How do you think Labour will treat disabled claimants if, as seems increasingly likely, they form the next government? Will they be better or worse than the Conservatives?
Last week’s Labour party manifesto left our readers divided on what the future might be like for disabled claimants under Labour. The document made few references to benefits and gave no clues as to what its attitude would be to major issues such as ESA to UC migration, proposed Green paper changes to PIP or how exactly the WCA might be reformed.
Many readers felt that Labour was just being cautious, because any hint of being soft on claimants would be jumped on by the right-wing press.
Others thought that Labour were saying little because they do not have anything positive to say to disability benefits claimants. Some think there is little difference between the two parties and some commentors even believe that Labour would be worse news for claimants than the Conservatives.
Certainly, the manifesto could have offered some hope to, for example Carer’s Allowance claimants. A change to the current cliff edge earnings limit would not have major cost implications.
And, to ensure claimant safety, Labour could have offered to look again at the very tight ESA to UC migration deadline imposed on the DWP by the Conservatives. Delaying the transfer would not cost anything, given that it was previously delayed to 2028 to save money.
Labour could also have stated in the manifesto that they would look at the Green paper proposals for PIP, but that it was unlikely that a voucher system or a catalogue would play any part in any future plans. Again, this would not have had cost implications.
None of these undertakings would have offered much in the way of ammunition to the right wing press, but all of them would have reassured claimants that Labour would give them some respite from the current relentless attacks.
On the other hand, no part of Labour’s plans include cutting benefits in order to raise cash for other purposes, such as tax cuts.
And, whilst they have said they will replace or reform the WCA, they have not suggested that they will reform PIP.
So, if benefits will play a major part in deciding who you will vote for, readers will have to make an educated guess as to what Labour might do based on minimal information.
Knowing what other claimants are thinking may be helpful in reaching a decision.
So, please take part in our poll to tell us whether you think life would be easier, harder or much the same under Labour rather than the Conservatives and, if you wish, give your reasons in the comments section below.
You can only vote once and we’ll publish the results on Monday 1 July.
