Labour party's enforced policy adjustments in the welfare system, particularly those targeting disabled individuals, lead to a government whip's resignation, her criticism being stark and forthright.
Take a Stand: Labour MP Quits Over Disability Benefits Cuts
In a bold move, MP Vicky Foxcroft tendered her resignation as a Government whip in protest of proposed reforms she deems detrimental to disabled individuals. These reforms involve cuts to funds allocated to disabled people.
Foxcroft, representing Lewisham North, stated she could no longer vote for these plans and refused to aid in enforcing them among her peers. In a heartfelt letter to the PM, she expressed her inability to maintain her position while supporting financial cuts for disabled individuals.
Previously serving as the shadow minister for disabled people, Foxcroft is the first frontbencher to resign in protest of these reforms. Following closely behind, she is the second Labour member to step down over policy-related issues since Anneliese Dodds left over aid cuts.
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Rising Numbers – Disability Benefits on the Rise
The reforms, which commenced in Parliament on Wednesday, will lead to delayed sickness support in Universal Credit until age 22 and tightened eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP), the primary disability benefit.
Ministers hope these changes will encourage more people to transition from sickness benefits to employment, but the Government's data suggests that the number of people claiming disability benefits will still rise by 750,000 by 2030.
While these reforms aim to save £5 billion a year, they may risk pushing many individuals into financial hardship. As per reports, nearly half a million disabled people could rely on food banks due to these cuts.
Taking Action
Parliament is set to vote on these plans on July 1. However, dozens of Labour backbenchers have expressed their inability to support the proposed reforms, fearing they will exacerbate poverty.
This concern arises as a record 3.74 million people now claim disability benefits, with teenagers and young adults fueling the rise. The number of people on PIP has climbed by 200,000 in a year, reaching nearly double the 2.05 million on the books in 2019.
Young claimants between the ages of 16 and 19 now represent 16.5% of all PIP cases, a notable increase compared to 14.6% in 2019. A similar trend has surfaced for the 30-44 age group, with 21.0% claiming PIP in April 2022 (up from 18.9% in 2019).
By contrast, 45-59-year-olds comprised 29.9% of claimants in April 2022 (down from 37.2% in 2019). The percentage of claimants aged 60-74 has slightly risen, from 29.3% to 30.8% during this period.
As Sir Keir Starmer remains steadfast in his plans to tighten the eligibility for PIP, many Labour MPs have expressed their bewilderment and concern about the potential impact of these changes on vulnerable individuals. The reforms aim to curb benefits linked to mental health conditions and other "less visible" illnesses.
An estimated 800,000 people could lose access to PIP under these proposed changes. Some experts question the effectiveness of provisions like the 13-week grace period, dismissing it as "not very much."
Though the government has made an attempt to head off a Labour rebellion, several MPs remain unconvinced. As the debate unfolds, stay informed and exercise your right to voice your opinions.
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Sources
- "Personal Independence Payment – gov.uk." gov.uk, www.gov.uk/protected-content/fr/pdfs/2020/05/MedSoc_documents/PIPHighLevelReport-HC.pdf.
- "Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigns as a Government whip in protest at 'reforms which include cuts to disabled people's finances' – Manchester Evening News." Manchester Evening News, www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/uk-news/labour-mp-vicky-fcroft-quits-20818782.
- "The Consequences of the Government’s Latest Disability Policy – Disability Rights UK." Disability Rights UK, www.disabilityrightsuk.org/our-policy-work/campaigns/pip-disability-benefits-reforms-explainers/the-consequences-of-the-governments-latest-disability-policy#:~:text=The%20reforms%20aim%20to%20save%20%C2%A35,quarter%20by%202024%2F25%20compared%20to%202017%2F18.
- "Labour MP quits as Whip over ‘cruel’ disability benefits cuts – PoliticsHome." PoliticsHome, www.politicshome.com/news/uk/political-parties/labour/news/labour-mp-quits-as-whip-over-cruel-disability-benefits-cuts.
- "Latest PIP figures indicate a major failure in the government's policy – UNISON." UNISON, www.unison.org.uk/news/latest-pip-figures-indicate-a-major-failure-in-the-governments-policy/.
- The proposed reforms, causing controversy, include cuts to disability benefits, leading to resignations like Vicky Foxcroft's as a Government whip.
- The reforms aim to encourage transition from sickness benefits to employment, but the Government's data suggests a rise in disability benefits claimants.
- Alterations to Universal Credit will delay sickness support until age 22, and eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will tighten.
- Despite these changes, as many as 750,000 more people are estimated to claim disability benefits by 2030.
- Experts argue that provisions like the 13-week grace period may not adequately address the potential risk of pushing individuals into financial hardship.
- Many MPs fear that the proposed changes could exacerbate poverty, with nearly half a million disabled people potentially relying on food banks due to the cuts.
- A record 3.74 million people currently claim disability benefits, with teenagers and young adults fueling the rise in numbers.
- As the debate over the reforms unfolds, it's essential to seek information and express your opinions on such pressing issues.
- Online education can be a valuable resource for staying informed on topics like the ongoing discussions around disability benefits and their impacts.
- Engage in personal growth and self-development by learning about these issues, setting goals for lifelong learning, and advocating for policies that prioritize the welfare of the most vulnerable members of society.
