Decision - Local impacts of HMG Green Paper - 'Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working'

This Council Notes: 1. Government proposals in the 'Pathways to Work' Green Paper 2029-30, would reform the welfare system in a number of ways: increasing the Universal Credit standard rate and the value of disability benefits for those considered most disabled; scrapping the Work Capability Assessment; introducing the 'right to try' and reforming the disability benefit assessment; narrowing the eligibility criteria to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and reducing health-condition related Universal Credit (UC-H). There is much to be welcomed in the Green Paper overhauling, as it does, a broken welfare system. However local impacts if not mitigated, could include: · Increased rent arrears among privately renting households that include disabled people; · Increased pressure on social services · Increased use of food banks · The loss of carers' allowance by some of the carers in the City caring for people no longer eligible for PIP This Council resolves to: 1. Respond to the Government's consultation by 30 June requesting: · a full impact assessment be undertaken before any changes are implemented; · increased and flexible funding from central government budgets to the NHS and local councils, such as through the Household Support Fund, so services can provide financial and wraparound support to residents who may lose access to disability benefits; · meaningful co-production with disabled people in shaping all government policy, so that policies and services are developed in a way that responds to the needs and experiences of disabled people, promoting their full participation and inclusion in society

The motion raises concerns about proposed welfare reforms, including tighter eligibility for Personal Independence Payments and reduced health-condition-related Universal Credit. It says the changes could increase poverty, rent arrears, pressure on social services and food bank use among disabled residents and unpaid carers.