Mind reacts to potential changes to benefits in England
News that the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is considering making significant changes to disability benefits affecting young people has appeared in the Guardian this morning.
The proposals include removing the health element of Universal Credit for the under 25s, and replacing it with a support package to help people get into work.
According to the piece, the extra support will include subsidised jobs for younger people, more targeted “back to work” schemes and support with mental health.
As part of the same package, officials are looking at a new system to replace Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said:
“While greater support for young people looking to get back into work is vital, any changes to benefits must take into account the day-to-day living costs that people face – and the impact any cuts will have on them being able to meet them.
“We know that many young people with mental health problems who rely on benefits are already struggling to make ends meet. With financial insecurity being one of the key drivers of poor mental health, any cuts to benefits could risk undermining people's health and wellbeing further.
"We welcome additional efforts to support young people with poor mental health back into work, education or training. But if people are focussed on struggling to meet their essential costs, they will be unable to fully engage and could end up trapped in an ongoing cycle of poverty and poor mental health."
