Rallying call for disabled people to have their say on shaping future of benefits system

Disabled people across the country are being urged to have their say in shaping the future of the benefits system by responding to the Health and Disability Green Paper consultation.

The 12-week online survey closes in two months and Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson has issued a rallying call to the public to help inform changes that will improve people’s lives.  

Minister for Disabled People Justin Tomlinson said:

“I am truly grateful to all those who have already had their say and urge anyone who hasn’t, please do get involved.

“Responses from the Green Paper consultation will help us create a fairer benefits system that better serves the needs of disabled people and those with health conditions, now and in the future.

“We have identified key areas for change and with your input, we can make these a reality that have a lasting and meaningful impact on people’s lives.”

The Health and Disability Green Paper consultation includes changes, which could:

• Enable independent living and test the role of advocacy so people who need extra help to navigate the benefits system get the right level of support and information first time.
• Review how assessments are carried out including exploring the potential for longer-term use of telephone and video assessments and looking at how reassessments work, including testing a new Severe Disability Group (SDG) for people with severe and life-long conditions that will not improve. This could see those who meet the criteria experiencing a more simplified application process, without the need for an assessment to receive financial support.
• Improve support for disabled people to help them start, stay and succeed in work through the Work and Health Programme, Access to Work and on personalising employment support, recognising that one size does not fit all.

The online survey is running alongside a series of consultation events with disabled people and those with health conditions and their representatives. This includes virtual and face-to-face events covering England, Scotland and Wales.

Following the consultation, detailed proposals will be brought forward in a White Paper next year, setting out how people can be enabled to take up work and live more independently, and outline the changes the Government wants to make to the benefits system.