Millions of Brits on DWP Universal Credit warned over important new rule change

Millions of Universal Credit claimants have been issued with a warning over a rule change being forced "through". National disability charity Sense has raised concerns ahead of the Universal Credit Bill passing through the House of Lords and all remaining stages of the legislation later today.

Sense remains deeply worried about the Universal Credit alterations this bill aims to implement, which will result in some disabled people assessed as facing the greatest employment barriers being £47 a week worse off if they make claims after these modifications take effect.

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James Watson-O'Neill, chief executive at the national disability charity Sense, said: "We're grateful to everyone who campaigned to secure important concessions on this bill, but we remain deeply concerned about the impact these changes will have on disabled people who claim Universal Credit in the future.

"When over half of disabled people with complex needs who rely on benefits can't afford essential bills, cutting support should never have been on the table.

"We want the government to scrap its proposal to remove the health-related element of Universal Credit for disabled people under 22. This would leave thousands of young disabled people with complex needs £100 a week worse off – an unacceptable blow to those who already face significant barriers and extra costs. Any future benefits reforms must be co-produced with disabled people.

"We have the ideas and expertise as disabled people, and as organisations working alongside disabled people, to make the benefits system fairer and more effective – now it's time for the government to listen."

Birmingham Live reports that James continued: "The government has promised to tackle the barriers preventing disabled people from entering employment – such as negative attitudes from employers, the lack of assistive technology in JobCentres, and the unlawful denial of reasonable adjustments.

"We welcome this commitment, but we will hold the government to account to ensure these changes are delivered effectively and in genuine collaboration with disabled people."

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