London Mayor Objects to Government Welfare Reform

15/01/2012

London Mayor Boris Johnson has joined the debate over the Welfare Reform Bill by voicing his concerns over the new payment system.

The Mayor’s objections came to light following a Freedom of Information request which showed his response to last year's consultation stated he was concerned that the planned changes will see thousands of disabled people lose some of their benefits and push already disadvantaged disabled people further into poverty.

Necessary Reform

His response states: “While some reform is necessary, the Mayor is concerned that, if the focus of this reform is solely efficiency driven, government may fail to ensure that the needs of disabled people are adequately met.”

Many claimants use the benefit to pay for mobility aids, mobility cars, travel and expenses related to specific medical conditions.  Campaigners claim the payments are vital to enable disabled people to work and be as independent as possible.

Mr Johnson’s views, which were submitted as part of the consultation period last year, will put more pressure on the government ahead of key debates on the Welfare Reform Bill which are due to be held in the House of Lords over the next two weeks.

New Payment System

The new Bill proposes to replace the current Disability Living Allowance payments with the new Personal Independence Payment (PIP).  The new system will target payments at those deemed most in need as a way of reducing spending on benefits by 20% by 2015-16.  Currently the benefit is paid to 3.2 million people.

A spokesperson for the Department of Work and Pensions commented: “Disability Living Allowance is an outdated benefit which fails to target support at those who need it most.  Our initial consultation ran almost a year ago and our proposals have developed significantly since then.  We have been working closely with disabled people and disability organisations on the introduction of the Personal Independence Payment and have listened to their views.”