As generally expected, the Chancellor’s speech was relatively low-key, with the most important issues for Disabled people still in the pipeline.
We got a bit more clarity on timing: the review of Personal Independence Payment chaired by Sir Stephen Timms and the review of young people and work led by Alan Milburn will report in November, with an initial Government reaction by the end of the year, followed by a White Paper and then legislation in the New Year.
This information on timing doesn’t in any way reduce our concerns that these reviews could be manipulated as an excuse for cuts. Yes, PIP needs improvement and yes, the barriers to employment faced by Disabled young people need to be tackled, but more poverty must not be smuggled in under cover of the need for change.
We must hope for the best, but be ready to challenge cuts.
