There was a story doing the rounds over the weekend. A disabled individual, in his 70s, had trouble with washing himself, so he needed help from his wife. Because she had to look after him, she was deemed to be his carer, and so received carer’s allowance. But over time, she developed dementia, and so needed caring herself. So, her husband was given carer’s allowance too.
This story illustrates just how ridiculous the benefits system has become. Aside from the obvious fact the two cannot be carers for each other (in this context), this household was not receiving the proper care it needed. Taxpayers’ money going to the wrong place.
This week, Work and Pensions Secretary announced cuts to the welfare system. This has gone down badly with some of her colleagues in Parliament, but she is trying to address a problem that needs fixing. The reality is that disability benefits are ballooning and are expected to grow form the current annual bill of £65 billion, to around £100 billion by 2029. Liz Kendal’s proposals are designed to cut just £5 billion each year form the budget.
However, whilst Labour MPs are concerned about pushing disabled people into poverty, others suggest that her approach is not the one that will fix the problem. The IFS have pointed out that toughening eligibility criteria may push people out of benefits, but it is an uncertain science. It is entirely possible that this makes no difference at all. Or it might make more difference. No one really knows.
Those receiving personal independent payments (PIPs) will face tighter criteria from next year. Those receiving incapacity benefits under universal credit will see payments frozen at £97 per week, with no prospect of any rise until 2029. But for those with sever, life long conditions who will never work will have their income protected.
As ever, the devil is in the detail. There is a cross party consensus that things have not got anywhere near back to normal after the Covid pandemic. Far too many people are not working, citing (in many cases) mental health issues. All of us agree that a caring society seeks to help those in need, and disabled people need our help. But we also agree that those who game the system should be weeded out. But where should the line be drawn? And how should disability be defined? This will be a long debate.