Health secretary Wes Streeting has claimed there’s an “overdiagnosis” of some mental health conditions — and that’s why the government is making big changes to the welfare system.
Streeting believes too many people are being labelled as unable to work when, with the right support, they could still contribute. He insists the government’s welfare reforms aim to get more people back into work while still protecting those who genuinely can’t work.
Overdiagnosis and lack of support
Speaking on Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg, Streeting agreed that mental health overdiagnosis is a real issue.
“Mental wellbeing and illness are on a spectrum,” he said. “I think there’s definitely an overdiagnosis. But the bigger problem is that too many people are being written off and not getting the support they need.”
He argued that early intervention could prevent people from being sidelined.
“If you can get that support to people earlier, you can help them stay in work or get back to work,” he added.
Pip freeze backlash
Streeting faced tough questions over whether the government plans to freeze the personal independence payment (Pip) — a key benefit for people with disabilities. Reports suggest the government has abandoned the idea after a fierce backlash from Labour MPs.
Streeting didn’t deny it but suggested nothing had been finalised yet.
“I haven’t seen the full plans — they haven’t come to cabinet yet,” he said. “But I know the work and pensions secretary wants to support people who need help the most.”
Changes to Pip are still expected, including tighter rules on eligibility and reforms to employment support for those too sick or disabled to work.
Balancing support with responsibility
Streeting insisted that reform is necessary to tackle the growing number of people out of work due to long-term health issues.
“We’ve got one in eight young people not in education, employment or training. We’ve got one in ten people off work sick, and three million people shut out of the labour market because of long-term illness,” he said.
He stressed that some people with severe disabilities or chronic illnesses would never be able to work — and they must be supported.
“Of course, some people won’t be able to work — and they need proper support,” he said. “But the welfare state also needs to be a springboard back to work for those who can contribute.”
Streeting argued that too many people are being left behind when they could still play a role in society.
“Lots of people get written off as if they can’t contribute — when they can and want to,” he said.
No intention to punish the vulnerable
Streeting insisted the government isn’t trying to take money away from the most vulnerable.
“I didn’t get into politics to take money from the poorest and most vulnerable,” he said. “We want to support people with dignity, independence, and a good quality of life.”
He emphasised that the goal is to help people improve their lives, not to punish them.
“We need to strike the right balance — supporting those who can’t work while encouraging those who can,” he added.
You can watch it below:
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