Chris Evans MP on the UK Government's welfare reform
It is hard to deny the welfare system in our country needs reform, but any reform must be done in the right way. I have very serious concerns about the government's proposals as they currently stand. That is why I signed an amendment to the UC and PIP Bill to stop these changes in their current form.
My concern about these plans comes from the serious impact they could have on my constituents in Caerphilly. Our area is estimated to be one of the 10 areas in the UK to be hardest hit if these changes go ahead as they currently stand.
Altogether, the proposals are estimated to impact around 13,000 people in Caerphilly, and around 190,000 across Wales. Clearly, many disabled people are at risk of losing vital income which, if lost, will push many into poverty. For those already in poverty, this will only make things worse.
The impact of poverty is considerable on adults, but even more serious on their dependent children. It has harmful consequences for people's physical and mental health, educational attainment, and in some cases will force them into situations where they are more likely to be involved in crime.
The Government is planning to increase employment support for those who might be able to work. This makes sense in principle, and it is right that anyone who wants to work and can work should be supported to do so. However, the reality is this extra employment support is only estimated to be able to help a small fraction, about 3 per cent, of those who will lose out.
I have called on the government to think again on these proposals. At the very least, they must consult with and listen directly to the people who will be affected most. The Government must change its plans to mitigate the harms that so many have pointed out.
Above all, they must do everything they can to ensure any changes to our welfare system do not push people into poverty, or increase demands on many of our already struggling public services.
Chris Evans is MP for Caerphilly.
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