The government’s £1 billion pledge marks a step in the right direction, but without real investment and long-term protections, it risks falling short of the support disabled people truly need.
By Mark Webster, Disability Officer – Telford and Wrekin Green Party
The welfare reforms impact on disabled people has sparked justified concern across the country.
Today, we welcome the government’s partial U-turn on its controversial policies and the decision to bring forward £1 billion in support for disabled people entering work. Any move that eases pressure on sick and disabled people is worth celebrating. But let’s be honest: £1 billion may sound significant, yet it falls far short of what’s needed. Without proper scaling, this funding risks being little more than a headline – not a solution.
We’re also disappointed by the silence of our local Labour MP, Shaun Davies. At a time when disabled people and their families need strong voices in Parliament, silence is a betrayal of those they serve.
Crucially, this so-called U-turn applies only to current claimants. The government is creating a two-tier system – protecting some while exposing future disabled people to harsher rules. Most of us are healthy today, but any of us could become disabled tomorrow. We cannot accept a system that pushes future disabled people into greater poverty.
The way this bill is being pushed through Parliament is another serious injustice. Bypassing the committee stage and allowing MPs just a few hours to scrutinise sweeping changes is not democracy – it’s a travesty. Sick and disabled people, both now and in the future, deserve better.
Even those protected today will face the new rules when they renew their claims between now and 2030. We may have won a skirmish, but the government’s broader attack on the rights and dignity of disabled people continues. We must keep resisting these unjust policies and stand up for everyone who will become sick, disabled, or a carer in the years ahead.
As Disability Officer for The Green Party in Telford and Wrekin, I want to assure every sick and disabled person, every carer and family member, that we are not giving up. We will keep leading the local campaign, fighting for dignity, justice, and equality – for today and tomorrow.
Take heart in this win – it is a win. But stay resolute. Our fight continues, and together, we will continue to push for real justice and equality.
Thank you to everyone for supporting our campaign so far. I look forward to working with many more of you as we build a fairer future.
To stay up to date about disability issues in Telford and The Wrekin, along with helpful resources, be sure to check out Mark’s newsletter Crips Against Cuts – Telford and Wrekin. Find that here: https://cactw.blogspot.com/.