Turn2us responds to proposed welfare reforms

Turn2us has responded to the Prime Minister's proposed consultation on reforming the welfare system.

Michael Clarke, head of information programmes at Turn2us, says:

“Financial security and people's physical and mental health are inextricably linked. Punitive approaches to welfare are dangerous and can cause a vicious cycle where trust is eroded and people are less likely to seek help. 

“If the government is serious about supporting more people into work, then we need a more holistic approach to health and employment support. But this can't be at the expense of medical expertise when assessing people's physical and mental health, especially given the poor record of disability assessment and high rates of appeals pushing even more people into poverty. This is against a backdrop of out of control waiting lists for mental health support.

“These policies should be designed with the lived experience of the people who access this support at their heart. As well as directly addressing health needs, the focus must be on listening to people and understanding how the existing complexity of the benefits system impacts their ability to work. This should result in a system where everyone in the UK has financial security so they can thrive.”  

Notes to editors

You can find more information on these proposals on the government's website.