Unpacking Rishi Sunak's Speech on Reforming Benefits
In the wake of Rishi Sunak’s speech regarding benefits for disabled individuals in the UK, a disconcerting wave of concern is being voiced by professionals in the disability field and individuals alike. Many prominent organisations have condemned these plans as harmful and not a true reflection of the reality for people up and down the country. (Source: Mind 19/04/2024).
Whilst Sunak has presented this policy as a fiscal one, many, including myself, remain extremely worried about the governments priorities and where disabled people fit into this.
These policies risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing societal stigmatisation of disabled people. One could argue that Sunak’s path, inadvertently paints a portrait of disabled individuals as burdensome expenses rather than valued members of society, deserving dignity and support, but also very importantly, with that support, being able to contribute greatly to society.
Some argue that these proposals risk exacerbating existing inequalities, as they threaten to further marginalise already vulnerable communities. By tightening eligibility criteria and scaling back financial assistance, the government risks deepening the economic precarity faced by disabled individuals, pushing many more towards the brink of poverty and exclusion. We already know that disabled people are at greater risk of being in poverty. Scopes analysis based on Households Below Average Income 2019 – 2020 found that after housing costs, the proportion of working age disabled people living in poverty is 27%. This is higher that the proportion of working age non-disabled people which stands at 19%.
I also remain very concerned like others, that Sunak's speech overlooks the broader structural barriers that impede the full participation and integration of disabled individuals into society. Having personal experience in facing discrimination in working for a government agency that proudly displayed a Positive About Disabled People badge, I know there remains an awful lot of work to be done to make our infrastructure more accessible for disabled people who want and can work, with the right support. Genuine equality and inclusion remain a long way off for many disabled people, and cold hard facts back this up. Disabled people are less likely to have attended university, be in paid employment, suffer poorer health, less likely to own their own home and more likely to be in poverty. I question how the policies suggested by Sunak will narrow and not widen these already too great gaps?
“Genuine equality and inclusion remain a long way off for many disabled people, and cold hard facts back this up.”
Never has it been more important as a society to challenge the benefits of such policies on so many levels. Disability Awareness Training has never been so important and needed in my view. Whoever wins the next election, disability access and inclusion is a topic to be addressed one way or the other. If we are to become more inclusive and compassionate, we need to look at how we can all play a part in this. I truly believe we all have a role to play in making society more inclusive and accessible, and know from experience, that small steps can really made huge strides towards this. I also feel the potential long term economic benefits of becoming more inclusive and accessible is there for the taking. Notwithstanding the economic complexities, viewing disabled people as financial burdens instead of dealing with the issues they face is short sighted and has far greater financial consequences for us as a country than addressing them.
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