DR UK comment on mini Budget
Speaking about the Chancellor’s fiscal event, DR UK CEO Kamran Mallick said: “This was anything but a mini-Budget. But with all of the big announcements focused on tax cuts and boosts for business, we were disappointed not to see an increase in benefits for those who cannot work much, or at all, due to disability.
“Changes to Universal Credit will increase pressure on those capable of working to work harder to boost their income. Those who cannot work and are dependent on benefits are in for a harsh, punitive winter.
“The Government’s levelling up agenda is now in the dustbin of history. The new Cabinet appears to have replaced it with a survival of the fittest agenda. The cost of living has massively outpaced income for many Disabled people. We have serious concerns that Disabled lives will be lost this winter.”
DR UK recently wrote to the Chancellor as part of the Civil Society Group. DR UK recently wrote to the Chancellor as part of the Civil Society Group. Access a PDF of the letter on the DR UK website.
Government will not raise benefits until April
Despite the double digit rise in inflation, the Government has rejected calls to urgently address the adequacy and uprating of social security benefits.
In July 2022, in its Cost of Living report, the Work and Pensions cross-party Committee of MPs recommended that the Government review the adequacy of benefit levels and publish its findings.
However, in response to the Committee’s report, the Government said:
“The Government does not intend to conduct a specific review into the adequacy of benefit levels. There is no objective way of deciding what an adequate level of benefit should be as everyone has different requirements, and beneficiaries are free to spend their benefit as they see fit, in the light of their individual commitments, needs and preferences. Read more on benefits not rising on the DR UK website.