Call for Extension to UK Government on the ‘ Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper’
The All Wales Forum & Disability Wales have jointly called for an extension of the consultation on the proposed changes to welfare reform. We are deeply concerned with the only in-person Wales wide event being held within one week of the deadline of this consultation. This does not allow time for meaningful engagement and to understand how individuals and their families will be impacted by these proposed changes.
We echo the concerns outlined by Disabled People Against Cuts (DPAC), who have sent a joint signatory letter to Stephen Timms MP detailing the issues with the consultation events and advocating for an extension. Their letter outlines important points that align with our concerns and can be accessed here: Open letter: #NoVoteWithoutWales – stop disability cuts.
We have written to the DWP urging them to extend the consultation deadline. This request also has the support of the Welsh Government’s Equality and Social Justice Committee whom separately have written to the Secretary of State echoing these concerns and is supported by Sioned Williams MS, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Learning Disability, Mark Isherwood MS, Chair of the Cross-Party Group on Disability and Hefin David MS.
Given the considerable accessibility barriers, the ongoing scheduling issues, and the widespread anxieties articulated by disabled individuals, their families, caregivers, and elected representatives, we firmly believe that an extension is not only warranted but necessary. It is critical to ensure that this process is carried out in a lawful and inclusive manner.
