What’s happening?
In March 2025, the Government proposed £5 million in benefit cuts. They are specifically targeting disability benefits like Personal Independence Payments (PIP). This is proposed in a Green Paper, which outlines planned changes the Government wants to make. If this is to go ahead, this would be the biggest disability benefits cut on record. This will severely impact disabled people’s standard of living, independence, and wellbeing. Lots of people will no longer qualify for benefits as the eligibility gets harder to meet. Caxton’s young people may be some of the most affected by any changes.
As the disability charity Scope has shared:
“Disabled young people aged between 18 and 21 will be some of the most affected. Many young disabled people aged between 18 and 21 who do not get PIP may not be eligible for any health-related benefits at all. Most young disabled people on Universal Credit aged 18 to 21 will also have to look for work until they are 22.”
Caxton Youth Organisation stands with our young people, their families and other charities in opposing these cuts to disability benefits. We know life costs more for disabled people. The impact of these cuts could push people into poverty and make their health worse.
What can we do?
You can still respond to the official Government consultation before the 30th of June. The decision to make the cuts isn’t final yet.
You can:
- Add your name to the Scope campaign: The cost of cuts:[ Sign here]
- Attend an in-person or virtual public consultation event held by the Government: [Find out more here]
- Complete the Government form on the Green Paper: [Click Here]
- Like, engage with, and share information about the cuts on social media
- If you feel safe and able to do so, you can attend an in-person protest.
Where can I learn more?
Scope is a national charity for disabled people. They have written an open letter to the chancellor opposing these cuts. You can read it here: [https://www.scope.org.uk/campaigns/open-letter-to-the-chancellor-the-cost-of-cuts-to-disability-benefits]
Disability Rights UK shares information about how to take action here: [https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/take-action]
Mind is a national mental health charity who have reacted to the Green Paper here: [https://www.mind.org.uk/news-campaigns/news/mind-reacts-to-uk-government-green-paper-on-benefit-reform/ ]
If you need support:
We understand this is an uncertain and worrying time for many disabled people.
Scope has a free disability helpline open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm and Sat 10am-6pm: 0808 800 3333
Mind has a welfare benefits helpline open Mon-Fri 9am – 5pm on 0300 222 5782
Mind also has a support line open Mon-Fri 9am-6pm on 0300 102 1234
If you are a Caxton young person, please talk to our youth workers during club evenings about how you are feeling. Our youth workers are here to support you.
