LOTHIAN MSP CALLS FOR CRISIS SUMMIT ON FESTIVAL FUNDING
Foysol Choudhury, list MSP for Lothian and Shadow Culture Minster for Scottish Labour, has today pressed the Scottish Government to heed Scottish Labour’s calls for a crisis summit on festival funding.
Mr Choudhury questioned the Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Angus Robertson MSP, in the Scottish Parliament’s Chamber today (15th May 2024).
MSP Choudhury said: “Although the Scottish Government may claim to support Scotland’s cultural sector, the situation on the ground is very different.
“It is clear that Scotland’s cultural sector is under enormous pressure, with cultural organisations crying out for support and venues and festivals under threat.
“Yet, the Scottish Government still won’t heed Scottish Labour’s calls for a crisis summit on festival funding.
“We need the concrete action of a festivals crisis summit now, not more weak platitudes from the Scottish Government.”
MSP Choudhury also raised concerns about the Scottish Government’s structure and governance and how this is impacting the culture sector.
Mr Choudhury echoed his Labour colleague Neil Bibby’s sentiments, which Mr Bibby raised in the Scottish Parliament today, about the Cabinet Secretary’s conflict of interest.
As Mr Robertson is MSP for Edinburgh Central, and Edinburgh is a major cultural hub, the Labour MSPs argue that the Cabinet Secretary should recuse himself from cultural matters pertaining to Edinburgh.
Something which will be made very difficult, they say, as there is now no specific Culture Minister in John Swinney’s new Scottish Government.
Mr Choudhury said: “Yet again we are seeing the Scottish Government’s contempt for culture as the Culture Minister role has been disposed of-meaning the Cabinet Secretary will have no Minister focused specially on culture to pass Edinburgh based cultural matters to, instead having to rely on the Deputy First Minister to pick up the pieces.
“This is not the first time we have seen the Scottish Government’s poor governance choices impact our cultural sector-whilst Creative Scotland funding is at a standstill level, the Scottish Government have been wasting nearly £2 million on staffing for the “Building New Scotland” Papers.
“Now that the Minister for Independence has been scrapped, which will hopefully stop wasting money which could have been spent to save our cultural sector, I am now also calling on the Scottish Government to scrap the independence papers altogether and reallocate the funds towards culture in Scotland.”
Mr Choudhury says he will continue to pursue the Scottish Government to take concrete action on the crisis hitting the cultural sector in Scotland and to recalibrate their governance priorities, to ensure money spent on party-driven ideologies like independence is instead spent on saving the cultural sector, which he says can benefit the whole of Scotland regardless of party allegiance.
The team at Amazon’s fulfilment centre in Dunfermline has donated products to Scot Baby Box appeal.
Scot Baby Box Appeal provides support to families with newborn babies in Ukraine. The charity distributes pre-loved baby boxes, supplies for relief efforts and other necessities across the country.
A group of 13 employees from Amazon in Dunfermline visited the charity’s hub in Coatbridge to deliver a donation of toiletries, vitamins and drinks.
As well as the donation, the team from Amazon in Dunfermline provided space management support to the charity to ensure safe and efficient working conditions for the staff and volunteers at Scot Baby Box Appeal.
Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Scot Baby Box Appeal holds a special place in our hearts at Amazon in Dunfermline, as we’ve supported its efforts in the past.
“I’m proud to have a team that shares its expertise with others and wants to help continue supporting an important cause.”
Alasdair Brown, an employee from Amazon in Dunfermline who visited the charity, said: “I always enjoy volunteering, and I’m so pleased to work at a company that allows me to follow my passion and support charities like Scot Baby Box Appeal.
“The team and I had a great time helping with the organisation of community donations and catching up with the charity’s team.”
Gill Cura, from Scot Baby Box Appeal, added: “I would like to say thank you to the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for taking time out of their day to deliver their donation and volunteer with us.
“Their support is always appreciated, and with this donation, we can continue to support people just like us who are dealing with difficult circumstances. It’s a great community effort.”
Community donations and employee volunteering are just two of the ways Amazon supports the communities where it operates.
Amazon co-founded the Multibank initiative with former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown to support families in poverty. The first Multibank, ‘The Big Hoose’, opened in Fife providing surplus essentials like nappies, toilet rolls, toothpaste and school uniforms, donated by Amazon and others, directly to those in need.
The initiative has gone on to donate more than 2 million goods to over 200,000 families across Scotland and Greater Manchester.
Amazon also helps community organisations transport meals and other essentials to families in need through its pro bono logistics programme, Amazon Local Good, including more than seven million healthy breakfasts to children at risk of hunger in partnership with Magic Breakfast.
Amazon partners with Comic Relief to help people tackle poverty and is the official home of the charity’s iconic Red Nose. Last year, together with its employees, customers, and partners, Amazon raised over £4.8 million to fund projects that support people struggling with the cost-of-living crisis and tackle issues such as homelessness, mental health problems, and food insecurity across the UK, and around the world.
The Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK) has teamed up with several charities to fight for more accessible and affordable defibrillators in the United Kingdom.
As key stakeholders committed to the advancement of public health in the UK, RLSS UK, alongside nine other partners, have come together to lobby for the removal of Value of Added Tax (VAT) from defibrillators.
Research found that in the most deprived areas of England and Scotland, the nearest 24/7 accessible defibrillator is on average a round trip of over a mile, or 1.8km[1]. The past two years have also seen a surge in costs of automated external defibrillators from £750 to £950, which continues to impact the chance of surviving a cardiac arrest.
Pivotal in saving lives during emergencies, the current VAT on defibrillators poses a substantial barrier to their widespread availability, impeding community efforts to enhance public safety and why the group RLSS UK has written to all major parties asking for their support by pledging in their manifestos to reduce costs around this vital piece of lifesaving piece of equipment.
The letter has been signed by RLSS UK, alongside Air Ambulances UK, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives, British Heart Foundation, British Red Cross, Justin Edinburgh 3 Foundation, Resuscitation Council UK, St John Ambulance, St John Ambulance Cymru, St Andrew’s First Aid and Andy Reid, a Cardiac Arrest and Defibrillator Campaigner.
Robert Gofton, Chief Executive Officer at RLSS UK, said: “Here at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, our mission revolves around education, training and support for lifesaving initiatives – and promoting the accessibility and affordability of key lifesaving equipment in the UK is no exception.
“Defibrillators are indispensable in cardiac emergencies, where timely access can be the difference between life and death. Therefore, we are steadfast in our commitment to advocate for this critical cause.
“The significance of reducing VAT on such life-saving equipment is underscored by the unified stance of numerous organisations supporting this campaign. Together, we champion this change, ensuring our collective voice resonates clearly. It is imperative that our next government prioritises the removal of VAT from defibrillators.
“In this letter, we appeal to all major political parties to include support for VAT removal on defibrillators in their manifestos. Our goal is to narrow the accessibility gap for this vital equipment, ultimately saving lives and advancing a more equitable public health agenda across the UK.”
A copy of the letter sent to the Prime Minister:
The Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP Prime Minister
10 Downing Street
London SW1A 2AA
May 2024
Dear Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister
We trust this letter finds you in good health. We write to you as representatives of key stakeholders deeply committed to the advancement of public health in the UK. Our collective mission revolves around education, training, and support for life-saving initiatives. Today, we bring to your attention a matter of paramount importance: the accessibility and affordability of defibrillators in the United Kingdom.
As you are undoubtedly aware, defibrillators play a pivotal role in saving lives during cardiac emergencies. The timely availability of these life-saving devices can significantly impact the survival rates of individuals experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. Regrettably, the current imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on defibrillators poses a substantial barrier to their widespread availability, impeding community efforts to enhance public safety. Over the past two years, prices have surged from an average of £750 to £950 for an automated external defibrillator.
Please refer to the Appendix at the end of this letter, which underscores the critical influence of a person’s postcode on their or a loved one’s chance of surviving a cardiac arrest. Such disparities are incongruent with any equitable levelling-up agenda. Consequently, we respectfully request your party’s support in advocating for the removal of VAT on defibrillators. This seemingly modest yet impactful change would not only render these devices more affordable for individuals and organisations, particularly in the most deprived areas but would also contribute to fostering a safer and more prepared society.
We earnestly urge you to consider incorporating this commitment into your party’s next manifesto. Such proactive measures would exemplify your party’s dedication to improving public health, fortifying community resilience, and, most importantly, saving lives.
We acknowledge the myriad demands on your time and resources, but we firmly believe that prioritising this issue aligns seamlessly with the values of the Conservatives and its unwavering commitment to the well-being of our citizens. Your support on this matter would not only underscore a dedication to public health but also resonate positively with voters who prioritise community safety and emergency preparedness.
Your thoughtful consideration of this request is immensely appreciated, and we sincerely hope that the Conservative Party will assume a leading role in championing this vital cause. We eagerly await your response, and are looking forward to hearing about the Conservative’s stance on this issue and its commitment to improving access to life-saving defibrillators in the United Kingdom.
Thank you for your time and attention to this critical matter and we look forward to your manifesto support for this vital piece of lifesaving equipment.
Best wishes
For more information about our lifesaving aims, please visit our website www.rlss.org.uk.
BBC ALBA is delving into the ‘covert’ sexual history of the Gaelic language and it’s speakers in a new Trusadh documentary.
Feise ann an Gàidhlig | Sex in Gaelic explores the way sex has been perceived in Gaelic literature, poetry, music and customs across the centuries – studying language which has never been discussed on Gaelic TV.
Airing on Monday 20 May at 10pm, the fascinating, eye-opening, even shocking historic relationship between sex and the Gael will be uncovered with the help of artistic and academic experts.
Directed and presented by Scottish writer, Catriona Lexy Campbell, the 60-minute documentary will take audiences on a trip across Scotland to discover the Gaels who helped shape – or dispel – wider societal perceptions of and attitudes to sex.
At the University of St Andrews, Catriona meets Peter Mackay, co-author of The Little Blue Book – the first collection of ‘obscene and transgressive’ Gaelic poetry. Together they discuss the oldest erotic verse in the Gaelic language and learn about the colourful characters who wrote them.
In the Isle of Skye Catriona meets singer and folklorist, Anne Martin, to learn about how women dealt with sex and risk – through song.
In Inverness-shire, acclaimed author Sarah Fraser tells the story of Alexander Macdonald, one of the most renowned Gaelic poets who – thanks to some of his more expressive verses – is also one of the most censored.
Catriona said: “For the first time, we are uncovering language that hasn’t been discussed on Gaelic television before.
“Though there is sometimes the view that the Gaels are particularly reserved people when it comes to discussing emotions or sexuality, when we look closely at this historic literature, that’s not really the case.
“There is clear evidence of people being more expressive about sex than was previously thought. That’s why we’re putting a spotlight on understanding and preserving the explicit, and sometimes downright obscene, language used throughout our history.”
The documentary also looks at changes in attitudes towards individuals’ sexuality. Catriona reflects on how the past has impacted modern attitudes and even uncovered new connections.
Feise ann an Gàidhlig | Sex in Gaelic premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayer on Monday 20 May at 10pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).
Take One ActionFilm Festivalis relaunching this summer, and people are invited to join us at a Summer Gathering in Edinburgh to find out about our exciting new plans for the next few years, how they can get involved as we relaunch, and help us decide the theme for our next festival.
The event, on Sunday 30th June at the Biscuit Factory, will kick off with a delicious vegan lunch and a presentation on our future activities, followed by a summer fair with tombola alongside exciting prizes to be revealed on the day, a jumble sale, screen printing for upcycling old t-shirts, games for social change, and an Imagining a Better World workshop.
It will finish with the Take One Action quiz hosted by the legendary Xuanlin, where people can test their film trivia and meme knowledge!
The first fifty people to sign up will receive a limited edition A3 riso print event poster, printed on carbon-neutral milkweed paper – which can be collected on the day of the event.
The Summer Gathering will take place from 1-6pm, with people encouraged to stay afterwards for drinks, board games, and music. Tickets are free with a suggested donation of £5.
BSL/English interpretation will be available and the venue is wheelchair accessible. The first part of the event (outlining our relaunch and plans for the coming years) will be livestreamed for anyone who can’t make it in person or travel to Edinburgh. We will share the link on the morning of 30th June on our social media channels.
The Ripple Project is proud to announce a new Community Enhancement Partnership with the University of Edinburgh.
The pioneering new initiative has seen three University of Edinburgh Master of Architecture students work with The Ripple Project and its Restalrig residents to design and construct new social structures to enhance the wellbeing of the local community.
Made from recycled and sustainable materials, this year’s students created a new community noticeboard and seating area, as well as a set of hand-crafted stools, moulded with earth clay and decorated by local residents.
Tristan Green, Community Action Worker, at The Ripple, commented: ‘We’re excited to partner with the University of Edinburgh and are thankful for the support of the Edinburgh School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (ESALA) at Edinburgh College of Art.
“Art and wellbeing are at the beating heart of The Ripple Project, and we’re excited to work together to give students valuable practical experience whilst enriching the local area with their fantastic creations.
“The hand-made ‘storage stools’ were made with clay earth and designed with local residents, whilst the community noticeboard has enhanced our ability to inform local residents of our new refillery, key social activities and lifeline services including foodbanks and councillor surgeries.”
Dr Simone Ferracina from the University of Edinburgh commented: ‘Our partnership with The Ripple focuses reflects on our ambition to turn architectural design into a form of resource stewardship and care, and to help Edinburgh become a more sustainable and equitable city.
‘The Ripple was identified as an ideal partner as it is a pioneering local charity, with a progressive and sustainable vision for the city. The partnership has offered our students valuable practical experience to enhance their coursework and future employability, whilst benefitting the local community.’
See the comments from the students about their own projects:
“This structure was designed and built by hand using locally sourced ’waste materials’ from various spaces across and outside of Edinburgh.
“Using recycled scaffolding boards and retired climbing ropes, ’Noticing: The Ripple Project’ was specifically designed following time spent at the project – gaining an understanding of what they do and building connections with those who work and visit here – in order to better advertise the amazing work, space and groups that they offer to the local community.
“This structure aims to provide space for advertising of local events & activities. I hope to have provided a necessary space and structure for this purpose and look forward to seeing it in use”.
“Modular Earth: Co-Designing Through Surfaces is the result of a year-long immersive collaboration interaction with the ongoing activities, integrating with volunteers, and visitors at The Ripple Project.
“It culminates in a modular system that addresses the client’s need for additional storage as well as seating, and this design response provides punctual interventions which can act independently and aggregate to form larger social and functional installations.
“The design is comprised of a timber frame, which was adapted from locally sourced and dismantled pallets, faced with light earth (a mixture of subsoil and fibres), and earth plaster with glazed finishes made from natural vegetable pigments.
“The project aims to create moments of ownership and interaction, through easy-to-learn plastering techniques, with finishes serving as tactile, stimulating interfaces for sharing memories and ideas.
“Community members participated in the finishing of the modules through hands-on workshop sessions, fostering a sense of ownership and pride, embedding the participants’ identities within the work.”
New statistics show increase in uptake of appointments in Scotland
The number of women being tested for breast cancer is at its highest ever level in Scotland.
More than three in four women (75.9%) took up their screening invitations over the three-year period 2020 to 2023, Scottish breast screening programme statisticsindicate.
This is an increase on the previous three-year period (2019-22) when uptake was 74.5% and pre-pandemic (2017-20) when uptake was 72.2%.
The figures also show that all NHS boards individually have met the acceptable uptake standard of 70% for a second year in a row.
Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “I am pleased that more women are attending breast screening appointments and that boards have individually met their target for a second year in a row.
“However, there is more work to be done to reach the achievable target of 80% and to encourage people from more deprived areas to attend their appointments.
“We will continue to work with health boards to encourage more women to participate in breast screening and address any barriers they may face in doing so.”
Breast screening is offered to women aged 50 to 70 approximately every 36 months. This is in line with the recommendation from the UK National Screening Committee. Screening was paused between March and August 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The programme continues to offer appointments at six breast screening centres across Scotland, as well as the mobile screening units which allow women in more remote areas to access screening more easily.
After 25 years of continuous service at Strachan House in Edinburgh, much-loved Nurse Liz Agrebi has made the decision to retire.
Staff and residents at the home sent Liz off in style with prosecco, food and lots of singing and dancing, the home had amazing musician Nicky Murray serenading staff and residents alike. Everyone at the home has very fond memories of Liz and she will be sadly missed.
Liz said: “Strachan House is like a family to me and though I’m looking forward to retirement, I’m really going to miss everyone here so much!”
During her time at Strachan House Liz has worked across lots of different roles, even spending a period of time as the deputy, by far the most impactful role Liz had here was a mentor for student nurses who all describe Liz as the most wonderful teacher.
Frances Fisher, General Manager at Strachan House said: “Liz is one of those people who was born to care for others – she has such a huge heart and was greatly loved by the individuals living at Strachan House Care Home.
“She was an inspiration to her colleagues and we will all miss her. We wish her all the best!”
Strachan House care home is run by Barchester Healthcare, one of the UK’s largest care providers, which is committed to delivering personalised care across its care homes and hospitals. Strachan House provides nursing care and dementia care for 83 residents from respite care to long term stays.
· British Gas Energy Trust, incorporating the Scottish Gas Energy Trust, created more than £7 million in societal impact in Scotland over the past four years.
· Number of fuel poor households in Scotland has increased by 60% in past four years, rising from 610,000 to 980,000.
· 46% of direct grant recipients live in the most deprived areas of Scotland.
· Almost two thirds (64%) of beneficiaries in Scotland agreed that they were more satisfied with their lives after receiving support, compared to 54% who said the same before help.
British Gas Energy Trust, the independent charitable trust funded solely by British Gas, has created £264 million in societal impact – more than £7 million in Scotland – over the past four years, according to new analysis by Oxford Economics.
The report comes as the number of fuel poor households in Scotland has increased by 60% between 2020 and 20241, rising from 610,000 to 980,000, due to rises in fuel prices and cost of living. The analysis by Oxford Economics found that, at the peak of the crisis, more than two-fifths (41%) nationwide reported difficulty in paying their bills during this time.2
In response, British Gas Energy Trust, which incorporates Scottish Gas Energy Trust, has tripled its expenditure across the UK, enabled by boosted funding from British Gas, to provide essential support to those who need it most. Since the launch of the Trust in 2004, the energy provider has contributed over £200 million in donations, helping more than 2.2 million nationwide.
In the past financial year 2023/24, British Gas Energy Trust created £40 million in net benefits to society in England, £7 million in Scotland and £2 million in Wales. The impact of the Trust is seen particularly in areas of acute need where people are more likely to be at risk of fuel poverty, with 46% of direct grant recipients living in the most deprived areas of Scotland.
The social return on investment (SROI) in the Trust during this time is 5.5. For every £1 spent by the British Gas Energy Trust, it created £5.50 in value for society – more than double that of the previous report undertaken by Oxford Economics which was 2.4 for the financial year 2014/15. When breaking down the impact of each of the Trust’s programmes, the scheme which provides grants to support-focused organisations saw the highest SROI at £6.50.
Looking at the Trust’s broader economic benefits to society in the last four years, £11 million of additional gains has been made for the exchequer across the UK through additional tax revenue and savings to the NHS by alleviating pressures which negatively impact people’s wellbeing.
Amongst beneficiaries of British Gas Energy Trust, almost two thirds (64%) of beneficiaries in Scotland agreed that they were more satisfied with their lives after receiving the support and guidance, compared with 54% who said the same before receiving support.
The purpose of the British Gas Energy Trust is to alleviate the detrimental impact of fuel poverty through three main programmes. This includes:
· Direct grants programme, helping people to clear fuel debt arrears;
· Financial Assistance Payments (FAP) programme, offering fuel vouchers directly to individuals and families;
· and the Supporting Communities at Risk Programme (SCARP) which funds charity advice agencies across Britain who provide holistic money and energy advice to individuals who have been disproportionately impacted by fuel poverty. This includes those with additional needs such as electrical medical health requirements or disabilities
Jessica Taplin CEO of British Gas Energy Trust said:
“We had a clear goal for the Trust when it was set up 20 years ago – to alleviate the detrimental impact of fuel poverty. With the support of our grant and funded organisation programmes, this new report brings home the positive impact we’ve made so far – but it doesn’t end there.
“Our fight to help people in fuel poverty continues and this year to mark our 20th anniversary, we’re building on our understanding of the issue from the front line, by visiting charities and third sector organisations who support those most at risk of fuel poverty, and hearing from people affected, to take stock on what really helps and the barriers we still need to overcome.
“The aim is to identify and fund future interventions that are proven to support the most vulnerable communities while gathering meaningful lessons to influence societal change and see significant reductions in fuel poverty over the next decade.”
Chris O’Shea, Chief Executive of Centrica, parent company of British Gas and Scottish Gas, said: “The impact that the British Gas Energy Trust has had has been phenomenal. Not only is it reaching people in some of the most deprived areas across the country, it is also positively impacting people’s lives, supporting them with financial aid and guidance in their time of need.
“While it’s been good news that food and energy prices are falling, for many households the cost-of-living crisis is far from over. That’s why we’ve put £140 million into supporting those who need help the most. We will be continuing to work closely with the Trust to ensure that this work continues and to help alleviate the pressures so many are facing – now and in the future.”
Chris Warner, Lead Economist at Oxford Economics, said: “The report underscores the efficacy of interventions targeting fuel poverty to create social value and demonstrates the profound effect of British Gas Energy Trust’s programmes on its beneficiaries’ sense of wellbeing.
“Ultimately, it showcases why charities such as the Trust should collect comprehensive yet proportionate data on their beneficiaries in order to understand and communicate their impact.”
In the upcoming months, British Gas Energy Trust – which incorporates Scottish Gas Energy Trust – is hosting a series of roundtables throughout the year in some of the UK’s deprived areas with its funded organisations to gather insights to help drive further systemic change to reduce fuel poverty.
The locations include, London (Bromley-by-Bow), Glasgow, Doncaster, Newcastle, Bristol, Cardiff, and Leicester.
To find out more to apply for financial grants or support from the British Gas Energy Trust, visit:
The latest government announcement on reforms to financial support for those with ill health or disability is misleading rhetoric. The lives of those with ill health or disability are completely misrepresented, and the language they use is divisive, (writes TUC’s ANJUM KLAIR).
The Government has deliberately confused the purpose of this benefit in order to ramp up its benefit scrounger rhetoric. PIP is not an out-of-work benefit: disabled people in full-time employment can be, and are, assessed as eligible for PIP. It assesses whether someone’s impairment or health conditions affects their day-to-day life and is intended to cover some of the additional costs incurred as a result of being disabled. It is not for assessing if you are capable of work- or work-related activity.
The idea that you can claim PIP for mild mental illness is untrue. The criteria for accessing PIP is stringent. You have to be suffering from severe mental illness. It is a complex application process and have to provide medical evidence.
If the current data is showing rising numbers of those with severe depression and anxiety claiming PIP, you don’t change the eligibility criteria to reduce claimant numbers – you look at the underlying drivers of ill health.
More than a decade of austerity under the Conservatives has resulted in crumbling public services.
The approach by government is to blame individuals. Only recently the Prime Minister attacked those too sick to work, by saying UK had a sick note culture, yet the data on workplace sickness absence does not suggest any substantial challenges.
And again, government conflates two separate areas, sick notes look at short-term illness for those in work and not long-term illness and disability. It is the rise in long-term sickness and disability which is alarming.
The ideas proposed in the consultation also include the insulting suggestion that disabled people are not to be trusted with spending their benefits on essential support. As it moves away from a fixed cash benefit and proposes to reimburse for extra costs, this also assumes that disabled people have the money to pay up front for this.
The consultation also proposes accessing treatments rather than receiving benefits for ill health, yet it is the lack of access to treatment which is exacerbating the increase in ill health. The long delays are well documented. Just for mental health support there is around1.9 million people waiting for support in England,
The Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to be abolished and eligibility for the health top-up in Universal Credit (UC) ( in this case the health element) will be passported (i.e. approved) via PIP.
The current UC Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA) element will be replaced with a new UC health element.
Introduce more tailored conversations for claimants with work coaches, to enter suitable employment.
While we have issues with the validity of WCA decisions, it is supposed to assess people’s ability to work, while PIP clearly does not do this. This proposed change would amount to a huge financial cut to those not well enough to work. The IFS estimates that one million disabled or seriously unwell people who can’t get PIP would lose out by £350 a month.
Wider problems in the Government’s plan include the proposed introduction of a new personalised health conditionality approach. Disabled people will also face a higher risk of sanctions, as at present people currently identified as being unable to work and prepare for work are protected but could lose this right under the changes.
Such measures do not consider the structural barriers that stop disabled people from entering into the workplace, such as discrimination from employers, a failure to put in place reasonable adjustments, and inaccessible transport. The result will be many disabled people whose health makes it difficult or impossible to carry out work activity without a realistic chance of getting a job, being threatened with sanctions.
Separately the Government has made changes to descriptors in the WCA to apply from September 2025 for new claimants. As a result, 424,000 fewer people are expected to be assessed as having limited capability for work and work-related activity by 2028 to 2029.
The theme by the Conservative government is to constantly reduce eligibility to cut social security entitlement for disabled people or those with ill health. Government needs to end this cruel assault on sick and disabled people.
