New analysis from the Institute for Public Policy Research Scotland (IPPR Scotland) warns that without urgent investment, more than 210,000 Scottish children – 22 per cent – will be trapped in poverty by 2030. That’s enough children to fill Murrayfield Stadium more than three times over, and more than twice the legal target of fewer than one in ten children in poverty by 2030.
The first minister has described eradicating child poverty as “the single most important objective” of the Scottish government and the Scottish Child Payment is helping lift children out of poverty.
If delivered within the promised timescale, the commitment to mitigate the 2-child limit will also have a positive impact on child poverty. Without these policies the think tank says Scotland’s current rate of child poverty would be even higher at 27 per cent.
However, amid mounting pressures on public finances and the imminent release of data showing if Scotland has met or missed its interim child poverty targets, new analysis by researchers at IPPR Scotland shows that a “business as usual” approach to social security would leave 22 per cent of Scotland’s children in poverty by 2030 – locking them out of the conditions they need to thrive.
The outlook looks worse in the rest of the UK, where without a change of course 32 per cent of children could be in poverty at the end of the decade. Among the many harms that result from growing up in poverty, the growing attainment gap in Scotland is particularly troubling, as children from deprived areas are less likely to obtain national qualifications than their peers from affluent areas.
Today’s research highlights that raising children requires resources in the form of time, energy and extra living space – yet the economy is not designed to ensure families have what they need.
Parents must often reduce work hours to care for and nurture their children, while adequate living space increases their housing costs. During their analysis, researchers considered a ‘better than best case employment scenario’ in which no parent is paid less than the real living wage, unemployment among parents is halved, and 40,000 economically inactive parents – a full quarter of the total – are supported into work.
This would require a massive expansion of Scottish government funded employment services, helping parents into sustained work at five times the current pace. Even if this were to be delivered, the child poverty target would still be missed, with 60 per cent more children in poverty than required by legislation.
The researchers say the inescapable conclusion of their analysis is that achieving the 2030 target is possible but only with additional spending. The most direct and targeted route for this spending would be to increase social security payments to families in or at risk of poverty.
IPPR Scotland modelled an uplift to the Scottish Child Payment as a way of achieving the target. They found that doubling the real terms value of the payment would add around £500 million to the social security budget in 2030, and would lift 40,000 more children out of poverty, cutting the child poverty rate by an additional 4 percentage points.
Researchers are clear that child poverty is not inevitable. They point to decisions that can be made to increase spending (in addition to the Scottish Child Payment and planned removal of the two-child limit) that could be taken by either from Scottish government or the UK government, the latter of which is currently developing its own child poverty strategy.
Dave Hawkey, senior research fellow at IPPR Scotland, said:“Scotland is at a crossroads and must decide whether it is willing to take the necessary steps to eradicate child poverty – there is surely only one option.
“The social security system is an important safety net to catch families when hard times hit, but this is not its only role. Even when adults are working, many families need financial support to make ends meet. Child benefit and universal credit have a vital role to play, plugging a gap that the labour market cannot and ensuring that children have what they need to grow up healthy and secure.
“The Scottish government is in the early stages of developing its next child poverty delivery plan to cover the period up to 2030. It needs to set out the actions the Scottish government will take to reduce child poverty and the impact they will have.
“The evidence is clear: to meet Scotland’s legal child poverty target, Scotland must commit additional fiscal resource to our shared priority of giving every child in Scotland a good start in life”.
£1.6 billion investment to tackle scourge of potholes to be delivered to councils from next month as PM tells councils to put cash to use
for the first time every council in England must publish how many potholes they’ve filled or lose road cash
local authorities that comply will receive their full share of the £500 million roads pot – enough to fill the equivalent of 7 million potholes a year, as part of the government’s Plan for Change
UK government also announces £4.8 billion for 25/26 for motorways and major A-roads including economy boosting road schemes on the A47 and M3
The public will now see exactly what’s being done to tackle potholes, as the government demands councils prove their progress or face losing cash.
From mid-April, local authorities in England will start to receive their share of the government’s record £1.6bn highway maintenance funding, including an extra £500m – enough to fill 7 million potholes a year.
But to get the full amount, all councils in England must from today (24 March 2025) publish annual progress reports and prove public confidence in their work. Local authorities who fail to meet these strict conditions will see 25% of the uplift (£125m in total) withheld.
Also today, the Transport Secretary has unveiled £4.8bn funding for 2025/6 for National Highways to deliver critical road schemes and maintain motorways and major A-roads.
This cash will mean getting on with pivotal schemes in construction, such as the A428 Black Cat scheme in Cambridgeshire, and starting vital improvements to the A47 around Norwich and M3 J9 scheme in Hampshire, building thousands of new homes, creating high-paid jobs, connecting ports and airports, to grow the economy and deliver the Plan for Change.
It comes as figures from the RAC show drivers encounter an average of 6 potholes per mile in England and Wales, and pothole damage to cars costs an average £600 to fix. According to the AA, fixing potholes is a priority for 96% of drivers.
This government is delivering its Plan for Change to rebuild Britain and deliver national renewal through investment in our vital infrastructure which will drive growth and put more money in working people’s pockets by saving them costs on repairs.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “The broken roads we inherited are not only risking lives but also cost working families, drivers and businesses hundreds – if not thousands of pounds – in avoidable vehicle repairs.
“Fixing the basic infrastructure this country relies on is central to delivering national renewal, improving living standards and securing Britain’s future through our Plan for Change.
“Not only are we investing an additional £4.8 billion to deliver vital road schemes and maintain major roads across the country to get Britain moving, next month we start handing councils a record £1.6 billion to repair roads and fill millions of potholes across the country.
“British people are bored of seeing their politicians aimlessly pointing at potholes with no real plan to fix them. That ends with us. We’ve done our part by handing councils the cash and certainty they need – now it’s up to them to get on with the job, put that money to use and prove they’re delivering for their communities.”
The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “After years of neglect we’re tackling the pothole plague, building vital roads and ensuring every penny is delivering results for the taxpayer.
“The public deserves to know how their councils are improving their local roads, which is why they will have to show progress or risk losing 25 per cent of their £500m funding boost.
“Our Plan for Change is reversing a decade of decline and mending our pothole-ridden roads which damage cars and make pedestrians and cyclists less safe.”
To ensure councils are taking action, they must now publish reports on their websites by 30 June 2025, detailing how much they are spending, how many potholes they have filled, what percentage of their roads are in what condition, and how they are minimising streetworks disruption.
They will also be required to show how they are spending more on long-term preventative maintenance programmes and that they have robust plans for the wetter winters the country is experiencing – making potholes worse.
By the end of October, councils must also show they are ensuring communities have their say on what work they should be doing, and where. The public can also help battle back against pothole ridden roads by reporting them to their local council, via a dedicated online portal.
To further protect motorists given continued cost-of-living pressures and potential fuel price volatility amid global uncertainty, the government has frozen fuel duty at current levels for another year to support hardworking families and businesses, saving the average car driver £59.
Edmund King, AA president and member of the Pothole Partnership, said: “Getting councils to show value for money before getting full funding is a big step in the right direction, as it will encourage a more concerted attack on the plague of potholes.
“At the same time, local authorities can share best practice, so others can learn what new innovations and planned maintenance techniques have worked for them.”
The £4.8bn for National Highways will protect the country’s strategic road network, which provides critical routes and connections across the country for people, businesses and freight to help drive for growth as part of Plan for Change.
The £4.8bn includes a record £1.3bn investment to keep this vital network in good repair, so the network remains fit for the future, and £1.8bn for National Highways’ daily operations that are critical to ensuring the network runs safely and smoothly for millions of people and businesses that rely on it every day. As well as £1.3bn for essential improvement schemes to unlock growth and housing.
Since entering office, the UK government has approved over £200m for the A47 Thickthorn Junction, and £290m for M3 Junction 9 plus £90m for local road schemes like the A130 Fairglen Interchange, the South-East Aylesbury Link Road, the A350 Chippenham Bypass, the A647 scheme in Leeds. This is a total of over £580m for schemes to get Britain moving.
Anti austerity demonstrators condemning the government cuts to social security besieged the office of Labour MP Ian Murray yesterday. Protestors encircled the office with a giant banner proclaiming “IF YOU EXPLOIT US WE WILL SHUT YOU DOWN”. The office remained closed throughout.
People waved placards portraying a DWP Grim Reaper with the wording “CUTTING DISABILITY BENEFITS KILLS”. Passing vehicles tooted support. “End the DWP’s institutionalised cruelty towards claimants, and kill the new threats to reduce eligibility and lower the level of sickness and disability benefits.” urged the protestors’ leaflets.
“No to the two child benefit limit” and “Scrap the benefit cap” were prominent demands while demonstrators urged solidarity with migrants and the abolition of the discriminatory “No recourse to public funds” law.
The demonstrators also demanded the scrapping of the “anti fraud” bill currently going through the UK Parliament which would allow the DWP to spy on claimants’ bank accounts.
The demonstration. organised by Edinburgh Coalition Against Poverty and the Austerity Resistance Front, is part of the No More Growing Up Poor – End Child Poverty Britain-wide campaign initiated by Food and Solidarity, and is in solidarity with the Disabled People Against Cuts Day of Action on 26 March
One of the organisers, Esther McDonald, said; “Today’s protest is only the start. A wave of mass direct acion is being planned Britain-wide. We will not tolerate the government robbing the poor to enrich the rich!”
Sight loss charities have hailed the ‘life-changing’ pilot scheme that will provide free rail travel for companions of blind and partially sighted individuals on all Scotrail train journeys.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans highlight the profound impact this initiative will have in reducing loneliness and isolation, fostering independence, and enhancing mental well-being.
Minister for Equalities, Kaukab Stewart, officially launched the pilot scheme at Anniesland Station this week, and was joined by Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, along with representatives and campaigners from Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, both of which have driven the successful Fair Rail Campaign.
Under this new pilot scheme, individuals holding an eye +1 National Entitlement Card (NEC) will be able to travel with a companion at no additional cost starting 01 April 2025.
The pilot scheme, which will run for one year, aims to make train travel more affordable and accessible for blind and partially sighted passengers by introducing a consistent, nationwide policy for free companion rail travel, aligning with existing concessionary bus and ferry travel across Scotland.
Ms Stewart said: “I am genuinely delighted to be launching this pilot, which is testament to the hard work by all those involved in the campaign to bring this about.
“Making rail travel more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss is an important step in helping them access communities, education, and employment.”
Claire Dickie, ScotRail Commercial Director, said: “At ScotRail, we are committed to improving accessibility and ensuring that our services are as inclusive as possible for all customers.
“This trial initiative is an important step towards making travel easier for those who rely on assistance when using our services.”
Craig Spalding, Chief Executive of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, said: “We are delighted that the Scottish Government is introducing this pilot. After over two years of campaigning, this is a significant achievement for our Fair Rail Campaign.
“Thanks to collaboration with ScotRail and Transport Scotland, rail travel will become more accessible and affordable for people with sight loss across Scotland.
“For many visually impaired individuals, public transport is essential, yet travelling alone is often not an option, and the cost of a companion ticket can be prohibitive.
“This new policy will make a real difference, supporting rehabilitation, promoting independence, and ensuring that people with vision impairments remain connected with their communities.”
Joe Tottenham, a 92-year-old army veteran, who is supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, comments: “I’m so proud to be part of the Fair Rail campaign led by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans who have campaigned tirelessly on this issue.
“Knowing no matter where I’m going in Scotland that my companion can travel with me at no extra cost will change my life. As a blind person, having someone to help me get on and off the train is vital – I’d be lost without them.”
Colette Walker, who is visually impaired and co- chair of Sight Scotland’s policy group, adds: “This will make such a difference to me financially, as well as to my safety and quality of life.”
The Fair Rail Campaign was launched over two years ago, calling for a national policy to provide free rail travel across Scotland for the companions of those with a National (Scotland) Concessionary Travel for Blind Persons card.
Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans were approached by many individuals with sight loss who were concerned about rising travel costs and the confusion surrounding various concessionary schemes.
The charities brought the issue to the Scottish Parliament, where it was debated in a Members Debate brought forward by Graham Simpson MSP and considered in the Fair Fares Review, ultimately leading to this pilot scheme.
Mr Simpson commented: “I welcome the launch of the fair rail campaign pilot. This is long overdue after many years of campaigning by Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, who first brought the issue to my attention several years ago.
“I held a Members’ Debate in the Parliament on this issue in 2022. Last year, the Fair Fares Review made a loose commitment to a pilot project, so I am pleased to see that the Scottish Government is finally addressing this important issue.
“For many blind and partially sighted people, having a companion can mean the difference between travelling or not travelling. This pilot is a step in the right direction, but I would urge the Scottish Government to get on with implementing a national policy that entitles the companions of people with sight loss to free rail travel, to make our rail network more equitable and accessible for everyone.”
People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by UK Government
Major package to upgrade hundreds of local grassroots sports facilities with new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights
Investment will target deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented groups
At least 40% of funded projects have a multi-sport offer ensuring more can participate and get active as the Government delivers its ‘Plan for Change‘
People across the UK will benefit from upgraded sports facilities in their local area thanks to £100 million invested by government yesterday.
Working together with the Premier League, The FA and Government’s Football Foundation in England, the Cymru Football Foundation in Wales, and the Football Associations in Scotland and Northern Ireland, the funding is expected to support hundreds of new and improved pitches, changing rooms, goalposts and floodlights to improve access to sport and physical activity for local communities.
It will be targeted at deprived areas and support greater access and participation levels among under-represented people including women and girls, ethnic minority groups and disabled players.
The major package delivers on the Government’s Plan for Change, with the funding designed to break down barriers to opportunity and tackle persistent health inequalities through prevention, that will support an NHS fit for the future.
These facilities also encourage communities to come together and give young people opportunities to build vital skills and connections while creating a sense of purpose and pride in where they live.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy announced the funding during a visit to Bonnyrigg Rose Community Football Club, a grassroots football facility in Midlothian, Scotland which supports over 700 players.
The funding will be invested in sites during 2025/26, with £82.3 million allocated to projects in England (including a £2 million uplift of new investment committed in the current financial year), £8.6 million in Scotland, £6.1 million in Wales and £3 million in Northern Ireland.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said: “Grassroots sport clubs are at the heart of communities across the UK. That’s why we’re investing £100 million to support new and upgraded pitches, changing rooms and clubhouses across the country, providing transformational funding to the areas that need it most.
“As we deliver our Plan for Change, we will remove barriers to an active lifestyle and increase opportunity for all, ensuring that wherever people may live, they can access high quality sports facilities and experience the joy that sport brings.
Government funding through the Multi-Sport Grassroots Facilities Programme is amplified by significant contributions by The FA and Premier League in England. Delivery partners also leverage investment from local stakeholders through initiatives such as the Scottish FA and Scottish Football Partnership Trust’s ‘Pitching in’ campaign which aims to raise £50 million for football facilities over the next five years. “
Of the funded projects, at least 40% will have a multi-sport offer so that more people can participate in sports other than football, meaning more people can get access to a wider variety of sports and activities that appeal to them including rugby, cricket and basketball.
Clubs and organisations across the UK are now being urged to come forward and apply for funding. Applications can be made in England via the Football Foundation on an ongoing basis, and in Wales via the Cymru Football Foundation.
Dedicated windows are opening shortly in Scotland and Northern Ireland with those interested encouraged to check relevant FA websites for more details. The first tranche of beneficiaries are expected to be confirmed in summer 2025.
The Secretary of State for Scotland Ian Murray, said: “Grassroots sports are the backbone of Scottish communities, providing opportunities for individuals of all ages and abilities to take part in physical activities.
“Through this scheme almost 100 facilities across Scotland, including in our island and rural communities, have been built or upgraded and with this new funding we can look forward to many more.
“As a lifelong football fan I am excited as we build towards hosting Euro2028. I look forward to working with the SFA to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play our national sport – as we support the team on the biggest stage.”
Scottish FA President, Mike Mulraney said: “When I became President, I made no secret of the fact that improving facilities at all levels should be the association’s No.1 priority.
“We are grateful to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and partners for this latest commitment, which will enable us to further improve the infrastructure of our national sport.
“This will increase participation, improve health and wellbeing and allow more people to experience the Power of Football.
“It follows the Scottish FA’s commitment to ensuring profits are diverted to facilities and infrastructure via our Pitching In fund and I look forward to further strengthening our partnership with UK Government, DCMS and Scottish Government, as well as philanthropic and business communities, to rejuvenate Scottish football’s facilities footprint.”
Former SNP chief Executive Peter Murrell has appeared at Edinburgh Sheriff Court charged with embezzlement. He made no plea during a private hearing and was granted bail.
Operation Branchform is a Police Scotland investigation into possible fundraising fraud in the Scottish National Party. The investigation was launched in July 2021.
POLICE SCOTLAND STATEMENT:
‘Following direction from the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, criminal enquiries into two people arrested as part of the investigation into the funding and finances of the Scottish National Party have now concluded.
‘The 73 year-old man arrested on 18 April, 2023, and the 54 year-old woman arrested on 11 June, 2023, have not been charged and are no longer under investigation.’
The two individuals are believed to be former SNP treasurer Colin Beattie and former SNP leader and First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, both of whom were questioned by police during Branchform investigations.
Friends of the Earth: Project Willow “does nothing” for the hundreds of people at Grangemouth set to lose their jobs in the coming months
Plans to secure a long-term industrial future for Grangemouth have been stepped up as a feasibility study sets out nine options for its future.
The plan – which is backed by £25 million from the Scottish Government and £200 million from the UK Government – will support jobs, unlock investment and drive growth.
The £1.5 million feasibility study – published today by EY – follows the recent decision by Petroineos to decommission the oil refinery.
It has identified credible long-term industrial options for the Grangemouth site and explored how Grangemouth can build on its skilled workforce, local expertise and long heritage as a fuel leader in Scotland to forge a new path in low carbon energy production.
The report provides nine proposals likely to attract private investment, including plastics recycling, hydrogen production and other projects that could create up to 800 jobs by 2040.
It follows First Minister John Swinney’s announcement of £25 million to establish a Grangemouth Just Transition Fund, which will support businesses and stakeholders to bring forward investible propositions for the site over the next 12 months, and the Prime Minister’s announcement last month of £200 million to help unlock Grangemouth’s full potential.
First Minister John Swinney said: “We will leave no stone unturned in order to secure the future of the Grangemouth refinery site, and the Scottish Government has already committed or invested a total of £87 million to help do so.
“Grangemouth is home to over a century of industrial expertise and employs thousands of highly skilled workers, placing the site at a massive competitive advantage and creating a unique opportunity for investors.
“Everyone working at Grangemouth’s refinery – and in the wider industrial cluster – is a valued employee with skills that are key to Scotland’s economic and net zero future.
“This report sets out a wide range of viable alternatives for the refinery site, demonstrating that a long term, new industrial future at Grangemouth is achievable.
“We will continue to work closely with the UK Government to realise these opportunities and Scottish Enterprise stands ready to support inward investors looking to progress any of these technologies.”
UK Energy Minister Michael Shanks said: “We committed to leaving no stone unturned in supporting an industrial future for Grangemouth delivering jobs and economic growth.
“This report and the £200 million investment by the UK Government demonstrates that commitment.
“We will build on Grangemouth’s expertise and industrial heritage to attract investors, secure a long-term clean energy future, and deliver on our Plan for Change.”
To kickstart the process, Energy Minister Michael Shanks and Acting Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero and Energy Gillian Martin co-chaired a meeting yesterday (Wednesday 19 March) of the Grangemouth Future Industry Board with local industry leaders, Falkirk Council, trade bodies and unions.
Scottish Enterprise and the UK Government’s Office for Investment will work with Petroineos to market the proposals set out in Project Willow and seek investor interest.
Alongside launching a search for investors, both governments have also committed to review the Project Willow policy recommendations and understand how government funding can be deployed to mature proposals from the private sector.
The nine projects include:
Waste: hydrothermal upgrading (breaking down hard to recycle plastics), chemical plastics recycling, ABE biorefining (breaking down waste material)
Bio-feedstock: breaking down Scottish timber into bioethanol, anaerobic digestion of bioresources and digestate pyrolysis, HEFA (conversion of Scottish cover crops into sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel using low carbon hydrogen).
Offshore wind conduit: Replacing natural gas with hydrogen, using low carbon hydrogen to produce methanol and convert it to SAF, producing low carbon ammonia from hydrogen for shipping and chemicals.
Just transition campaigners say Project Willow “does nothing” for the hundreds of people at Grangemouth set to lose their jobs in the coming months, however.
The Project Willow feasibility study, published yesterday:
Sets out 9 possible options for the future of Grangemouth, all of which would require private investment
States up to 800 jobs could be created by 2040
Does not include any support for the hundreds of people set to lose their jobs this year
PetroIneos announced the oil refinery will close by summer 2025. The company instead will import refined oil, effectively offshoring the resultant climate pollution.
Friends of the Earth Scotland just transition campaigner Rosie Hampton commented: “It would be disingenuous to suggest the Project Willow report is a plan for workers and the community at Grangemouth – it’s simply a set of suggestions that would ultimately rely on private investment if they were to happen.
“They haven’t been put together with any involvement from trade unions or workers at the refinery, and it does nothing for the hundreds of people set to lose their jobs when the refinery closes this summer.
“As one of Scotland’s most polluting sites, we’ve known for years that Grangemouth needed a transition plan. There was no excuse for politicians not having the right investment, planning and policy in place, because their inaction has paved the way for the swingeing job cuts by Petroineos.
“It’s welcome that options beyond fossil fuels are finally being considered but the scope of the report has left room for dodgy greenwashing projects which are more about maximising profits for companies than protecting the environment.
“It’s not surprising that a report commissioned by Petroineos using public money doesn’t address that company’s failures to plan for a sustainable future and look after its workforce. The core assumption that private money has to be enticed into investing with government subsidy, for which the public get the risk but not the returns, is a real cause for concern.
“The paper speculates it might be possible to create up to 800 jobs by 2040 but that is 15 years too late for the 400 people at the refinery, and many more across the supply chain, facing the loss of their livelihoods in the next few months.
“The two governments must now set out much tighter criteria for any investments and say how it will build on this to create an actual just transition plan that will protect people and the planet.”
Largest welfare reforms for a generation to help sick and disabled people who can and have the potential to work into jobs – backed by a £1 billion investment, unveiled by the Work & Pensions Secretary today
Work Capability Assessment to be scrapped and “right to try” work guarantee to be introduced in drive to tear down barriers to work
Changes will unlock work, boost employment, and tackle the broken benefits system to unlock growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change
Record £1 billion employment support measures have been announced ‘to help disabled and long-term sick people back into work’.
The new measures are designed to ensure a welfare system that is fit for purpose and available for future generations – opening up employment opportunities, boosting economic growth and tackling the spiralling benefits bill, while also ensuring those who cannot work get the support they need as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
This will end years of inaction, which has led to one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training and 2.8 million people economically inactive due to long term sickness – one of the highest rates in the G7.
The number of people receiving one of the main types of health and disability benefit, Personal Independence Payments (PIP), has also risen rapidly and is becoming unsustainable.
Since the pandemic, the number of working-age people receiving PIP has more than doubled from 15,300 to 35,100 a month. The number of young people (16-24) receiving PIP per month has also skyrocketed from 2,967 to 7,857 a month. Over the next five years, if no action is taken, the number of working age people claiming PIP is expected to increase from 2 million in 2021 to 4.3 million, costing £34.1 billion annually.
All this has driven the spiralling health and disability benefits bill, forecast to reach £70 billion a year by the end of the decade, or more than £1 billion a week. This is equivalent to more than a third of the NHS budget, and more than three times as much as is spent on policing and keeping communities safe.
Speaking in Parliament today, Liz Kendall announced a sweeping package of reforms to overhaul the system, so it better supports those who need it while tearing down barriers to work including:
Ending reassessments for disabled people who will never be able to work and people with lifelong conditions to ensure they can live with dignity and security
Scrapping the controversial Work Capability Assessment to end the dysfunctional process that drives people into dependency – delivering on the government’s manifesto commitment to reform or replace it
Providing improved employment support backed by £1 billion – one of the biggest packages of employment support for sick and disabled people ever – including new tailored support conversations for people on health and disability benefits to break down barriers and unlock work
Legislating to protect those on health and disability benefits from reassessment or losing their payments if they take a chance on work.
To ensure the welfare system is available for those with the greatest needs now and long into the future, the government has made bold decisions to improve its sustainability and protect those who need it most, including:
Reintroducing reassessments for people on incapacity benefits who have the capability to work to ensure they have the right support and aren’t indefinitely written off.
Targeting Personal Independence Payments for those with higher needs by changing the eligibility requirement to a minimum score of four on at least one of the daily living activities to receive the daily living element of the benefit, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.
Rebalancing payment levels in Universal Credit to improve the Standard Allowance. Raising it above inflation by 2029/30, adding £775 annually in cash terms.
Consulting on delaying access to the health element of Universal Credit until someone is aged 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training opportunities through the Youth Guarantee.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “We inherited a fundamentally broken welfare system from the previous government. It does not work for the people it is supposed to support, businesses who need workers or taxpayers who foot the bill.
“This government will always protect the most severely disabled people to live with dignity. But we’re not prepared to stand back and do nothing while millions of people – especially young people – who have potential to work and live independent lives, instead become trapped out of work and abandoned by the system. It would be morally bankrupt to let their life chances waste away.
“When I talk about opportunity for all, I mean it. That’s why we are bringing forward the biggest changes to the welfare system in a generation and improving support for those who need it. Ensuring those who can work do work is not only right, but it will also improve living standards and drive growth, the number one priority in our Plan for Change.”
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Our social security system must be there for all of us when we need it, now and into the future. That means helping people who can work to do so, protecting those most in need, and delivering respect and dignity for all.
“Millions of people have been locked out of work, and we can do better for them. Disabled people and those with health conditions who can work deserve the same choices and chances as everyone else.
“That’s why we’re introducing the most far-reaching reforms in a generation, with £1 billion a year being invested in tailored support that can be adapted to meet their changing circumstances – including their changing health – while also scrapping the failed Work Capability Assessment.
“This will mean fairness for disabled people and those with long term health conditions, but also for the taxpayers who fund it as these measures bring down the benefits bill.
“At the same time, we will ensure that our welfare system protects people. There will always be some people who cannot work because of their disability or health condition. Protecting people in need is a principle we will never compromise on.”
In her statement to Parliament, the Work and Pensions Secretary outlined the clear case for change to the welfare system and set out her commitment to ensuring that disabled people and those with a health condition have the same opportunities to work as anyone else.
In particular, she highlighted that the UK has one of the highest reported rates of working-age people out of work due to ill health in Western Europe and the UK is the only major economy whose employment rate hasn’t recovered since the pandemic – exacerbated by a broken NHS with millions of people on waiting lists.
The government has already made huge progress to fix the NHS, including by hitting the manifesto commitment to deliver over two million extra elective care appointments seven months early, and bringing forward a wider programme for NHS reform through the rollout of community diagnostic centres and 10-year plan. The Health Secretary has also sent crack teams spearheaded by top clinicians into areas of high economic inactivity, and the latest data shows waiting lists in these areas have reduced at almost double the rate of the rest of the country.
The reformed system will be built on a straightforward guarantee: any disabled person or person with a long-term health condition who is claiming out of work benefits will be able to access high quality, tailored help into a job. It will also mean that those who cannot work will always get the support they need. In Scotland and Wales, we will work closely with the devolved governments as we develop this package of support.
The reforms are based on five key principles:
Protecting disabled people who can’t and won’t ever be able to work and supporting them to live with dignity by:
Income Protection: Those currently in receipt of UC health will benefit from the increased standard allowance and will not be affected by plans to reduce UC health in future.
Extra Financial Support: For people who receive the new rate of UC health in the future system, we are proposing a new premium for individuals with severe, life-long health conditions who will never be able to work. The details, eligibility criteria and rate of this premium will be set out in due course.
Ending Reassessments: Reassessments for disabled people and people with life-long conditions who will never be able to work will be scrapped.
Improving Safeguarding Practices: The government will look at how safeguarding practices for the most vulnerable can be improved and improve experiences with the system, working with stakeholders to identify areas for improvement.
Delivering better and more tailored employment support to get more people off welfare and into work. This includes:
£1 Billion employment package to deliver tailored support for disabled people and those with long-term conditions.
New Support Conversations to provide earlier opportunities for people with health conditions to discuss work goals and available help.
Investing in the Youth Guarantee by delaying access to UC health element until age 22 and reinvesting savings into work support and training for young people.
Stopping people from falling into long-term economic inactivity through early intervention and support by:
Access to Work Scheme: We will consult on improvements to help people start and stay in work with reasonable adjustments including aids, appliances and assistive technology. These would be the first substantive changes to Access to Work since its introduction in 1994
Unemployment Insurance: We will reform contributory benefits (ESA and JSA) into a single, non-means tested, time-limited benefit for those who have paid into the system to ensure people get the support they need to find a new job that makes the most of their skills, contributing to a dynamic and productive economy.
Restoring trust and fairness in the system by fixing the broken assessment process that drives people into dependency on welfare by:
Scrapping the WCA to end the labelling of people as either ‘can or can’t work’ and consulting on a new single assessment. Under the new system, any extra financial support for health conditions (including PIP, ESA or UC health) will be assessed via a new single assessment which will be based on the PIP assessment – considering on the impact of disability on daily living, not on capacity to work.
Increasing Face-to-Face Assessments for PIP and the WCA to improve the quality of assessment decision while ensuring we continue to meet the needs of those with who may require a different method of assessment.
Longer term reform of the PIP Assessment – In the long term we will set out broader reforms to the PIP assessment, and intend first to carry out a review involving experts and stakeholders to adapt and improve it.
Right to Try Guarantee: which will ensure someone trying work or on a pathway towards employment will never lead to an immediate reassessment or award review.
Restarting Mandatory Reassessments: We will reintroduce reassessments for incapacity benefits, with exceptions for those who will never work and those under special rules for end-of-life care. Reassessments have largely been switched off since 2021, leaving people stuck on benefits when they could be helped into work and to improve their quality of life.
Ensuring the system is financially sustainable to keep providing for those who need it most by:
Changing PIP Eligibility: PIP will be targeted more on those with higher needs by requiring a minimum of four points on one daily living activity, in addition to the existing eligibility criteria.. DWP will work with DHSC to ensure that existing people who claim PIP who may no longer be entitled to the benefit following an award review under new eligibility rules have their health and eligible care needs met. The government is consulting on how best to achieve this.
Rebalancing Universal Credit: by improving the Standard Allowance to provide more adequate support. The government plans to raise the Standard Allowance above inflation by 2029/30, adding £775 in cash terms annually. This aims to avoid people having to choose between employment or adequate financial support. This change addresses the current issue where the health element rate is double that of the standard allowance, creating an incentive for people to prove they are unfit to work to claim the health element and access greater financial support.
Helen Barnard, director of policy at Trussell, said: “We’re deeply concerned by the cuts announced to disability payments today.
People at food banks have told us they are terrified of how they might survive. We welcome the positive proposals from the Department for Work and Pensions to boost the basic rate to Universal Credit and invest in employment support. However, we fear these steps will be undermined by a Treasury drive to make short-term savings.
“Huge cuts risk pushing more disabled people to the doors of food banks, and will have devastating consequences for us all. The UK government was elected on manifesto pledges to end the need for emergency food parcels. This isn’t what people voted for.
“Disabled people are already three times more likely to face hunger, and three quarters of people at food banks are disabled or live with someone who is. Our social security system should be rooted in justice and compassion, able to be there for us all, especially when we need it most.
“This isn’t a done deal. With at least a year before any cuts come into force, there’s still time for the Prime Minister and Chancellor to rethink and make good on today’s promise to restore trust and fairness in the social security system.”
The TUC said: ’11 General Secretaries of our trade union affiliates have written to the government to raise “profound concerns” about today’s welfare cuts targeted at disabled people. The labour movement must stand together with campaigners, charities & carers to resist”
Responding to today’s statement by Liz Kendall MP, Poverty Alliance policy & campaigns manager Ruth Boyle said: “People in the UK are desperate for a government that delivers a just and compassionate country.
“They want to see an end to deepening poverty, debt, destitution, and hunger in their communities. Many will be distressed, disappointed, scared, and angry at today’s announcements.
“The plans to cut the health element of Universal Credit are wrong and unjust. Cutting vital financial support to disabled people won’t help them into paid work – but it is likely to move them towards poverty.
“Equally unjust is the idea of making it virtually impossible for under-23s to get Universal Credit health support. The Government is punishing young people who aren’t fit for work simply because of their age.
“These changes are driven by a desire for financial cost savings, rather than helping people access the support they need. Positive proposals like personalised support to help people into work and a Right-to-Try will be undermined by cuts which force people into further and deeper poverty.
"The plans to cut the health element of Universal Credit are wrong and unjust. Cutting vital financial support to disabled people won't help them into paid work – but it is likely to move them towards poverty." https://t.co/gLnkE8FNAkpic.twitter.com/CZAIn0O6kL
— The Poverty Alliance (@PovertyAlliance) March 18, 2025
“Personal Independence Payments are a vital part of the social security system, and even though we have a replacement Adult Disability Payment in Scotland, there are still many people here who are on PIP.
“These social security benefits support people’s basic freedom – whether they are in work or not. They help cover some of the extra living costs that are forced on disabled people. The Government now plans to make it harder for them to get that vital support, denying them a full place in society, and undoubtedly pushing many towards debt and destitution.
“We urge the Scottish Government to maintain its commitment to justice and compassion, and to make sure the Adult Disability Payment still supports the freedom and rights of disabled people.
“It is shameful to try to balance the books on the backs of disabled people and households that are already struggling to keep their heads above water. Instead, the Government should do the responsible thing and use their tax powers to unlock our country’s wealth for investment in a strong social foundation.
“And they can scrap their self-imposed fiscal rules with a plan to help everyone build a better life for their households, and a better future for our country.”
Commenting on the Green Paper’s plans for social security reform announced by the government today (Tuesday), TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak said: “During 14 years of Tory failure, too many people were written off. Millions of workers have been left without proper support to move into work or progress in good jobs, and too many people with disabilities or ill health have not had access to the support they need.
“But change must be done in the right way. While we welcome the decision not to freeze PIP, this package will still lead to significant cuts in entitlements for some disabled people.
“As well as ensuring that those with the most severe disabilities are protected, we urge ministers to reconsider the scale of proposed cuts in disabled people’s incomes.
“Disabled people who are unable to work must not be pushed further into hardship.”
Commenting on the Green Paper’s wider proposals, Paul added: “Action to boost access to quality employment programmes and ensure that Jobcentre work coaches can provide quality and meaningful support is welcome. As too are proposals to strengthen contributory benefits.
“This needs to be accompanied by ongoing investment in the NHS, including mental health services. Better healthcare can transform lives.
“The government’s plan to Make Work Pay is also crucial to driving up the quality of jobs in Britain and ensuring more people have access to decent work.”
Transport union, RMT has criticised Labour’s decision to cut welfare spending by up to £5bn by 2030.
Eddie Dempsey RMT general secretary said: “Welfare cuts target people who rely on support to survive, including disabled people, carers, the unemployed, and those in insecure work.
“For the past 40 years our economy has been marked by low investment, wage suppression and super-high profits.
“Our economy needs to be fundamentally restructured so we can invest in housing, infrastructure and services to create well paid jobs and provide an adequate safety net for those who fall on hard times.
“There is an enormous amount of wealth in this country and the Labour government should be using the economic levers at their disposal to capture it from the rich.
“Billions could be recouped by the treasury through levies on wealth, the closure of tax loopholes, and extracting excess corporate profits.
“RMT stands with all in our working-class communities, including the disabled and unemployed.”
OXFAM Scotland tweeted: ‘Just a reminder there’s no shortage of money in the UK, just a shortage of political will to go out & tax it.
‘While more people risk being locked into hardship/deeper poverty, the ballooning bank balances of the UK’s richest millionaires/billionaires get off virtually scot-free’
The Disability Policy Centre’s Interim Director of Research, Arun Veerappan, response to the Government’s release of the Green Paper this afternoon.
Green MSP slams Labour betrayal of disabled people and calls on MPs to fight back
Scottish Green’s co-leader and MSP for Lothian region Lorna Slater is calling on Labour MPs to fight back on the inhumane cuts that the UK government are proposing to hit their fiscal targets.
In the Westminster government’s latest controversial move, it has announced a package of changes expected to affect some of the UK’s most severely disabled people. The measures will deny benefits for thousands of people across the country.
Lorna Slater MSP for Lothian region said: “These cuts will make a cruel and dehumanising system even more brutal than it already is. They will spread pain and misery across every community.
“ This decision is immoral. You can’t cut £5 billion of support without causing real harm to disabled people.
“ None of this is inevitable. Labour could choose to bring in a wealth tax that collects a fair and justified share from the richest people to invest in the services we all rely on.
“Labour are doubling down on the Tory idea that you can work your way out of disability. They are sending a cruel and dangerous message that only people who can boost our economy are worth supporting. They promised an end to austerity, but this goes even further than anything that the Tories ever dared.”
“The fact that they are choosing to punish the people with the least tells us everything we need to know about Labour’s values. The millions of people who waited 14 long years to get rid of the Tories deserve so much better than this.”
‘Cuts to benefits announced today have clearly been motivated by a desire to make short-term savings to meet arbitrary fiscal rules, says New Economics Foundation’s Head of Social Polict Tom Pollard.
‘They’re not going to help ill and disabled people, they’re only going to create more problems.’
Former Labour Party leader and now Independent MP Jeremy Corbyn said: “This is a seminal moment: a Labour government cutting disability benefits. Not just continuing Tory levels. Cutting.
“This comes after a week of speculation, itself an act of cruelty by a government toying with people’s dignity. These cuts are disgraceful – and will cost lives.”
Scope charity commented: “These plans will be catastrophic for disabled people’s living standards. Nearly half of families living in poverty already include someone who is disabled. Now the government is choosing to penalise some of the poorest people in our society.
“We welcome the investment in tailored, non-compulsory employment support. But ripping £5 billion out of the benefits system by 2030 will completely undermine this positive step.
“Countless disabled people, charities, MPs, and experts are urging the government to think again. And we’re not backing down. The consultation is likely to receive an overwhelming response. We urge the government to listen to disabled people and think again.
“Over the coming days, we’ll analyse all the details in the government’s plans. We’ll then share more information about what these changes mean and who could be affected as soon as we can. We’ll also share ways you can have your say in the consultation.
‘This is an especially worrying time for many disabled people. If you’re concerned about these changes, you can contact our helpline for advice and support.
Call us free on 0808 800 3333, or visit our website for more ways to get in touch:
‘If you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling, day or night, Samaritans are here to help. Call 116 123 for free, or visit their website https://samaritans.org “
Money and Mental Health response to government welfare green paper
Today the government has published its welfare green paper, which outlines its proposals to reform the welfare system.
In particular, the green paper sets out plans to make it harder for people to qualify for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) — a benefit which people with disabilities and long-term ill-health can claim to help cover the extra costs associated with their disability, and which is not connected to work. In addition, people aged under 22 will not be able to qualify for the health top-up element of Universal Credit.
The government has also announced £1bn additional funding for personalised employment support to help people with disabilities move into work, and that people receiving benefits will be given a “right to try” work without losing their benefits entitlement.
Commenting on the proposals, Helen Undy, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:“PIP is an absolute lifeline for thousands of people with mental health problems.
“It can be the difference between being able to afford basic things like a phone to call your crisis team or help to clean your home, or living in disarray and increasing isolation. Making it harder to access will jeopardise people’s financial security and cause serious distress, which won’t set up people to go back into work and to thrive.
“These changes will mean that needing help to wash or get dressed because of your mental health wouldn’t be enough to qualify for PIP. The government says it will ensure people with ‘genuine need’ aren’t affected, but we’re really concerned that these new reforms will take us further back to the days when people with mental health problems were treated as less worthy of help than those with physical health issues.
“The new ‘right to try’ a job without losing the benefits is welcome, as is the funding for personalised employment support for people with disabilities or health conditions. But introducing these measures alongside cuts to PIP and stopping young people from getting incapacity benefits will do more harm than good.
“It is a short sighted approach that will have a devastating impact on many people’s finances and mental health, and we urge the government to rethink these plans.”
Mikey Erhardt, Policy Officer at Disability Rights UK, said: “The minister stood up today and made clear that, after months of rumours, media speculation and spin, these reforms are not about supporting Disabled people into work, but making brutal and reckless cuts of £5 billion. That is up from £3 billion just a few weeks ago.
“The rise in claims is driven by the increase in the retirement age, record NHS waiting lists, inadequate education and mental health support for young Disabled people and a complete failure to tackle the disability employment and pay gaps. Yet the government has decided to create a rhetorical smokescreen around the depth of cuts it’s going to make.
“The government intends to bar young Disabled people from receiving the Universal Credit health component until they are 22. That is alongside their promise to significantly increase assessments at scale without making the assessment process safer for those going through the system right now.
“These measures mark dangerous cuts for all Disabled people. Furthermore, altering the PIP award criteria will make it harder for those who need support to qualify.
“The minister’s assertion that 1000s more face-to-face assessments will be more accurate is laughable; we know that in-person assessment causes more stress and worry and often leads to inaccurate findings from assessors.
“Let’s be clear: there is nothing ambitious about cutting support from those who need it and that’s what today’s announcements were really about. Rising claims for personal independence payment reflect not a problem with Disabled people but rather reflect successive government’s failure to do even the bare minimum to create a more equitable society.”
Mental Health Foundation responded:
Responding to the Government’s proposed changes to welfare and work announced today, Carers Trust’s CEO, Kirsty McHugh, said:“In the midst of today’s announcements on welfare reform, we cannot lose sight of the nation’s carers. Two-thirds of carers have been forced to give up work or cut back on hours because of their caring role.
“Many would like to work if they were able to access flexible jobs and the right employment support – sadly this is rarely on offer. But for many carers, work isn’t an option – either because of the toll of their caring role or their own ill health.
“Proposals to tighten eligibility criteria for benefits will strike fear into the heart of many carers. Around half a million carers look after someone receiving Personal Independence Payments (PIP), and nearly 150,000 people rely on both PIP and Carer’s Allowance.
“Disabled people and their carers are already among the most vulnerable in our society and more likely to live in poverty. Reducing their access to a financial safety net could push them over the edge.
“Carers already prop up our ailing health and social care system and we cannot introduce welfare changes that leave carers again picking up the pieces. We therefore welcome the commitment in the Green Paper to consider the impact of these changes on carers.”
Conference to look at the importance of women in politics
The Scottish Parliament will host the 11th Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians conference for the British Islands and Mediterranean Region.
The event, held from March 16-18, is titled ‘A parliament for all: the importance of women in politics’ and brings together elected female representatives, officials, campaigners and academics.
Delegates will discuss how Parliaments can become more inclusive, the barriers women face to entering and staying in politics and what more can be done to increase the number of women in politics. They will consider how best to implement recommendations from gender sensitive audit reports and how gender equality networks, working groups and caucuses can be used to influence positive change.
MSPs taking part include Acting Chair of the CWP BIMR Steering Committee, Sarah Boyack MSP; Roz McCall MSP, Member of the CWP BIMR Steering Committee; Michelle Thomson MSP; and Natalie Don MSP, Minister for Children and Young People.
Other speakers include the Swedish Parliament’s First Deputy Speaker, Kenneth G Forslund; Hon. Devina Sammut Hili, Parliament of Malta; Deputy Mary Le Hegarat, States Assembly, Jersey; Hon Joelle Ladislaus MP, Gibraltar Parliament; Savia Orphanidou MP, House of Representatives, Cyprus; Sioned Williams MS, Member of the Senedd Cymru.
Meryl Kenny, Professor of Gender and Politics at the University of Edinburgh and Talat Yaqoob, writer and campaigner and Co-founder of Women 50:50, are also speaking.
Delegates will be joined by young women from across the region discussing what more can be done to encourage young women to go into politics.
The Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP, Presiding Officer of the Scottish Parliament said:“I care passionately about equal representation and participation in politics and it’s a privilege to host this conference.
“The conference brings together parliamentarians and experts to discuss what more can be done to make our politics more inclusive, and to celebrate the role of women in the political sphere.
“It’s clear that many barriers still exist which can limit equal participation in politics. This conference aims to discuss what more can be done to encourage women to get involved in politics and stay involved.
“I’m excited to welcome brilliant politicians, officials and thinkers from across the British Islands and Mediterranean Region, each with their own unique perspective on how we can make our Parliaments truly representative of the communities we serve.”
Ian Murray, MP for Edinburgh South, has renewed calls for urgent action by the Scottish Government and NHS Lothian to tackle the worsening crisis in South Edinburgh GP services, as residents continue to face unacceptable delays in accessing care.
Constituents regularly report waiting hours on the phone to get appointments, with many surgeries unable to register new patients due to severe capacity issues.
The rapid expansion of new housing developments in South East Edinburgh without the necessary investment in healthcare infrastructure is exacerbating the situation.
Ian Murray has raised these concerns directly with NHS Lothian, and has met with the leadership teams of under-pressure GP practices, to discuss what support they need.
Over 3000 local residents have signed Ian Murray’s petition demanding action.
Ian Murray MP said:“GP services in Edinburgh South are at breaking point. Residents are spending hours on the phone just to get through to their surgery, only to be told they’ll have to wait weeks for an appointment.Meanwhile, new housing estates are being built without the infrastructure to support the growing population. Our community cannot be left without access to vital healthcare.
“The incredible doctors, nurses, and staff in our local practices are working tirelessly, but they are being let down by a failure to plan for demand. Following the record funding settlement given to the Scottish Government by the UK Government in the budget last year, this is unacceptable. The Scottish Government must act now to expand GP capacity, allocate the necessary resources to NHS Lothian, and ensure new developments are built alongside proper infrastructure and healthcare provision.”
Ian Murray has also welcomed Anas Sarwar’s recent announcement of Scottish Labour’s plans to reform the NHS and end the “8am rush” at GP surgeries by revising the GP contract, ensuring patients can get timely appointments.
“These plans offer real, practical solutions to fix our broken NHS and ensure people in Edinburgh South can access the care they need when they need it – representing the biggest reform of the NHS in decades.
“The Scottish Government has failed to get a grip on this crisis – Scottish Labour will.”
Ian Murray is encouraging residents to share their experiences of GP access and has launched a petition to demand better services. He vowed to continue pressing for improvements and holding the Scottish Government to account.
Residents have said:
“I’m registered at a surgery in Gilmerton. I try to get through at 8 am to get an appointment, but even just a call back is impossible. By the time I get through, all appointments are gone for the day. Been trying almost 2 weeks now and never can get through.”
“I have a chronic illness, and getting a GP appointment is virtually impossible. The stress of not being able to prebook an appointment and having to call at 8am relentlessly, normally around at least a 100 redials and then to be told there is no appointment available because they only have 1 doctor available that day and they are full, is intolerable.”
“Being a new mum I haven’t got the time to be sitting about waiting for phone calls all day. I haven’t been able to get through to our GP in over a month now for an appointment. It’s really concerning when I have a 1 year old daughter and can’t get appointments for her.“
Constituents who wish to share their experiences can contact Ian Murray’s office at ian.Murray.MP@parliament.uk.
