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BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Benefits U-turn: How much will it cost?
Labour's original plan to reform the welfare system was a hasty effort to try to make billions of pounds of cuts to a rapidly growing bill in order to help the chancellor meet her self-imposed rules on government this latest U-turn raises significant questions about just how stability and credibility-enhancing it really is to tweak financial plans every six months to hit budget targets that change frequently due to a variety of reasons, including things such as the cost of borowing which the government cannot dealappears to row back more than half of the annual £5bn earmarked saving from the welfare reforms, by planned cut to disability personal independent payment (Pip) eligibility was set to raise the bulk of this saving, £4.5bn. But now the changes will apply only to new claimants from November 2026, sparing 370,000 current claimants out of the 800,000 identified by the DWP impact change announced in March, which now only applies to new claimants, involves how Pip applicants are assessed. Pip assessments involve questions about tasks like preparing and eating food, washing and getting dressed. Each is scored from zero - for no difficulty - to 12 - for the most are asked questions about daily tasks and are scored on how difficult they find them. People will need to score at least four points for one activity, instead of qualifying for support across a broad range of example, needing help to wash your hair, or your body below the waist, would be awarded two points, but needing help to wash between the shoulders and waist would equate to four leader Meg Hillier and ministers have jointly stressed that the new four-point threshold, even when applied to new claimants only, will be a so called "co-production". This means they will be drawn up together with disability charities, so how the scoring will be applied is still unclear and suggests the changes may not save as much money as expected. There will also be a knock-on impact for Carer's Allowance. It seems plausible that this part will cost about £ original universal credit health changes - freezing the health element until 2029-30, and halving it then freezing it for new claimants from next April - would have raised £3bn in 2029-30. Now 2.25 million existing recipients will see a rise in line with inflation, and the most severe cases out of 730,000 new claimants will no longer see this would cost several hundred million, perhaps £ addition, the government has promised to pull forward investment in employment, health and skills support in order to frontload support to get those on health benefits back into work. This was only due to hit next year and be seen at its full £1bn level by 2029. This helps the coherence of the package as a piece of reform rather than are many moving parts here, and it is worth noting that the original costings were highly uncertain and subject to assumptions about changed behaviours. For example, critically, the number of claimants who would successfully say that they were now above the new four-point it seems likely that the total cost of the overnight deal is more than half of the original £5bn saving - a £2.5-3bn deal. All will be revealed at the Budget by the government's financial watchdog, the Office for Budget this is in addition to the £1.25bn cost of the winter fuel payment U-turn, and would either have to come from higher taxes or cuts elsewhere, given the chancellor's "non-negotiable" borrowing rules.
The Independent
5 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
Liz Kendall says welfare reforms will create ‘a better future'
Liz Kendall has said the Government's flagship welfare reforms will create the 'better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country', as she faced backbench Labour MPs. The Work and Pensions Secretary's appearance at a Parliamentary Labour Party (PLP) meeting on Monday night came after warnings from Labour backbenchers in the Commons that the reforms will lead to 'appalling poverty'. Under the proposals, ministers will limit eligibility for the personal independence payment (Pip), the main disability payment in England, and limit the sickness-related element of universal credit (UC). Ms Kendall's appearance at the committee was her first since the Government published its welfare reform Bill, and since Labour MP Vicky Foxcroft resigned as a Government whip because of her concerns over the package. Ms Kendall told the meeting there is 'no route to social justice based on greater benefit spending alone'. Ministers have previously said the reforms could save up to £5 billion a year. But in a sign they are now emphasising a moral case for the Bill over its financial savings, Ms Kendall told MPs: 'The path to a fairer society – one where everyone thrives, where people who can work get the support they need, and where we protect those who cannot – that is the path we seek to build with our reforms. 'Our plans are rooted in fairness – for those who need support and for taxpayers. 'They are about ensuring the welfare state survives, so there is always a safety net for those who need it. They're about putting proper safeguards in place to protect the most vulnerable. 'But above all they are about our belief that everyone can fulfil their potential and live their hopes and dreams when, collectively, we provide them with real opportunities and support. This is the better future we seek to build for our constituents and our country.' More than 20 MPs asked Ms Kendall questions about the reforms during the PLP meeting, the PA news agency understands, with most being broadly supportive, but a small minority insisting they would vote against the plans in the Commons. MPs leaving the meeting told journalists there was far more consensus about the reforms than it outwardly appeared. But in the Commons before the gathering, Labour MPs continued to voice their concerns. Richard Burgon, Leeds East MP, said: 'Isn't the simple and sad truth that any MP who votes for this upcoming welfare Bill is voting to take Pip from disabled people who need assistance to cut up their food, wash themselves and go to the toilet?' Work and Pensions minister Sir Stephen Timms replied: 'No. What people will be voting for is reforms to open up opportunities for people who have been denied opportunities for far, far too long. We're putting that right.' Andy McDonald, MP for Middlesbrough and Thornaby East, said: 'Ministers have highlighted the scale of Pip recipients expected to lose payments make up one in 10 of the total Pip caseload, suggesting the impact of the cuts will be limited, but that's still 370,000 current recipients expected to lose on average £4,500. 'But these numbers rest on a set of assumptions that the OBR (Office for Budget Responsibility) has described as highly uncertain. DWP (Department for Work and Pensions) data shows there are 1.3 million people currently receiving Pip daily living payments who would not meet the new criteria. 'So before MPs are asked to vote on imposing such appalling poverty, will the DWP or the OBR provide further evidence underpinning these claims?' Sir Stephen replied: 'Well, the OBR has published its assessment. (Mr McDonald) is absolutely right, their assessment is that one in 10 of those who are receiving Pip in November next year will have lost it by 2029/30. 'Following that, we will be able to introduce the biggest investment there has ever been in employment support for people out of work on health and disability grounds, because we don't want any longer to track people on low income for years and years and years, we want people to be able to enter work and fulfil their ambitions, and that's what the investment will allow.' The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill will be debated on July 1, when it receives its second reading in the Commons. Pip is a benefit aimed at helping with extra living costs if someone has a long-term physical or mental health condition or disability and difficulty doing certain everyday tasks or getting around because of their condition. Data for Pip claimants begins in January 2019, when the number was 2.05 million. An impact assessment published alongside the Bill confirmed previously published estimates that changes to Pip entitlement rules could see about 800,000 people lose out, with an average loss of £4,500 per year.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Yahoo
Pheobe's mum hits back at cruel claims
Pheobe Bishop's mother has responded to damaging claims circulating online following a now-deleted Facebook post that accused her of profiting from her daughter's death. Kylie Johnson, owner and director of Smiley's Support Services, took to Facebook to respond to a now-deleted post, reported by NewsMail, in a community group dedicated to Pheobe's memory. The post accused her of 'using' her daughter's name and claimed she needed carers only to earn more money. The family reportedly declined to comment directly on the post, which was widely condemned by supporters. Pheobe, 17, was reported missing in May 2025. Her remains were believed to have been found three weeks later. Two people she had been living with at a rented property in Gin Gin, James Wood and Tanika Bromley, have since been charged with her murder. The case has attracted national media attention and reignited debate over the protection of vulnerable NDIS participants. Ms Johnson has been vocal about the need for greater transparency in the sector but said the tragedy had also made her a target for online attacks. 'Imagine people from your own industry using this tragedy to benefit themselves?' she wrote in the post. 'After 23 years of working between the disability and aged care sector I'm actually pretty disappointed.' Ms Johnson said she began her career as a carer and cleaner in dementia-specific and aged care units before building her own business. 'My company was established at the same time our NDIS registration was applied for. We were approved for all levels of support that we provide,' she said. 'Our last audit in June 2024 was completed as per the NDIS Guidelines … with beautiful feedback.' Addressing rumours that Smiley's Support Services was shutting down, she confirmed the business remained operational, with only some services experiencing a waitlist. 'We'd like to assure you all that Smiley's has NO intention of closing,' she wrote. 'Even if we were considering this, our clients would be contacted immediately.' She praised her team's dedication, saying they continued to go 'above and beyond' despite the challenges. Ms Johnson also thanked members of the community for their ongoing support, including Wade from Smithie's Karaoke and DJ Hire who volunteered his time to help with candlelight vigils held in Pheobe's honour. 'Phee would have loved this because besides Wade lives with his own super powers … he runs numerous business ventures and WOW, he's kicking goals,' she wrote. Ms Johnson ended her message with a tribute to her daughter's resilience. 'Your disability only defines you if you allow it to, and Phee never let hers define her' she wrote.
News.com.au
13-06-2025
- News.com.au
Pheobe Bishop's mum denies exploiting daughter's death
Pheobe Bishop's mother has responded to damaging claims circulating online following a now-deleted Facebook post that accused her of profiting from her daughter's death. Kylie Johnson, owner and director of Smiley's Support Services, took to Facebook to respond to a now-deleted post, reported by NewsMail, in a community group dedicated to Pheobe's memory. The post accused her of 'using' her daughter's name and claimed she needed carers only to earn more money. The family reportedly declined to comment directly on the post, which was widely condemned by supporters. Pheobe, 17, was reported missing in May 2025. Her remains were believed to have been found three weeks later. Two people she had been living with at a rented property in Gin Gin, James Wood and Tanika Bromley, have since been charged with her murder. The case has attracted national media attention and reignited debate over the protection of vulnerable NDIS participants. Ms Johnson has been vocal about the need for greater transparency in the sector but said the tragedy had also made her a target for online attacks. 'Imagine people from your own industry using this tragedy to benefit themselves?' she wrote in the post. 'After 23 years of working between the disability and aged care sector I'm actually pretty disappointed.' Ms Johnson said she began her career as a carer and cleaner in dementia-specific and aged care units before building her own business. 'My company was established at the same time our NDIS registration was applied for. We were approved for all levels of support that we provide,' she said. 'Our last audit in June 2024 was completed as per the NDIS Guidelines … with beautiful feedback.' Addressing rumours that Smiley's Support Services was shutting down, she confirmed the business remained operational, with only some services experiencing a waitlist. 'We'd like to assure you all that Smiley's has NO intention of closing,' she wrote. 'Even if we were considering this, our clients would be contacted immediately.' She praised her team's dedication, saying they continued to go 'above and beyond' despite the challenges. Ms Johnson also thanked members of the community for their ongoing support, including Wade from Smithie's Karaoke and DJ Hire who volunteered his time to help with candlelight vigils held in Pheobe's honour. 'Phee would have loved this because besides Wade lives with his own super powers … he runs numerous business ventures and WOW, he's kicking goals,' she wrote. Ms Johnson ended her message with a tribute to her daughter's resilience. 'Your disability only defines you if you allow it to, and Phee never let hers define her' she wrote.
Daily Mail
08-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Coleen Rooney opens up about her own heartbreaking loss as she meets with Ukrainian child refugees
Coleen Rooney has opened up about her own heartbreaking loss as she met with Ukrainian child victims in Poland. The WAG, 39, took an emotional trip to a UNICEF Educational Rehabilitation School as she met children who have lost their homes during the Ukraine war. Coleen lost her own sister Rosie who died back in 2013 at age 14 after a lifelong battle with the rare brain disorder Rett syndrome. And the star opened up about her adopted sister's passing as she met with disabled refugee children, including fitness coach Kateryna and her seven-year-old son, Murat, who has learning difficulties. Speaking to The Mirror Coleen said: 'One of the schools was for children with disabilities. And I grew up in that environment, my sister went to a school like that. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the Daily Mail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'It was just like where they were, with music therapy, physiotherapy and all those things for the sensors. I felt so comfortable, it wasn't a shock.' Coleen also visited a Spilno Hub, in Krakow, which supports families who've fled the war and met Yuliia, her sister Olisia and Yuliia's daughter Anastasiia, four. Admitting that the experience had 'opened her eyes' to the reality of war, she added: 'You think it is over, it's not. These people have been hit with trauma and it's hard for them to move on.' Coleen's family took Rosie in as a foster child when she was two and while they previously just provided respite care, the teen tragically passed away after being brought home to spend her final moments with her family. During her time on I'm A Me Out of Here last November, Coleen broke down in tears as she opened up about the loss of her little sister. Coleen confided in Dean McCullough and Oti Mabuse as she confessed: 'Even when Rosie died, I kept it together for me mum and dad.' She continued: 'She was 14 when she died, she'd be 26 now. It's hard to lose a child, I've always said that… so we're lucky to have what we've got.' The media personality has always been very open about her younger sister and last year spoke about how her family always knew 'Rosie was different'. Coleen made the comment in her Wagatha Christie Disney+ documentary where she explained: 'When Rosie came along she was a massive part of our lives. She was the sister that I never thought I was going to have.' Speaking to her mother and her father Tony, she continued: 'I used to do her hair and used to love picking clothes with me mum for her. She brought that little bit extra to the house. We fell in love with her.' Yet the family soon realised that Rosie was struggling with her development, and after a series of hospital tests she was diagnosed with Rett syndrome. Coleen explained: 'Rosie, she struggled. She couldn't walk and talk and would be in pain and sick but she still put a smile on her face. 'Sometimes she used to force a laugh out. I think it was just to make my mum and dad happy. 'Gradually her brain wasn't functioning so she couldn't eat anymore, couldn't talk, move.' Rosie needed 24-hour care and after suffering from 'lots of complications' and being admitted to intensive care, Colette revealed the family decided to bring her home to spend her final days surrounded by her loved ones. 'We had a sleepover, one last sleepover, all of us together,' she explained. 'And then we had a big party to celebrate her life.' Breaking down in tears, Coleen said: 'To lose a child is the worst thing that could ever happen to anyone but when you look back now she gave us so many good years of happiness and love.' WHAT IS RETT SYNDROME? THE NEUROLOGICAL DISORDER THAT LEAVES KIDS UNABLE TO SPEAK, EAT, WALK, TALK AND BREATHE One child in 12,000 is born with Rett Syndrome, yet few people have heard of it. The genetic disorder affects almost exclusively females, causing them to regress neurologically and physically. The progression of the disease can be roughly divided into four stages. During the first stage, from about the age of six to 18 months, a baby slows in development, loses interest in play, stops making eye contact, starts walking awkwardly and makes repetitive hand movements. The second stage, known as 'rapid destruction', begins between the ages of one and four. The child finds it increasingly difficult to communicate and learn and there is often a deterioration in other brain functions. Symptoms include an inability to control the hands, sudden distress teamed with screaming, unsteadiness, breathing problems, difficulty sleeping, slow head growth and digestive problems. The third stage, the 'plateau', begins between age three and ten. Limbs become floppy, epilepsy may develop and there may be weight loss and teeth-grinding. However, many parents say children are less distressed and show more interest in their surroundings. The final stage can last for decades. Usually severe bending of the spine – scoliosis – develops, as well as losing the ability to walk. Almost all cases are caused by a mutation in the MECP2 gene which prevents nerve cells in the brain from working properly. Currently there is no cure and only the symptoms are treated. Around three quarters of sufferers will live into their 50s, according to Rett UK. The National Institute of Health says it's not possible to make reliable estimates about life expectancy beyond the age of 40. According to data from the Natural History Study have determined that a girl with Rett has a 100 per cent chance of reaching age 10, greater than 75 per cent chance of reaching age 30, and a greater than 50 per cent chance of reaching age 50.
