DIsabled people are being urged to respond to a Health and Disability Green Paper consultation, which closes in two months time.
Justin Tomlinson, the Minister for Disabled People, explained: “I am truly grateful to all those who have already had their say and urge anyone who hasn’t, please do get involved.
“Responses from the Green Paper consultation will help us create a fairer benefits system that better serves the needs of disabled people and those with health conditions, now and in the future.
“We have identified key areas for change and with your input, we can make these a reality that have a lasting and meaningful impact on people’s lives.”
Specifically, the consultation includes changes which could, according to the Government:
- Enable independent living and test the role of advocacy so people who need extra help to navigate the benefits system get the right level of support and information first time.
- Review how assessments are carried out including exploring the potential for longer-term use of telephone and video assessments and looking at how reassessments work, including testing a new Severe Disability Group (SDG) for people with severe and life-long conditions that will not improve. This could see those who meet the criteria experiencing a more simplified application process, without the need for an assessment to receive financial support.
- Improve support for disabled people to help them start, stay and succeed in work through the Work and Health Programme, Access to Work and on personalising employment support, recognising that one size does not fit all.
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