Simon Collerton
@scollerton.bsky.social
Policy Research Assistant at Citizens Advice - All views are my own
After the government abandoning one of the most harmful disability benefit reforms it's easy to think disaster has been avoided. But this isn't true and the government's plans will still cause many to struggle!
Cuts to disability benefits weren’t totally averted!
🚨New report out today explaining why the Universal Credit Bill will harm disabled people and exploring who will be impacted by the cuts.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
🚨New report out today explaining why the Universal Credit Bill will harm disabled people and exploring who will be impacted by the cuts.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Not so Universal: the two-tiered health element. How the Universal Credit Bill will create a two-tiered system for disabled people.
Briefing by Victoria Anns on how the Universal Credit Bill will create a two-tiered system for disabled people.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
September 4, 2025 at 11:22 AM
After the government abandoning one of the most harmful disability benefit reforms it's easy to think disaster has been avoided. But this isn't true and the government's plans will still cause many to struggle!
Reposted by Simon Collerton
New @citizensadvice.bsky.social briefing published with @julia-rt.bsky.social on how Universal Credit can adapt to promote income stability for working households. We set out policy options for the UC review to consider to reflect the reality of low paid employment.
August 7, 2025 at 12:37 PM
New @citizensadvice.bsky.social briefing published with @julia-rt.bsky.social on how Universal Credit can adapt to promote income stability for working households. We set out policy options for the UC review to consider to reflect the reality of low paid employment.
Reposted by Simon Collerton
The narrative around Universal Credit has long centred around work incentives.
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Work incentives aren't working: is the Universal Credit review asking the right questions?
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
July 30, 2025 at 10:03 AM
The narrative around Universal Credit has long centred around work incentives.
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
This new briefing examines how effective UC is at encouraging employment – and how that focus may have overshadowed the deeper complexities of getting into work. 🧵
🔗 www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
🚨 New report alert 🚨
We’ve launched our first local deep dive research into health inequalities - starting in Chapeltown, Leeds.
What does geography have to do with health & work? Quite a lot, it turns out. 🧵
We’ve launched our first local deep dive research into health inequalities - starting in Chapeltown, Leeds.
What does geography have to do with health & work? Quite a lot, it turns out. 🧵
July 15, 2025 at 8:36 AM
🚨 New report alert 🚨
We’ve launched our first local deep dive research into health inequalities - starting in Chapeltown, Leeds.
What does geography have to do with health & work? Quite a lot, it turns out. 🧵
We’ve launched our first local deep dive research into health inequalities - starting in Chapeltown, Leeds.
What does geography have to do with health & work? Quite a lot, it turns out. 🧵
Reposted by Simon Collerton
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 🙂
As the MPs prepare to vote on the UC and PIP bill, it's really important to understand exactly what the consequences of the cuts will be. Victoria spells them out perfectly...
How will the proposed disability benefit cuts impact disabled people? Today we’re sharing the story of one of the people we’ve helped: Anita*.
The cuts could mean she loses over £8k per year (43% of her income)❗
New blog out now: medium.com/p/1ab8959922a1
The cuts could mean she loses over £8k per year (43% of her income)❗
New blog out now: medium.com/p/1ab8959922a1
Anita’s story
How cuts to disability benefits could impact millions
medium.com
June 26, 2025 at 10:15 AM
As the MPs prepare to vote on the UC and PIP bill, it's really important to understand exactly what the consequences of the cuts will be. Victoria spells them out perfectly...
A really great explainer from Victoria of the government's welfare reform bill and what comes next in their plans to cut benefits for thousands of disabled people!
Today, the government laid its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill before parliament. But what's actually in the bill and what happens next?
New blog out now: wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/why-were-ask...
New blog out now: wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/why-were-ask...
Why we’re asking MPs to vote against the bill to cut disability benefits
Today, the government laid its Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill before parliament. It details plans to cut billions…
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
June 19, 2025 at 8:42 AM
A really great explainer from Victoria of the government's welfare reform bill and what comes next in their plans to cut benefits for thousands of disabled people!
Reposted by Simon Collerton
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill has been released. Here's a short thread highlighting a few things we learned:
(1) 200,000 people who are in the 'Severe Conditions Criteria group' will be protected from the changes to UC-H.
(1) 200,000 people who are in the 'Severe Conditions Criteria group' will be protected from the changes to UC-H.
June 18, 2025 at 1:59 PM
The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill has been released. Here's a short thread highlighting a few things we learned:
(1) 200,000 people who are in the 'Severe Conditions Criteria group' will be protected from the changes to UC-H.
(1) 200,000 people who are in the 'Severe Conditions Criteria group' will be protected from the changes to UC-H.
Reposted by Simon Collerton
Its time for change in Jobcentres, but how do we do it? My new paper proposes a vision for Jobcentre reform. The central idea is to introduce case workers, who would be service users’ main point of contact and offer ongoing pastoral and practical support 🧵
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
The case for case workers: reimagining the Jobcentre service
Discussion paper by Kate Harrison on the future of jobcentres and work coaches
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
June 5, 2025 at 11:05 AM
Its time for change in Jobcentres, but how do we do it? My new paper proposes a vision for Jobcentre reform. The central idea is to introduce case workers, who would be service users’ main point of contact and offer ongoing pastoral and practical support 🧵
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
New blog on the Fair Repayment Rate, in effect since 30 April.
It's lowered deductions + raised UC incomes for many - BUT must be the first, not the only, step govt. takes to tackling deductions.
⚠️ We now need action on the causes of deductions, crucially the 5 week wait.
It's lowered deductions + raised UC incomes for many - BUT must be the first, not the only, step govt. takes to tackling deductions.
⚠️ We now need action on the causes of deductions, crucially the 5 week wait.
A fair first step
The Fair Repayment Rate — and what’s left to do to tackle the hardship caused by Universal Credit deductions
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
May 29, 2025 at 2:14 PM
New blog on the Fair Repayment Rate, in effect since 30 April.
It's lowered deductions + raised UC incomes for many - BUT must be the first, not the only, step govt. takes to tackling deductions.
⚠️ We now need action on the causes of deductions, crucially the 5 week wait.
It's lowered deductions + raised UC incomes for many - BUT must be the first, not the only, step govt. takes to tackling deductions.
⚠️ We now need action on the causes of deductions, crucially the 5 week wait.
Reposted by Simon Collerton
This shift in Jobcentre culture & priorities would be very welcome, but the positive agenda set out in last year's DWP White Paper is going to be so much harder to realise in the context of the benefit cuts & increased conditionality announced since then www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Jobcentres will no longer force people into ‘any job’ available, minister says
Alison McGovern promises long-term career support in wake of Labour’s significant cuts to disability benefits
www.theguardian.com
May 29, 2025 at 8:03 AM
This shift in Jobcentre culture & priorities would be very welcome, but the positive agenda set out in last year's DWP White Paper is going to be so much harder to realise in the context of the benefit cuts & increased conditionality announced since then www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
The Pathways to Work Green Paper sets out plans to cut billions from health and disability benefits.
Instead of getting people into work, these cuts will push hundreds of thousands into poverty.
Our new report looks at the impact of cuts to PIP, UC health & scrapping the WCA (🧵)
Instead of getting people into work, these cuts will push hundreds of thousands into poverty.
Our new report looks at the impact of cuts to PIP, UC health & scrapping the WCA (🧵)
Pathways to Poverty: How planned cuts to disability benefits will impact the people we support
Pathways to Poverty: How planned cuts to disability benefits will impact the people we support
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
May 28, 2025 at 8:50 AM
The Pathways to Work Green Paper sets out plans to cut billions from health and disability benefits.
Instead of getting people into work, these cuts will push hundreds of thousands into poverty.
Our new report looks at the impact of cuts to PIP, UC health & scrapping the WCA (🧵)
Instead of getting people into work, these cuts will push hundreds of thousands into poverty.
Our new report looks at the impact of cuts to PIP, UC health & scrapping the WCA (🧵)
Reposted by Simon Collerton
Work won’t cut it
New briefing for @citizensadvice.bsky.social by me and @beccastacey.bsky.social
We look at whether people losing PIP and UC income will be better off *if* they move into employment, if reforms were implemented today
Here's a quick 🧵 but spoiler alert: probably not
New briefing for @citizensadvice.bsky.social by me and @beccastacey.bsky.social
We look at whether people losing PIP and UC income will be better off *if* they move into employment, if reforms were implemented today
Here's a quick 🧵 but spoiler alert: probably not
May 20, 2025 at 10:50 AM
Work won’t cut it
New briefing for @citizensadvice.bsky.social by me and @beccastacey.bsky.social
We look at whether people losing PIP and UC income will be better off *if* they move into employment, if reforms were implemented today
Here's a quick 🧵 but spoiler alert: probably not
New briefing for @citizensadvice.bsky.social by me and @beccastacey.bsky.social
We look at whether people losing PIP and UC income will be better off *if* they move into employment, if reforms were implemented today
Here's a quick 🧵 but spoiler alert: probably not
Reposted by Simon Collerton
1️⃣ we're in the 7th cycle of the Household Support Fund
2️⃣ its future is still uncertain
3️⃣ and we still see record demand for crisis support
... so what should come next?
New Citizens Advice paper on the future of crisis support + how to realise an approach that’s more than a sticking plaster🩹👇
2️⃣ its future is still uncertain
3️⃣ and we still see record demand for crisis support
... so what should come next?
New Citizens Advice paper on the future of crisis support + how to realise an approach that’s more than a sticking plaster🩹👇
The future of crisis support: a discussion paper
The future of crisis support: a discussion paper - paper by Julia Ruddick-Trentmann on the future of crisis support and the Household Support Fund
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
May 2, 2025 at 8:21 AM
1️⃣ we're in the 7th cycle of the Household Support Fund
2️⃣ its future is still uncertain
3️⃣ and we still see record demand for crisis support
... so what should come next?
New Citizens Advice paper on the future of crisis support + how to realise an approach that’s more than a sticking plaster🩹👇
2️⃣ its future is still uncertain
3️⃣ and we still see record demand for crisis support
... so what should come next?
New Citizens Advice paper on the future of crisis support + how to realise an approach that’s more than a sticking plaster🩹👇
Reposted by Simon Collerton
The new government has committed to reducing health inequalities. At Citizens Advice, we have a unique insight into many of the different factors that can shape people’s health. So it’s exciting to be leading a new project, funded by @healthfoundation.bsky.social, to study this important topic.
April 30, 2025 at 8:43 AM
The new government has committed to reducing health inequalities. At Citizens Advice, we have a unique insight into many of the different factors that can shape people’s health. So it’s exciting to be leading a new project, funded by @healthfoundation.bsky.social, to study this important topic.
Reposted by Simon Collerton
New post with @julia-rt.bsky.social for @citizensadvice.bsky.social on Universal Credit's lost value
Quick thread on main points 🧵
Quick thread on main points 🧵
April 29, 2025 at 11:54 AM
New post with @julia-rt.bsky.social for @citizensadvice.bsky.social on Universal Credit's lost value
Quick thread on main points 🧵
Quick thread on main points 🧵
As well as cutting disability benefits, the government are planning to reform a crucial part of the application process: health assessments. We know they need to be improved but these changes don't seem to go far enough.
Check out the proposals below:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/do-plans-to-...
Check out the proposals below:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/do-plans-to-...
Do plans to reform disability benefit assessments go far enough?
When someone applies for Personal Independence Payment (PIP) they take a health assessment. This awards them points based on how their…
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
April 23, 2025 at 2:41 PM
As well as cutting disability benefits, the government are planning to reform a crucial part of the application process: health assessments. We know they need to be improved but these changes don't seem to go far enough.
Check out the proposals below:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/do-plans-to-...
Check out the proposals below:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/do-plans-to-...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
I’ve written about how the government's cuts agenda conflicts with its employment agenda
Reducing the financial support that enables many to access employment will only create further barriers to work for disabled people
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/why-efforts-...
Reducing the financial support that enables many to access employment will only create further barriers to work for disabled people
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/why-efforts-...
Why efforts to get more disabled people into work are flawed
How the Pathways to Work green paper limits the government’s likelihood of getting more disabled people into work
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
April 10, 2025 at 2:22 PM
I’ve written about how the government's cuts agenda conflicts with its employment agenda
Reducing the financial support that enables many to access employment will only create further barriers to work for disabled people
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/why-efforts-...
Reducing the financial support that enables many to access employment will only create further barriers to work for disabled people
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/why-efforts-...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
Disability benefit cuts will cause widespread hardship, no questions asked
Quick thread 🧵 on the impact of cuts on why the govt needs to properly consult - or see the full post at:
medium.com/@craig.berry...
Quick thread 🧵 on the impact of cuts on why the govt needs to properly consult - or see the full post at:
medium.com/@craig.berry...
Disability benefit cuts will cause widespread hardship, no questions asked
Craig Berry takes a first look at the Pathways to Work green paper, finding that — despite large income losses for many disabled people —…
medium.com
March 27, 2025 at 11:44 AM
Disability benefit cuts will cause widespread hardship, no questions asked
Quick thread 🧵 on the impact of cuts on why the govt needs to properly consult - or see the full post at:
medium.com/@craig.berry...
Quick thread 🧵 on the impact of cuts on why the govt needs to properly consult - or see the full post at:
medium.com/@craig.berry...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
Just over a year ago my PIP review was launched. By the time I got the letter in the post, I realised I had just 3 days left to prove my entitlement. Otherwise, my PIP might be stopped.
That just isn’t enough time!
New blog below ⬇️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/race-against...
That just isn’t enough time!
New blog below ⬇️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/race-against...
Race against time: how short deadlines to return PIP forms are harming disabled people
I was baffled when I received my Personal Independence Payment (PIP) review letter.
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
March 12, 2025 at 1:57 PM
Just over a year ago my PIP review was launched. By the time I got the letter in the post, I realised I had just 3 days left to prove my entitlement. Otherwise, my PIP might be stopped.
That just isn’t enough time!
New blog below ⬇️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/race-against...
That just isn’t enough time!
New blog below ⬇️
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/race-against...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
PIP is not 'easy' to claim - despite what some media reports might suggest.
Gathering medical evidence is just one hoop people jump through to apply. And issues like long waiting times & charges for personalised letters make it far from easy.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Gathering medical evidence is just one hoop people jump through to apply. And issues like long waiting times & charges for personalised letters make it far from easy.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Burdens of proof: How difficulties providing medical evidence make PIP harder to claim
Briefing by Simon Collerton and Maddy Rose on the difficulties around providing medical evidence within PIP claims
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
March 7, 2025 at 10:12 AM
PIP is not 'easy' to claim - despite what some media reports might suggest.
Gathering medical evidence is just one hoop people jump through to apply. And issues like long waiting times & charges for personalised letters make it far from easy.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Gathering medical evidence is just one hoop people jump through to apply. And issues like long waiting times & charges for personalised letters make it far from easy.
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
Looking ahead to the disability benefits green paper, this essay for @citizensadvice.bsky.social makes the case for a system focused on improving health outcomes.
Co-authors @maddyirose.bsky.social, @victoria-anns.bsky.social & Simon Collerton
We challenge the 5 big falsehoods underpinning cuts…🧵
Co-authors @maddyirose.bsky.social, @victoria-anns.bsky.social & Simon Collerton
We challenge the 5 big falsehoods underpinning cuts…🧵
March 11, 2025 at 9:29 AM
Looking ahead to the disability benefits green paper, this essay for @citizensadvice.bsky.social makes the case for a system focused on improving health outcomes.
Co-authors @maddyirose.bsky.social, @victoria-anns.bsky.social & Simon Collerton
We challenge the 5 big falsehoods underpinning cuts…🧵
Co-authors @maddyirose.bsky.social, @victoria-anns.bsky.social & Simon Collerton
We challenge the 5 big falsehoods underpinning cuts…🧵
Reposted by Simon Collerton
@citizensadvice.bsky.social chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty has written to Liz Kendall to outline our concerns ahead of the disability benefits green paper.
We highlighted the risk of significant hardship from any cuts to, or narrowing of eligibility for, disability and incapacity benefits 1/3
We highlighted the risk of significant hardship from any cuts to, or narrowing of eligibility for, disability and incapacity benefits 1/3
March 4, 2025 at 11:38 AM
@citizensadvice.bsky.social chief executive Dame Clare Moriarty has written to Liz Kendall to outline our concerns ahead of the disability benefits green paper.
We highlighted the risk of significant hardship from any cuts to, or narrowing of eligibility for, disability and incapacity benefits 1/3
We highlighted the risk of significant hardship from any cuts to, or narrowing of eligibility for, disability and incapacity benefits 1/3
Reposted by Simon Collerton
We know the gov wants to bring down the benefits bill. But cutting disability benefits will push disabled people into poverty, not work.
The gov says they want to raise living standards across the UK - disabled people must be part of these plans.
My blog:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/short-sighte...
The gov says they want to raise living standards across the UK - disabled people must be part of these plans.
My blog:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/short-sighte...
Short-sighted savings won’t fix health and disability benefits
Plans to bring down the benefits bill could push disabled people into poverty and away from work
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk
February 20, 2025 at 10:35 AM
We know the gov wants to bring down the benefits bill. But cutting disability benefits will push disabled people into poverty, not work.
The gov says they want to raise living standards across the UK - disabled people must be part of these plans.
My blog:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/short-sighte...
The gov says they want to raise living standards across the UK - disabled people must be part of these plans.
My blog:
wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/short-sighte...
Reposted by Simon Collerton
The UK Government published its white paper on ‘Get Britain Working’ a few weeks ago.
Our families, welfare & work team at @citizensadvice.bsky.social have been looking deeply at the relationship and dynamics between claimants and job centre work coaches
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Our families, welfare & work team at @citizensadvice.bsky.social have been looking deeply at the relationship and dynamics between claimants and job centre work coaches
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Found anything yet? Exploring the relationship between Universal Credit claimants and their work coaches
This report examines the relationships between Universal Credit (UC) claimants and their work coaches. It makes recommendations on employment support and conditionality, complementing the government’s...
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
January 21, 2025 at 12:30 PM
The UK Government published its white paper on ‘Get Britain Working’ a few weeks ago.
Our families, welfare & work team at @citizensadvice.bsky.social have been looking deeply at the relationship and dynamics between claimants and job centre work coaches
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...
Our families, welfare & work team at @citizensadvice.bsky.social have been looking deeply at the relationship and dynamics between claimants and job centre work coaches
www.citizensadvice.org.uk/policy/publi...