Welcome to the March edition.
As I write, the next few days will be very telling in understanding the scale of the cutbacks to Britain’s benefits system and, in turn, the very real impact this will have on the lives of people supported by charities throughout the sector.
In advance of Rachel Reeves’ Spring Statement at the end of the month, we understand that the Department of Work and Pensions is about to launch its Green Paper on the reform of sickness and disability benefits, where it is anticipated we will see significant cuts to disability payments, in particular Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
Charities are already raising the alarm bell around the major impact this will have on some of the poorest in our society – with a collection of organisations including JRF, Trussell, Citizens Advice and Turn2us writing to the Chancellor pressing the Government to reconsider its plans. Scope has stated that without PIP, a further 700,000 disabled households could be pushed into poverty, and JRF have reiterated that cuts to benefit eligibility may restrict the Government’s ability to tackle child poverty.
Whatever the extent of the Government’s plans, it is clear that we are going to see major changes to the benefits system in the coming months, and charities will need to assess how they react to the fallout.
On a separate – and hopefully lighter note (!) – a quick personal plug: I am currently undertaking a fundraiser for Mid Kent Mind which I currently chair. Like many mental health charities, we face significant funding challenges at a time of increased demand. Between March and May I am planning to cycle 1,000 miles (come rain or shine) and any support would be greatly appreciated! You can see my fundraising page here.
Donal Watkin
Chief Executive
This month’s edition features:
- Upcoming ACO and wider sector events
- Jobs board
- Member spotlight on Blesma
- Guest article from B4B Payments
- Member news
- Policy and sector news
- Publications