The Department for Work and Pensions is plotting “significant” cuts to disability benefits and will prioritise a string of benefits that people claim. The DWP is planning cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), Disability Living Allowance (DLA), and Attendance Allowance.
Senior figures in Downing Street and the Treasury believe significant cuts to the DWP budget are necessary, it has been claimed. Labour Party Chancellor Rachel Reeves has instructed the Treasury that she wants to get “tough” on spending according to The Telegraph newspaper.
Jack Meaning, Barclays Bank’s UK chief economist, warned there was a “high chance” the Chancellor would need to announce emergency spending cuts during her upcoming Spring Budget and fiscal statement, which is set to be held in March.
READ MORE 16 counties in England face MORE snow this week with ‘five inches’ hitting
A DWP spokesperson commented: “We don’t comment on speculation. We have been clear that the current benefits system needs reform so it is fairer on the taxpayer and people get the support they need to move into work. Building on our Get Britain Working White Paper, we will bring forward proposals for reforming the health and disability benefits system in the Spring.”
It added: “This will be part of a proper plan to help disabled people who can work secure employment while ensuring support is provided for those who need it.” The crackdown could involve stricter rules on eligibility for disability benefits.
The shake up could also see claimants demanded to provide “more substantial proof that payments are necessary,” and the DWP is also said to be exploring alternatives to weekly disability benefit payments in the wake of initial discussions from the former Conservative Party government.
Before losing last year’s election, the Tories had suggested they could scrap cash PIP and DLA payments in favour of a catalogue system. Other system shake-ups mooted included scrapping cash payments for vouchers, one-off grants and more.
The DWP told The Telegraph its commitment to helping disabled people who can work secure employment while ensuring support remains available for those who need it.