Labour has indicated its intention to proceed with controversial cuts to disability benefits, despite a High Court ruling that the consultation process around the scheme was unlawful. The proposed changes, which include reducing Personal Independence Payment (PIP) by hundreds of pounds for new applicants by 2029, are based on changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) system. The reforms are expected to affect over 450,000 disabled people, with many facing potential monthly losses of up to £416. The Government's stance comes despite a High Court ruling in favour of activist Ellen Clifford, who challenged the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) consultation process. The court found that the previous Conservative government had misled consultees about the purpose of the changes, stating that cost savings were a key motivation.
Labour have indicated they will pursue controversial disability benefit cuts despite a legal ruling that consultation around the scheme was "unlawful". The Work & Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall and the Chancellor Rachel Reeves have both signalled moves to cut billions from the benefits bill.
The changes are expected to affect more than 450,000 disabled people, with most facing potential losses of up to £416 monthly at current benefit rates, according to disability rights campaigners. The Government's stance comes despite a High Court ruling in favour of activist Ellen Clifford, who challenged the Department for Work and Pensions' consultation process.
Internal DWP documents revealed showed that cost savings were a key motivation behind the changes. The eight-week consultation period was also deemed too short by the court. A Government spokesperson responded to the verdict, stating: "The judge has found the previous Government failed to adequately explain their proposals."
Ellen Clifford, the disability rights campaigner who brought the legal action against the Government, said she was “overjoyed” the judge had ruled in her favour. But, she told The i Paper: “The Labour Government seems committed to the same policy - making up for failings in the economy by taking money away from disabled benefit claimants. The ruling means they now have to be honest and open about the fact that it’s about trying to save money. There is now time for more parliamentary scrutiny.
DISABILITY BENEFITS WORK CAPABILITY ASSESSMENT LABOUR PARTY HIGH COURT CONSULTATION PROCESS
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