The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and the Labour government have faced calls from numerous UK charities to preserve benefits for disabled young people. Over 40 leading charities have written to Pat McFadden, Labour Party cabinet member and head of the DWP, as well as to Alan Milburn, who is overseeing the ongoing review into youth disengagement.
The charities have expressed concern over potential changes to eligibility rules, particularly fears that the health element of Universal Credit could be withdrawn for individuals under 22 years old-those born after 2004-who have a disability or long-term illness.
Scope, one of the charities, highlighted that currently about half of the households with an under-22 claimant receiving the health-related Universal Credit element are living in poverty. They warn that removing this support could see poverty levels rise to over nine in ten.
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A spokesperson for the DWP stated: “We want to see the potential of young people throughout the country fully realised, whether that be through education, training or work. We are advancing the largest youth employment reforms in a generation, aiming to create nearly a million opportunities for young people. Our £2.5 billion youth employment support package includes a new apprenticeship bursary for families on Universal Credit.
“We have also commissioned Alan Milburn to investigate the barriers preventing young people from entering the workforce and look forward to receiving his final report this autumn.”
The Milburn Review, which will submit its final recommendations later this year, comprises two phases. The initial discovery phase is focused on diagnosing the rise in the number of young disabled people and those with health conditions who are classified as NEET (not in employment, education or training). The subsequent phase will explore and identify potential areas for reform aimed at addressing these challenges.