@quietly11.bsky.social
Reposted
Over the last year, myths about the Motability scheme have spread online and in the right wing media. Now, some of it is government policy.
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Disabled people driving luxury cars on your dime? Just the latest rightwing lie peddled by Labour | Frances Ryan
Starmer’s ailing government is happy to pursue ideas like cutting Motability, but all ministers will do is damage lives and themselves, says Guardian columnist Frances Ryan
www.theguardian.com
December 9, 2025 at 11:11 AM
Over the last year, myths about the Motability scheme have spread online and in the right wing media. Now, some of it is government policy.
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
In today’s Guardian, I set about finding the facts and why the idea of “free cars for the disabled” has taken hold. www.theguardian.com/commentisfre...
Reposted
However, unless the Government also removes the benefit cap, some of the poorest households will see little or no gain, as any newly available support would be likely clawed back through the benefit cap.
November 26, 2025 at 3:47 PM
However, unless the Government also removes the benefit cap, some of the poorest households will see little or no gain, as any newly available support would be likely clawed back through the benefit cap.
Reposted
Don't want to be too on-brand when there really is something to celebrate, but there's nothing about the benefit cap in Budget or EFO so assume it's not changing, which will undermine the policy intent of abolishing the two child limit. Expect we'll see estimates of the effect in the next few days.
November 26, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Don't want to be too on-brand when there really is something to celebrate, but there's nothing about the benefit cap in Budget or EFO so assume it's not changing, which will undermine the policy intent of abolishing the two child limit. Expect we'll see estimates of the effect in the next few days.
Reposted
Scrapping the two-child limit will be transformational for children.
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
November 26, 2025 at 1:36 PM
Scrapping the two-child limit will be transformational for children.
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
This is a much-needed fresh start in our country’s efforts to eradicate child poverty and while there is more to do it gives us strong foundations to build on.
1/2
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Don’t want to be too moralistic about this, but it is an active disgrace what people are doing to a profoundly liberational scheme that costs relatively piddling amounts on the basis of a couple of right wing shitposters misrepresenting it on Twitter.
November 25, 2025 at 1:55 PM
Don’t want to be too moralistic about this, but it is an active disgrace what people are doing to a profoundly liberational scheme that costs relatively piddling amounts on the basis of a couple of right wing shitposters misrepresenting it on Twitter.
Reposted
Much to agree with here, notably on Labour's bewildering lack of interest in what 2010-24 governments actually did in policy terms. But this - something we have known for well over a century! - just cannot be repeated too often.
November 25, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Much to agree with here, notably on Labour's bewildering lack of interest in what 2010-24 governments actually did in policy terms. But this - something we have known for well over a century! - just cannot be repeated too often.
Reposted
Local Housing Allowance rates have been realigned to market rents in just two of the last 13 years, and current Government policy is for these to remain frozen.
But this ongoing freeze means that the 'affordability gap' between LHA rates and local rents is set to reach record levels next year.
But this ongoing freeze means that the 'affordability gap' between LHA rates and local rents is set to reach record levels next year.
October 29, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Local Housing Allowance rates have been realigned to market rents in just two of the last 13 years, and current Government policy is for these to remain frozen.
But this ongoing freeze means that the 'affordability gap' between LHA rates and local rents is set to reach record levels next year.
But this ongoing freeze means that the 'affordability gap' between LHA rates and local rents is set to reach record levels next year.
Reposted
Freezing Local Housing Allowance ultimately lowers living standards for low-income private renters.
Other income boosts cannot compensate for the loss experienced from LHA failing to keep up with rents.
Read the latest Housing Outlook➡️https://buff.ly/iZ80qbA
Other income boosts cannot compensate for the loss experienced from LHA failing to keep up with rents.
Read the latest Housing Outlook➡️https://buff.ly/iZ80qbA
October 27, 2025 at 1:30 PM
Freezing Local Housing Allowance ultimately lowers living standards for low-income private renters.
Other income boosts cannot compensate for the loss experienced from LHA failing to keep up with rents.
Read the latest Housing Outlook➡️https://buff.ly/iZ80qbA
Other income boosts cannot compensate for the loss experienced from LHA failing to keep up with rents.
Read the latest Housing Outlook➡️https://buff.ly/iZ80qbA
Reposted
Next year the basic rate of benefits will be £98pw for a single person.
Logically you'd expect this rate to be linked to the cost of a basket of essentials. It is not.
It's why we need an independent process to advise on a rate that enables people to cover life’s essentials
Logically you'd expect this rate to be linked to the cost of a basket of essentials. It is not.
It's why we need an independent process to advise on a rate that enables people to cover life’s essentials
October 22, 2025 at 7:23 AM
Next year the basic rate of benefits will be £98pw for a single person.
Logically you'd expect this rate to be linked to the cost of a basket of essentials. It is not.
It's why we need an independent process to advise on a rate that enables people to cover life’s essentials
Logically you'd expect this rate to be linked to the cost of a basket of essentials. It is not.
It's why we need an independent process to advise on a rate that enables people to cover life’s essentials
Reposted
The welfare bill has passed but it’s barely the same bill. It is government by cut and paste and with such chaotic speed, many ministers will barely know what’s in it. An utter shambles for Labour - and horrific unnecessary stress and suffering for disabled and sick people watching on.
July 1, 2025 at 6:32 PM
The welfare bill has passed but it’s barely the same bill. It is government by cut and paste and with such chaotic speed, many ministers will barely know what’s in it. An utter shambles for Labour - and horrific unnecessary stress and suffering for disabled and sick people watching on.
Reposted
Section 2 of the Bill still halves the LCWRA (‘health’) element of universal credit
July 1, 2025 at 4:41 PM
Section 2 of the Bill still halves the LCWRA (‘health’) element of universal credit
Reposted
The government's welfare legislation is falling apart in real time. Now the four-point rule is being axed from the legislation. The one remaining big cut in the Bill is the slashing of Universal Credit health payments by 40% for new claimants
July 1, 2025 at 4:51 PM
The government's welfare legislation is falling apart in real time. Now the four-point rule is being axed from the legislation. The one remaining big cut in the Bill is the slashing of Universal Credit health payments by 40% for new claimants
Reposted
If the UCPIP Bill becomes law it will cut PIP for over 400k disabled people & UC for over 700k people who are disabled or have a long-term health condition by 2030. Government’s own impact assessment says the cuts will plunge 150k people into poverty by the end of this Parliament
July 1, 2025 at 7:27 AM
If the UCPIP Bill becomes law it will cut PIP for over 400k disabled people & UC for over 700k people who are disabled or have a long-term health condition by 2030. Government’s own impact assessment says the cuts will plunge 150k people into poverty by the end of this Parliament
Reposted
Many of problems of the previous proposals exist in the new ones, but with an additional element of unfairness. Disabled people applying after November 2026 will get a level of support that has rightly been deemed unacceptable for those applying today. MPs should reject the bill.
June 27, 2025 at 12:47 PM
Many of problems of the previous proposals exist in the new ones, but with an additional element of unfairness. Disabled people applying after November 2026 will get a level of support that has rightly been deemed unacceptable for those applying today. MPs should reject the bill.
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A long thread on why the concessions in and around the UCPIP Bill (ie the disability benefits cuts) are illusory, disingenuous and potentially makes things worse 🧵
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
June 30, 2025 at 10:48 AM
A long thread on why the concessions in and around the UCPIP Bill (ie the disability benefits cuts) are illusory, disingenuous and potentially makes things worse 🧵
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
There are 5 big myths to bust -fifth is the most difficult to untangle, but the most significant in my view, so please do bear with 🙂
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...This would be a generational change to the health-related benefits system, and the problems it throws up are not ones that can be patched over by making exceptions for a small group of claimants, and it deserves greater attention.
June 30, 2025 at 10:09 AM
...This would be a generational change to the health-related benefits system, and the problems it throws up are not ones that can be patched over by making exceptions for a small group of claimants, and it deserves greater attention.
Reposted
Starmer’s welfare cuts could leave thousands of disabled women trapped with abusers.
Why no gender impact assessment?
Women lose disproportionately more in public sector wage cuts, benefit cuts, state pension age hike.
Despite equality laws gender pay/pension gap persists.
Why no gender impact assessment?
Women lose disproportionately more in public sector wage cuts, benefit cuts, state pension age hike.
Despite equality laws gender pay/pension gap persists.
Welfare cuts ‘could leave thousands of disabled women trapped with abusers’
Exclusive: The prime minister’s controversial welfare cuts would deepen economic insecurity for disabled women and make them more vulnerable to abuse, a new report has warned
www.independent.co.uk
June 29, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Starmer’s welfare cuts could leave thousands of disabled women trapped with abusers.
Why no gender impact assessment?
Women lose disproportionately more in public sector wage cuts, benefit cuts, state pension age hike.
Despite equality laws gender pay/pension gap persists.
Why no gender impact assessment?
Women lose disproportionately more in public sector wage cuts, benefit cuts, state pension age hike.
Despite equality laws gender pay/pension gap persists.
Reposted
These are big changes from Govt to protect existing disabled claimants from cuts - Govt has been listening. But new claimants from April 2026 still face deep hardship from cuts, which should be opposed. Over 400,000 new PIP & 700,000 new UC-health claimants will be £'000s worse off in 2029 1/2
June 27, 2025 at 10:56 AM
These are big changes from Govt to protect existing disabled claimants from cuts - Govt has been listening. But new claimants from April 2026 still face deep hardship from cuts, which should be opposed. Over 400,000 new PIP & 700,000 new UC-health claimants will be £'000s worse off in 2029 1/2
Reposted
Already 8 in 10 low income families receiving disability benefits go without essentials. This will deteriorate: the Government impact assessment shows by 2029/30:
🛑430,000 new PIP claimants losing average of £4,500 per year
🛑700,000 new UC Health claimants losing average of £3,000 per year
🛑430,000 new PIP claimants losing average of £4,500 per year
🛑700,000 new UC Health claimants losing average of £3,000 per year
June 27, 2025 at 11:12 AM
Already 8 in 10 low income families receiving disability benefits go without essentials. This will deteriorate: the Government impact assessment shows by 2029/30:
🛑430,000 new PIP claimants losing average of £4,500 per year
🛑700,000 new UC Health claimants losing average of £3,000 per year
🛑430,000 new PIP claimants losing average of £4,500 per year
🛑700,000 new UC Health claimants losing average of £3,000 per year
Reposted
Concessions for those already on disability & health benefits are welcome, and a testament to all the work that has gone into campaigning against these cuts
But people who need support in future will face a much harsher and meaner system if the amended proposals are implemented
But people who need support in future will face a much harsher and meaner system if the amended proposals are implemented
June 27, 2025 at 7:25 AM
Concessions for those already on disability & health benefits are welcome, and a testament to all the work that has gone into campaigning against these cuts
But people who need support in future will face a much harsher and meaner system if the amended proposals are implemented
But people who need support in future will face a much harsher and meaner system if the amended proposals are implemented
Reposted
Just spoke to @timesradio with a bit of myth busting on PIP and response to rebel deal.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
June 27, 2025 at 7:56 AM
Just spoke to @timesradio with a bit of myth busting on PIP and response to rebel deal.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
Yes, big concessions from govt for current claimants but this is a political fix that creates unequal policy.
All it takes is illness or life event for any of us to need PIP. People will have less.
Reposted
I'd say roughly 75% of mainstream news reporting about the disability benefit cuts has been from a Westminster angle rather than the actual impact the cuts will have
June 26, 2025 at 8:58 AM
I'd say roughly 75% of mainstream news reporting about the disability benefit cuts has been from a Westminster angle rather than the actual impact the cuts will have
Reposted
It’s great to see investment in the NHS, social housing, and free school meals. But it makes no sense to cut disability benefits at the same time. Making disabled people sicker and poorer will only increase pressure on the NHS, push them out of independent homes, and deprive their children.
June 11, 2025 at 12:43 PM
It’s great to see investment in the NHS, social housing, and free school meals. But it makes no sense to cut disability benefits at the same time. Making disabled people sicker and poorer will only increase pressure on the NHS, push them out of independent homes, and deprive their children.
Reposted
I'd add this doesn't change the need to scrap the two child limit which largely affects a different group of kids who are already FSM eligible and whose households are right at the bottom of the income distribution
Genuinely good news. Extending FSM to all children on Universal Credit is long overdue. Will cut poverty and help improve concentration and health.
🚨 NEW: Labour is lifting 100,000 children out of poverty by expanding access to free school meals.
Alongside free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniform costs and government-funded childcare, Labour is putting money in parents’ pockets and giving children the best start in life.
Alongside free breakfast clubs, cheaper uniform costs and government-funded childcare, Labour is putting money in parents’ pockets and giving children the best start in life.
June 4, 2025 at 10:02 PM
I'd add this doesn't change the need to scrap the two child limit which largely affects a different group of kids who are already FSM eligible and whose households are right at the bottom of the income distribution
Reposted
Keir Starmer can find billions for weapons factories, drones and a submarine but not for disability benefits or the two child limit. One more time for those at the back: Poverty Is A Political Choice.
June 2, 2025 at 5:26 PM
Keir Starmer can find billions for weapons factories, drones and a submarine but not for disability benefits or the two child limit. One more time for those at the back: Poverty Is A Political Choice.