Consultation Response: Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working
Inclusion Scotland is extremely concerned by the UK Government’s proposed changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Universal Credit (UC). These proposals will not help disabled people into work. Instead, they will make our lives harder, increasing poverty, distress, and inequality.
Why we’re speaking out
We believe these proposals are based on harmful assumptions—not evidence. The Green Paper treats cuts to support as a done deal and ignores the real-life impact on disabled people. The consultation questions were poorly designed, and the events were often hostile and unwelcoming.
What disabled people told us
Led by Inclusion Scotland’s Policy and Participation team, we asked disabled people in our networks what they wanted from this consultation. Their message was loud and clear:
- They are deeply disappointed and feel let down by the government.
- They are worried about losing vital support under the new points system.
- They called the changes “barbaric” and “inhumane”.
- They want a fair and honest approach to welfare reform—not one driven by cost-cutting.
- They feel that fraud is extremely rare, and that the portrayal of claimants as “scroungers” is harmful and unfair.
- People want the government to invest in removing barriers to independence, not punish people for being disabled.
Our message to the government
If the government wants to support disabled people, it must stop these harmful proposals. Support like PIP and Access to Work helps people live independently and get into work. Cutting them will do the opposite. We urge the government to listen to disabled people, drop these plans, and focus on creating a fairer, more accessible society.
Thank you
We are so grateful to everyone who shared their views with us, especially the input we had from disabled people and other DPOs, as their views shaped our response.
Your honesty and courage shaped this response—and showed clearly what is at stake.
Please read the full response: Consultation on Pathways to Work – Inclusion Scotland Response.
