MPs vote to cut Universal Credit

UC is a means-tested income replacement benefit for people who are out of work, or on a low income. The extra health top-up payment can provide a crucial boost to someone with a long-term condition or disability.

When the bill was introduced we raised concerns about the government’s ‘severe conditions’ criteria. We felt it could mean people who aren’t ‘constantly’ unable to complete a specified activity, like pushing a button would be penalised. We believe this will impact people with Parkinson’s as the symptoms fluctuate hour to hour.

Putting on pressure

We worked with the new Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Parkinson’s, Graeme Downie MP, to table an amendment to the bill to clarify this point, and got the support of 63 MPs.

However, the amendment was not selected, but we encouraged supportive MPs to vote for a similar amendment tabled by Rachael Maskell MP. Sadly that didn’t get enough support.

During the debate the Minister Sir Stephen Timms MP stated that the term ‘constantly’ doesn’t apply to people with fluctuating conditions. While this is encouraging, a verbal commitment from the Minister is not enough.

And this is supported by Ryan Bradshaw, a Partner at legal firm Leigh Day who commented: “I am in no doubt that the use of the word ‘constant’ in the legislation will be used as a means to unfairly deprive people of their lawful benefits entitlement regardless of any subsequent guidance or regulation. It will take years of legal action to clarify the true meaning of the word.”  

Our reaction

Juliet Tizzard, our Director of External Relations, said: “The government’s decision to cut Universal Credit costs is appalling. We believe that, despite the government's claims, savings are being made by effectively making people with Parkinson’s ineligible for the higher rate health element.

“The bill clearly states that someone must be constantly unable to do certain tasks to qualify. This will penalise people with Parkinson’s, whose symptoms come and go. Until we can be certain that people with fluctuating conditions will not be penalised, we'll continue campaigning for a fair system.

“We’re thankful to the MPs who tried to stop the changes to Universal Credit, and for every campaigner who raised their voice. We stopped the cuts to Personal Independence Payment, and while we’re disappointed by the result today, this setback won’t stop us. We’ll keep fighting for better support, care and treatment for the Parkinson’s community.”