The Tony Blair Institute (TBI) has come under fire from disability charities after publishing a report recommending that individuals diagnosed with conditions such as moderate depression, ADHD, and lower-back pain should no longer qualify for cash benefits. The think tank argues that these conditions should be classified as "non-work-limiting," a proposal that has been met with widespread condemnation.
Proposed welfare cuts
The TBI's report suggests that implementing these changes could act as an "emergency handbrake" on rising welfare spending, potentially saving the government up to £11.5 billion by 2029. To expedite the reforms, the institute advocates for the use of secondary legislation, which would reduce the level of parliamentary scrutiny typically required for such significant policy shifts.
Charities respond
Disability charities, including Mencap, the Disability Benefits Consortium, and Mind, have strongly criticised the proposals. A spokesperson for Mencap described the report as "deeply unhelpful and ill-informed," while Mind labelled it "discriminatory" and a "simplistic response to a hugely complex challenge." The charities argue that such blanket categorisations fail to account for the individual impact of these conditions on people's ability to work.
Rising health-related inactivity
The TBI's research highlights a significant increase in the number of people out of work due to ill health, which has reached 2.8 million. Notably, the number of young people aged 18-24 affected by work-limiting health conditions has nearly doubled since 2012. This trend has contributed to a substantial rise in health and disability benefit expenditure, prompting the institute's call for urgent action.
Government stance
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has stated that it will "consider" the TBI's report, but critics have urged the government to learn from past mistakes. Similar proposals to tighten eligibility for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) were previously withdrawn after facing widespread opposition from campaigners and the public.
