In this consultation response, we expressed some of our concerns with the Green Paper's framing and proposed reforms.
- Chilling Effect and Negative Impact: The proposed reforms have created a "chilling effect” on potentially impacted individuals, including our clients; this has led to heightened anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts due to fears of losing benefits. We believe that these proposals are already having very real-life consequences, impacting some of the most vulnerable and marginalised in our communities.
- Fiscal Priorities and Taxation: We challenged the Green Paper's binary choice between cutting benefits or reducing funds for other public services. We argued that the government has other choices, such as adopting a progressive and just tax system on income, property, and businesses, which could realise billions for the Treasury and significantly outstrip the value of the cuts proposed here.
- Root Causes of Ill-Health and Inequality: We criticised the Green Paper’s superficial approach to addressing the main causes of increased ill-health. We emphasised that social determinants of health such as inequality, deprivation, and unequal access to quality education, housing, and a basic standard of living are the core problems. Instead of cutting benefits, the government should address these root causes and focus on a fairer economic system, affordable housing, energy, food, transport and digital access.
- Misleading Comparisons to Other Countries: We argued that comparisons to other countries' disability benefit expenditures are disingenuous, as they fail to recognise the role that social security and health investment play in preventing ill-health and ensuring access to basic safety nets. The UK has one of the lowest rates of social spending as a percentage of GDP among G7 countries.
- Harmful Language and Financial Detriment: The language used in the Green Paper, which implies that people on Universal Credit (UC) are on a "one-way street where people are abandoned and very unlikely to ever work again," contributes to dehumanising narratives. Proposed financial changes, including a £47 reduction in the health element for new claimants, could cause people to lose up to 24% of their income, exacerbating existing poverty conditions.
- Human Rights and Consultation Failings: We echoed concerns from the Disabled People’s Organisations (DPO) Forum England that the consultation falls short of good practice principles and limits the human right to participation, particularly due to a lack of accessible formats.
- DWP Systemic Issues Ignored: The Green Paper provides little to no detail on any appropriate changes to DWP itself. We highlighted that the DWP is believed to already not be providing a decent service to all its customers, including vulnerable individuals, nor does it fully understand the experience of its vulnerable customers. The Green Paper ignores the proven link between poverty and ill-health and puts the onus for managing the Government’s finances on disabled people. We urged for a more person-centred and compassionate approach to any welfare reforms.