Government plans for harsh welfare cuts risk worsening the system—targeted investment could offer real solutions
Major reforms to disability and health benefits are once again being shaped by political rhetoric, rather than practical solutions. The UK government is pushing ahead with plans to reduce welfare spending by increasing employment among disabled people, but campaigners warn that proposed cuts and coercive policies will only create further barriers.
Instead of investing in proven solutions, such as the long-standing Access to Work scheme, ministers appear to be considering reductions to its funding. This programme, designed to support disabled workers with additional needs, has helped thousands secure and maintain employment. However, with over 37,000 unresolved applications, it already struggles due to insufficient resources. Proper investment, rather than budget cuts, would be a far more effective approach.
Further concerns surround the government’s planned overhaul of Work Capability Assessments. Many fear that reforms will retain a punitive nature, pushing individuals into roles that may be unsuitable or unsustainable. Additionally, proposals to means-test Personal Independence Payments (PIP)—which cover essential costs for many disabled individuals—could have unintended consequences, such as preventing recipients from affording transport to work.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting himself has described the NHS as “broken.” Long waiting lists, particularly in mental health services, are a major factor keeping people out of work. Instead of punitive benefit reforms, addressing healthcare delays would be a more effective step toward improving employment rates among disabled individuals.
Another key issue is the stark health disparity between rich and poor communities. People in deprived areas tend to develop serious health conditions decades earlier than those in wealthier regions. A government serious about reducing long-term disability claims should prioritise a robust public health strategy aimed at preventing illness, rather than short-term cost-cutting measures that may do more harm than good.
While bold reform requires political courage, the benefits of targeted investment would outweigh the savings from immediate cuts. Instead of forcing disabled people into unsuitable jobs, the government should focus on policies that genuinely improve opportunities and long-term outcomes.
