MP's concern over incapacity changes

An MP has expressed concern that the Government’s shake-up of the welfare system may leave some disabled people worse off.

John Battle (Lab, Leeds West) has put his name to a parliamentary motion calling on the Government to look again at its plans for the Employment and Support Allowance – which will replace both incapacity benefit and income support for new claimants from October.

Mr Battle said: “The Government has rightly put forward plans to better support disabled people in looking for work, but there remains an issue over the rate for the new Employment and Support Allowance.

“The rate proposed at the moment will mean an effective drop of £1.85 for some claimants. Considering that as many as three million people with disabilities in the UK are estimated to be trapped in poverty, a drop in the rate could have a serious impact on some of the most vulnerable people in our society. I am asking the Government to look again at it.”

The motion Mr Battle has signed:
EDM 1595
EMPLOYMENT AND SUPPORT ALLOWANCE
16.05.2008
Berry, Roger

That this House welcomes the intention of the Welfare Reform Act 2007 to provide better support to disabled people looking for work and the commitments previously made by the Secretary of State to pay the Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) above the current rate of long-term incapacity benefit (IB) for the main phase and at a significantly higher amount for the support group; is however concerned that income-based ESA claimants will receive £1.85 per week less than the (IB) equivalent and that many support group claimants will receive over £10 per week less than the IB equivalent; notes that disability organisations have warned that both disability poverty and child poverty could worsen as a result of the proposed ESA rates; further notes that the 18th Report of the House of Lords Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee draws special attention to the ESA regulations laid before Parliament on 27th March 2008 with the recommendation that the Government addresses the concerns of interest groups; and calls on the Government to consider postponing the start date for ESA until such time as outstanding concerns about benefit reductions and further problems identified in the Merits of Statutory Instruments Committee report are addressed.

©John Battle MP 3 June 2008

Related Articles

• View Menu In Large Print • Health in the Community • John Battle MP Springs Into Spring • House of Commons Mental Health Debate, 25 June 2002 • John Battle MP says Leeds Needs a Children's Hospital • John Battle Praises Good Advice At The Doctors' • John Battle MP Welcomes New NHS Money For Leeds • John Battle MP launches Parliamentary Motion On Epilepsy • Big Hearted MP Urges Romantics To Help The BHF Raise £1Million This Valentine's Day! • John Battle MP Backs Disabled Rights Campaign • MP Demands Action On Digital Hearing Aids • MP opens new mobility centre in Armley • Local MP visits RNIB stand for a sight into the future • 'Save epilepsy nurses' - MP's plea to Government • MP Battle Calls For Government Support For Breast Screening Services • John Battle pledges support to campaign to tackle AIDS • Local MP Calls On Government To End Disability Poverty • MP Welcomes NICE Decision On Alimta • Leeds MP Makes Plea For “The Campaign that will die out” • MP's concern over incapacity changes • MP has burning message for West Leeds youngsters • MP celebrates NHS at 60 • John Battle Opens the new Wortley Beck Health Centre • John Battle MP Supports People With Autism • Leeds West MP Dares To Wear It Pink • Leeds West MP Dares To Wear It Pink