The Government has recently revealed plans in its Welfare Reform Bill, to replace incapacity benefit with an employment and support allowance from 2008, which aims to get one million people off benefits and into work, saving them up to £7 million a year. Under the new proposals, those with severe disabilities would receive a higher rate of benefits, but those who are thought to be able to work would be made to look for employment.
Our view
Anything that improves the productivity of the nation as a whole has to be good. For too long people with severe disabilities have been grouped with those who dare we say, are 'swinging the lead'.
This is a good move to help those that need it most and to get those who do not to start to do something for themselves.