Labour plans to go ahead with a controversial reform of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), despite growing warnings from charities and campaigners. In her recent budget announcement, Chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that Labour “inherited the last government’s plan to reform the work capability assessment (WCA)” and intends to carry on with these changes.
Labour defends decision amid criticism
Reeves explained that these reforms are part of Labour’s broader strategy to reshape health and disability benefits. However, the anti-poverty charity Z2K has urged Labour to reconsider. Z2K’s CEO, Anela Anwar, described the plans as “dangerous and poorly thought-out” and called on Labour to “scrap these half-baked, deeply harmful plans.”
Calls for compassion and understanding
More than 11,000 people have signed a petition urging Labour to drop the WCA reforms. Miracle Maduforo, who lives with multiple disabilities, stressed the need for compassion in policies. “Disabled people have ambitions and hopes. We need stability to live the lives we want,” he said. Maduforo added that each person’s needs are unique and assessors must understand this to make fair decisions.
Claimants share ‘traumatic’ experiences
Carl, another claimant, described his experience with the WCA as “traumatic.” He explained, “They kept saying nothing was wrong, and I started doubting myself. Was it all in my head?”
Experts warn of severe impact on vulnerable people
Thomas Lawson, CEO of Turn2us, argued that the budget falls short in protecting those most at risk. While he welcomed some positive steps, like the minimum wage increase, Lawson warned that the WCA reforms could cause real harm. “These changes could leave 450,000 people who cannot work due to health issues almost £5,000 a year worse off,” he stated.
Lawson called on the government to “scrap the two-child limit, remove the five-week wait for Universal Credit, and raise its amount to cover essentials.” He added, “It’s time for a compassionate system, free from stigma, and shaped by those with lived experience.”
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