Spring Forecast: What does it mean for private legal services?

Cuts confirmed, but vulnerable people must not be expected to pay the price

After initial cuts to welfare benefits were announced earlier in March, the Chancellor provided more detail about who will be affected. She also confirmed that the proposed cuts will deliver a £5bn saving and her figures were verified by the OBR.

Specifically, she confirmed that the ‘health element’ of universal credit would be ‘cut by 50%’and frozen at this level for new claimants until 2030, with those currently in receipt not receiving any increase in their current £97 a week payments.

Whilst getting more individuals into paid employment is of course a worthwhile aim – and what a lot of people with disabilities and additional needs would like to achieve for themselves – a lack of investment in the necessary support services and supportive employment opportunities required to get people into work will adversely impact vulnerable individuals. Our Professional Deputies have seen a sharp decline in accessible employment services for disabled people and we are in danger of exposing the most vulnerable in our society to significant risk.

We hope that the Spending Review in June will recognise the urgent need for the Government to ensure that adequate and equal support is available for all. This is especially important for vulnerable people and those living with disabilities.

• Share this