The current benefits system inherited by this Government is leaving people stranded, afraid of trying work. 

More than a third (37 percent) of disabled people and people with health conditions in the DWP work aspirations survey said they want to work but are held back by fear of losing their benefits. 

In Crewe & Nantwich, I’ve met with many residents who said the system was broken: that someone receiving disability benefits needs a flexible schedule and the space to find a role which works for them, without having support cut from underneath them at the earliest possible opportunity. 

DWP‑led Collaboration Committees played a central role in bringing together disabled people and the organisations that represent them for open and honest discussions about new Right to Try legislation, which will remove the automatic trigger of a benefit reassessment where a recipient enters the workplace. 

Following recommendations made by disabled people and their representative organisations during extensive stakeholder engagement, the legislation also includes a guarantee that those looking to volunteer will be able to do so without fear of benefit reassessment – helping people move closer to, or into, work. 

These changes are part of the Government’s drive to unlock work for sick or disabled people and boost living standards, by helping them move into good, secure jobs. This is backed by a £3.5 billion investment in tailored employment support by the end of the decade. 

The Government’s wider support offer includes innovative programmes that meet sick or disabled people where they are, such as WorkWell – which is now set to unlock opportunities for 250,000 more people – and the Connect to Work programme which will provide personalised help for 300,000 people over the next five years. 

Reforms which have just come into force will also tackle the perverse incentives in the Universal Credit system inherited by this government, which keep people trapped on benefits. By introducing a lower health element for new claimants, the government will save nearly £1 billion in taxpayer money and help move people towards work. 

I know that the idea of changes to Welfare is particularly sensitive for those supported by it, many of whom have been scarred by ruthless and ill-thought-out policies under the previous government. I hope the new Right to Try legislation will be received in the way it was intended: as a tool to support disabled people, not a stick to beat them with.  

If any residents in receipt of disability benefits have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office.