LTCAS Welfare Reform Concerns

You may well be aware of the changes being made to welfare benefits, including a pilot in Aberdeen to reassess people who currently receive Incapacity Benefit or Employment Support Allowance. People who are found to be capable of work will be moved to Job Seekers Allowance which, for some people, will mean a reduction of around £25 a week in their benefit.

We have already written to MPs to highlight concerns about the impact of the reforms on many people who live with long term conditions. In particular it is not clear that the 'fit for work' assessments take into account the fluctuating nature of some conditions, or of conditions which are less visible. We also raised the need to do more to tackle the barriers people face because of lack of understanding or flexibility from employers or prospective employers.

We would like to know whether the people you represent have been affected by the welfare reforms, or if you have any concerns about how they might be affected in the coming months.

Although welfare reform is dealt with by the UK Government, we are due to have discussions with Scottish Government colleagues who are keen to look at how they can respond to issues caused by the reforms. We have also been invited to provide information to Annabelle Goldie, leader of the Scottish Conservatives, who has said she will raise our members' concerns with Ian Duncan Smith, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

If you have views, concerns or examples that you are able to share with us (please email them to me at [email protected]) that would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks

Shelley

Shelley Gray
Director of Policy and Campaigns
Long Term Conditions Alliance Scotland (LTCAS)
Venlaw Building
349 Bath Street
Glasgow G2 4AA


Tel: 0141 404 0231 Fax: 0141 246 0348
Mobile: 07816 509 772
Charity No. SC 037475
Company No. 307731


www.ltcas.org.uk