We are committed to protecting the most vulnerable and targeting support on those most in need. Spending on Disability support will be higher each and every year to 2020 than it was in 2010 meaning we now spend over £50 billion to support people with disabilities and health conditions. This represents 2.5% of our GDP and is significantly higher than either France or Germany and the OECD average.
Over 3.2 million people with a Disability are now in employment. 152,000 more than this time last year. There is an overwhelming body of evidence that work is generally good for physical and mental well-being and 61% of those in the Work Related Activity Group say that they want to work. But just 1 in 100 of WRAG claimants move off the benefit each month as opposed to 1 in 5 Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) claimants.
The existing policy set up by Labour in 2008 is failing those claimants that want to work.
From April 2017, new ESA claimants placed in the work-related activity group (WRAG) will receive the same rate of benefit as Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA). It is important to note that this change only affects new claims after that date and will not affect those already receiving ESA.
Those in the WRAG currently receive additional cash payments but little employment support appropriate for their needs. Instead of spending money on cash payments, which are not having the desired effect of moving people closer to work, the Government wants to invest in additional practical support for people with limited capability for work. This new funding will be worth £100 million by 2020-21.
6/04/16
As you may be aware, during the Secretary of State’s statement to the House of Commons on Monday 21st March, he outlined that there would be no further cuts to disability benefits this Parliament.
