Response to statistics on Universal Credit claimants with a health condition or disability released by the Department for Work and Pensions

Commenting on today’s figures which show almost 176,000 young people age 16-24 are in receipt of the Universal Credit health element who could be affected by next year's expected welfare changes, Lucy Schonegevel, Director of Influencing for Action for Children, said:

“Through our work every day with disabled young people, we know this payment serves as a vital lifeline for disabled young people. However, expected upcoming government reforms could impose tougher conditions on disabled young people, such as mandatory jobcentre attendance backed by sanctions

“Last month on behalf of 40 charity leaders, including some of the UK's largest charities, we wrote to the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions urging the UK Government to give disabled young people support and opportunities. Not sanctions or cuts.

“We fully share the UK government's view that too many young people are being let down by systems which intervene too late and offer too little. Yet evidence shows cutting benefits or ramping up sanctions worsens health and drives up poverty. This will only push young people further away from work and opportunity.

“Changes to the system are needed, but this must focus on providing high-quality, tailored support and genuinely meaningful opportunities. Not sanctions or cuts."