Work and Pensions Committee right to be concerned about benefit changes pushing people into poverty

Responding to a new report from the Work and Pensions Committee, which warns planned cuts to the health component of Universal Credit could force people into poverty, Carers Trust's Policy and Public Affairs Manager, Ramzi Suleiman, said:

“Like the Committee, Carers Trust welcomed the Government’s decision to drop its grossly unfair plans for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) reform.

"But MPs are right to be worried about how changes to the Universal Credit Health Premium could hurt disabled people and their carers. Many of these households are already struggling to make ends meet. Cuts for future claimants will only push even people into poverty.

“We are encouraged that the Government has promised to involve carers and carer organisations in the Timms Review to help design a better PIP assessment process. We are ready to work with the government on this.

"The social security system has to do more to support the carers of today but we must also ensure carers of the future get the help they need."