Labour’s disability boss has laid out the “strong case” for a complete overhaul of the benefit system after a post-pandemic surge in the numbers of people claiming sickness and disability benefits. Over 3.6 million people are now relying on these benefits to get by, an increase of 50 per cent since February 2020.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stated that the UK Government sees a “strong case to change the system of health and disability benefits across Great Britain” with the aim of assisting people in finding and maintaining employment. Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disabilities, also revealed that the DWP is “working to develop proposals for reform”, which will be outlined in a consultation set to be published in a Green Paper this Spring.
Disability benefits managed and provided by the DWP include Personal Independence Payment (PIP), Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance. Sir Stephen offered this written response earlier this week when Labour MP Matt Bishop queried what measures the DWP is implementing to ensure that “planned reforms to the disability benefit system ensure security and support for seriously ill and disabled people”.
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The DWP minister said the overhaul would “engage with disabled people, and others with expertise and experience on these issues, to consider how to address these challenges and build a better system”.
The DWP will set out proposals for change in a new Green Paper due this Spring.
He went on to say: “We are working to develop proposals for reform and will set them out for consultation and engagement in a Green Paper in spring 2025. This government is committed to putting the views and voices of disabled people at the heart of all that we do, so we will consult on these proposals with disabled people and representative organisations.”
The Daily Record reports that no specifics of the proposals have been disclosed yet. The DWP recently revealed that individuals suffering from back, joint, and muscle problems in regions with the longest queues for musculoskeletal (MSK) treatments are set to receive faster care and help to return to work as part of the ‘Get Britain Working’ initiative.
According to the latest DWP figures, over 1.1 million people in England and Wales were getting Personal Independence Payment (PIP) of up to £737.20 monthly for MSK conditions as of the end of October. In a bid to address economic inactivity—where individuals are neither employed nor seeking employment—17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England will divide a £3.5 million fund aimed at enhancing MSK services.
This funding will allow each area in England and Wales to receive up to £300,000 to tackle one of the primary causes of economic inactivity.
Labour has promised to listen to disabled Brits as part of sweeping reforms to the benefits system
It is a component of the Labour Government’s Plan for Change, which aims to “put more money into people’s pockets and get the NHS back on its feet”. The MSK Community Delivery Programme, managed through NHS England’s Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) scheme, will provide ICBs with the necessary resources and guidance to devise more effective methods of treating MSK patients, clearing waiting lists, and aiding their return to the workforce.
In a November statement, Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP, remarked: “For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working. It’s stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential.
“This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again.”
2.8 million individuals are economically inactive due to long-term health conditions, with MSK being the second primary reason cited after mental health, according to government data. Approximately 646,000 people – around 1 in 4 (23%) – reported MSK as their main health issue.
Community service waiting lists for MSK have reached the highest numbers in England, totalling 348,799 individuals in September 2024, while roughly 23.4 million working days in the UK were lost due to MSK conditions throughout 2022.