Spring Budget - what do you think welfare reform/spending cuts will look like?

[PIPnamechanged]

I work in the field (don’t come for me, I’m not Rachel Reeves) and therefore I am obviously curious what this will look like in real life.

We will all know that the government say the welfare spending is too high and it’s a main focus of the spring budget, but I’m wondering what do you think this will look like in practice?

FWIW, at my workplace they haven’t mentioned any changes to our practice, though that’s not to say it won’t happen in the coming weeks.

I suspect PIP (it’s the only benefit I’m familiar with, so I can’t speak for the others) may become harder to get - perhaps things that are considered within the scoring bracket currently will no longer be, or maybe applications sent without evidence (of which there are many) will not be accepted now.

I also think the appeals process may be made more complex to deter people. Maybe getting rid of backdated payments too. It’s a hard one to call, but I don’t doubt that it’ll be like a dagger for so many people out there.

Not sure but based on what they did to farmers with the axe to BPS and SFI at
the last minute and with no warning I don’t think it’s going to be pretty

I wouldn't be surprised if they remove PIP for neurodivergence - or at least only have it in place for those who, for example, can't attend a mainstream school, or for whom being in work is unlikely. People with 'aspergers' or who are considered 'high functioning' will lose PIP and be put on support to work type schemes.

I hope I'm wrong as this affects by DC and the PIP had been incredibly helpful in allowing them so freedom to step away from the house sometimes. But I do think this is what's coming.

I’m fully expecting a shit show with a lot of legal challenges that cost a fortune. I fully expect to be thrown under a bus as a working carer supporting someone unable to work. Contemplating dumping him on the steps of Downing Street!

Lots of ideas floating around about increasing the score threshold to cut some money, as well as making it a conditional benefit for those age 16-30.

Forgive my ignorance but what do you mean when you say maybe PIP applications sent without evidence might no longer be accepted? I thought that getting evidence was a required part of the current process?

I think I will be glad to know once, and for all what they intend to do. The constant speculation is wearing. I am glad I don't suffer from poor mh at the moment, because all this talk about cuts, cannot be helping people who do.

No requirement at present. Some people send in an application form only, some just call the DWP and request an assessment (so you call with absolutely no prior knowledge of what they’ll say). Some refuse to disclose GP details as an alternative means of gathering the evidence too.

You can’t just call and request assessment. You have to fill in the form.

I cannot believe they give it without evidence. I was told by the dwp that l had to submit evidence to support my claim.

Yes you can. I literally receive the people who do this and need to take all the details. Then you’re given an assessment slot as normal and the assessor goes in blind, takes all the info in the call/video call. They’re hard work to deal with as you have zero insight before you speak to the person.

Lots if people can’t read and write, can’t hold a pen etc. They allow this and it happens regularly.