David Baines MP says welfare system in 'need of reform' ahead of cuts

Following Rachel Reeves' spring statement last week, it was announced that £6.4bn will be cut from the health and disability benefits bill by 2030, with planned cuts to personal independence payments, carer's allowance, and universal credit.

As well as cutting costs, the government believes that the new measures will ensure that the welfare system is "fit for purpose", while a £1bn support package will be introduced to help disabled and long-term sick people back into employment.

However, the independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) was unable to say how effective those employment support measures will be, and the Department for Work and Pensions predict that the changes could push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.

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David Baines has commented on the welfare changes (Image: David Baines MP) While the decision to cut and tighten restrictions around the welfare bill has proved controversial, St Helens North MP, David Baines, said that the planned changes will give people a better chance of getting into work.

David Baines MP said: "The welfare system is in desperate need of reform.

"Too many people are stuck on benefits with not enough support to get into work, and too many young people are not in education, employment or training – about 1 in 8 nationally, which is around 1 million young people.

"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’s important to note that no changes will be made immediately and I want to reassure all my constituents that my office and I will continue to be available to help people access benefits or advice.

"I encourage all residents with an interest in this to take part in the consultation which will be open until at least 30th June"