Upcoming changes to benefits

I just caught this on catch-up, MPs questioned the Work and Pensions Secretary ahead of expected cuts in Parliament this afternoon. The Youth Guarantee scheme will launch next month in eight areas. The Conservatives accused Labour of overseeing an increase of 100,000 young people out of work, training, or education since they took office. Liz Kendall blamed the Conservatives for 14 years of inaction, pointing out that their only plan, changes to the Work Capability Assessment, was recently ruled illegal by the courts.

Timms responded, promising a green paper soon with a detailed plan to support disabled people in work, something that was stopped in 2010. He emphasised they’ll address current system disincentives and support those unable to work due to disability or ill health. We’ll find out who they class as too disabled or sick to work in the very near future, as they avoided defining what this person looks like and also did not answer a direct question about cuts to sick pay.

An MP from Southampton raised concerns about a disabled constituent caring for her disabled daughter, worried sick about the proposed changes, and Timms apologised for the distress caused by recent speculation, promising a full impact assessment on the changes.

The discussion also covered fraud in Universal Credit and Pension Credit, people exceeding capital limits on means-tested benefits, and individuals living abroad while claiming benefits. It’s definitely worth a watch!