BPS responds to the new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill

Responding to the government's new Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill, President of the British Psychological Society Dr Roman Raczka said: 

"The introduction of this Bill could lead to serious and far-reaching unintended consequences, adversely affecting a significant number of people. Reducing the health rate of Universal Credit to £50 from April next year, as proposed, puts over a million people with disabilities at risk of losing support. It is vital the basic rate of Universal Credit is enough for people to cover their essential costs."

Commenting on the proposed changes to PIP payments, Dr Raczka said: 

"It is encouraging to see that those who currently receive the daily living component of PIP payments will receive an additional 13-weeks of financial security. But the wholescale changes to the PIP structure has the potential to remove benefits for around 800,000 people. Evidence shows that the threat of removal of benefits payments causes increased stress and anxiety for those most in need. 

"We urge the government to adopt a more flexible and supportive benefits system. Attempts to return to work should not come at the cost of long-term wellbeing. Instead, a system which supports people throughout their journey back to employment. Psychologists are best placed to provide this essential support to the government, employers and those returning to work. A government commitment to growing the psychological workforce in this area would have a meaningful impact right from the outset."