Pathways to Work consultation

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Liz Kendall has published the government’s plans to reform welfare in a Green Paper titled ‘Pathways to Work’. 

My starting point with this is one I think most people can agree on: we need a welfare system that works for all of us. Those who can work, should. Those who need adjustments in the workplace should get them. And importantly, those who cannot work should always be properly supported. 

There is no doubt that the current system is failing. Too many people are stuck on benefits with not enough support to get into work, too many employers don't or can't do enough to make adjustments for staff who need them, and too many young people are not in education, employment or training – about 1 in 8 nationally, which is around 1 million young people. And there is no getting away from the fact that the cost of the welfare bill is spiralling and unsustainable.

I welcome a lot of what the government has announced including £1billion for employment support, scrapping Work Capability Assessments, increasing Universal Credit above inflation, introducing a ‘Right to Try’ so people can have a go at working and return to their benefits without a reassessment if it doesn’t work out, and giving more support for those severely disabled who will sadly never be able to work. 

However I am concerned about proposals to raise the threshold for the Personal Independence Payment Daily Living payment, and I am worried too about the idea of increasing the age for young people to qualify for the Universal Credit Health element to 22.

It is important to note that none of the reforms announced by the government will result in any immediate changes to anyone’s benefits. I want to reassure all my constituents that my office and I will continue to be available to help people access benefits or advice. 

You can read the Green Paper and take part in the government consultation here, where accessible formats are also available:  Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper - GOV.UK 

I would also be grateful if you could share your views with me. I have been speaking with local organisations which offer a range of support to disabled people, older people and younger people, and I have found their input extremely helpful. 

I want to hear from as many people as possible about what's not working in our welfare system right now, what is, and what needs to change for the better. 

If you live in St Helens North, please tell me your views below: