports on headed paper, do not explain their expertise, in order to assess the many complaints that I may have, and lets be fair most, have more than one problem being delt with by the NHS, yet these assessors do not separate what is Medical Fact and what is their opinion, and can submit a report to the Decision Maker, as they are the ones that hired them because they do not have the medical expertise to understand some of the aliments sent in on a daily basis, to a decision Maker in a hope that the assessment goes right first time.

Bottom line, you have already made a start by asking the question, ask you MP what s/he thinks on how, or what you need to know to get involved. Your parliamentary MP is obliged to answer you.

What is the worse they can do….. nothing, but they know that when it comes to voting time, who they going to call….. YOU. ( or groups like, myth busters, benefits that suit you…) This was the reason I got my name, as no one actually sticks up for our rights…. Although this is now changing, where you can change anything if enough of you ask the same question.

What about asking: Since the pandemic and the new budget being allocated to the Neurodiverse and long-term sick, how many times have you sampled the assessment process to see whether we are getting value for money when the assessment company received £850 for a bog standard assessment that also requires more work, and who pays for that?

I already know the answers, see what they say and post here. YOU WILL BE SHOCKED. Trust me, it will allow them to do something for the money we pay them to do their job.

SORRY ABOUT THE LONG POST. BUT I WILL SEND THIS POST ELSEWARE, FOR OTHERS TO READ AND COMMENT.

Things are changing all the time, and again thank those that have read and those that have commented. The comments made are your opinion, and that is great for me. By even people visiting the page and reading the comments made by others, may for them, (could be that they think that they haven't got a clicky comment to make to comment, SO DON'T?) I say, by reading It may give you an insite as to why we are on this site, and why you have joined. You need answers, and deserve them. Not because you are disabled or long term sick but because we here, can talk about every thing and anything.

Its not only about banging the drum, or joining the fight to get…….

Its about changing attitudes. I am not 'fighting' for anything, I am pointing out the laws and charters that have been applied to me incorrectly.

So why should I not be able to get answers?

Who will give them to me?

I have found if you don't ask the right questions then you don't get the right answers.

Here is a comment: Why when asked about people who have been granted DWP do they go back to 2013, and when quoting how many have been refused don't go back to the same date, or separate groups to half the amount.

Sorry guys, I have been doing this to long to not notice, as figures can be made to say anything that the interperter wants them to say.

The white paper is not just for me and people that I talk to its for anyone tthat want to read it.

Ask your MP who has already had input to it? And how long has itt been under discussion. Wait for anyones answer, since ours down here have never stopped looking at our access to benefits, its not something that comes round once a year or once a term.