Is Universal Credit working for disabled people?
4 July 2018
In a public hearing on Universal Credit (UC)– a benefit promoted for its effect on employment - the Work and Pensions Committee looks at how UC is working for disabled people.
- Watch Parliament TV: Universal Credit rollout
- Inquiry: Universal Credit rollout
- Work and Pensions Committee
Purpose of the Session
There is evidence that, for example, applying sanctions to disabled people for failing to meet a claimant commitment actually reduces their likelihood of getting into work. Young carers – children looking after a severely disabled parent who has no other "designated carer" – may also be disproportionately affected by the removal of the "disability premium" under UC.
Areas of questioning will include
How the disability employment adviser model could be enhanced, whether the Work and Health programme is working as expected and what the impact is of cutting back the Work Programme, the specific impact of UC for disabled students, and whether Work Coaches are adequately skilled and knowledgeable to make Universal Credit work for disabled people.
Witnesses
Wednesday 4 July, Grimond Room, Portcullis House
At 9.30am
- Rob Holland, Co-Chair, Disability Benefit Consortium and Public Affairs Manager, Mencap
- Gemma Hope, Director of Policy, Marketing and Communications, Shaw Trust
- Daphne Hall, Vice Chair, National Association of Welfare Rights Advisors
At 10.15am
- Afzal Rahman, Senior Policy Researcher, Citizens Advice
- Daniel Norris, Welfare Rights Adviser, Early Warning System, Child Poverty Action Group
- Sam Royston, Director of Policy, Research and Public Affairs, The Children's Society
Further information
Image: PA