Why welfare reforms don't need to happen
More than two-thirds (67%) of people seeking advice from a CAB have a disability or long-term health condition. This comes at significant cost, especially for those in remote and rural communities. People don't have enough to live on, many are grappling with debt and destitution, and physical and mental health is getting worse. Poverty is a consequence and cause of disability and ill health, meaning the need for social security has grown alongside poverty rates.
One of the proposals seeks to radically narrow eligibility criteria for the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) so that fewer people can receive this. PIP and its equivalent in Scotland, Adult Disability Payment (ADP), are enabling payments. They exist to cover the additional costs of disability or ill health. They're not means-tested or linked to the ability to work.
Narrowing the criteria to access the daily living component of PIP – which includes support for preparing food or managing incontinence – will remove payments that enable many people to work. More than a quarter (27%) of those seeking ADP advice from our network are in employment. Removing people from the work force, which will happen if these proposals go head, is completely senseless.
It's unclear what impact the reforms will have on devolved social security in Scotland. Alongside a dramatically reduced budget, complexity could be added to the system, making it more difficult for people to claim payments they're entitled to. It is imperative the UK Government works closely with the Scottish Government to avoid this. People urgently need reassurance, as is clear from the CEO of Glasgow Northwest CAB: "We've already seen a spike in demand from people asking what this is going to mean. People are so worried – I don't know how much more they can take. Or our advisers. How do we tell even more people who are cold and hungry, facing mounting debts and deteriorating health there's nothing else we can do to increase their incomes? This will be devastating for all of us."
There's a choice to be made; improving the circumstances of sick and disabled people should not be a difficult one. It's clear for us when we hear the worry in the voices of our advisers and the thousands who visit our CABs, our leaders need to listen too – these reforms do not need to go ahead.
Emma Jackson is head of Social Justice at Citizens Advice Scotland
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ITV News
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- ITV News
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Daily Mirror
4 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
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Scotsman
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- Scotsman
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These signs are often missed or mistaken for behavioural quirks, but they can be a signal that something's not quite right. The good news is that help is available – your vet can work with you to identify the cause and recommend ways to offer the most appropriate sources of comfort.' Top tips for pet owners this Itchy Pet Awareness Month: Look beyond the obvious – Constant scratching, licking paws, or head shaking can all be signs of underlying irritation. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is. – Constant scratching, licking paws, or head shaking can all be signs of underlying irritation. Trust your instincts – if something seems off, it probably is. Don't dismiss 'doggy habits' – Behaviours like rubbing against furniture, scooting, or biting at the same spot repeatedly can indicate a skin issue, not just a funny quirk. – Behaviours like rubbing against furniture, scooting, or biting at the same spot repeatedly can indicate a skin issue, not just a funny quirk. Keep skin and coat healthy – Regular grooming helps you spot changes early and keeps the coat clean and comfortable. If the skin looks red, greasy, or flaky, speak to your vet. – Regular grooming helps you spot changes early and keeps the coat clean and comfortable. If the skin looks red, greasy, or flaky, speak to your vet. Stay flea smart – Even one bite from a flea can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets. Keeping up with preventative treatments is key. – Even one bite from a flea can trigger intense itching in sensitive pets. Keeping up with preventative treatments is key. Talk to your vet – You know your pet best. If their behaviour changes or they seem uncomfortable, don't wait. A vet check can bring much-needed relief and avoid further problems. If you're worried about your pet's behaviour, skin, or comfort then check with your vet. They can help diagnose and treat itchy skin, allergies, heat-related problems, and keep your dog healthy and happy so you can both enjoy summer, without excessive scratching! Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
