Community unites in call for better outcomes for disabled residents

The council has today published its response to the Government’s Pathways to Work consultation, which has been co-produced with Disability Action Islington and local voluntary sector partners.  

In its response, the council welcomes the Government’s commitment to improving employment support for disabled people, particularly the “right to try” principle.  

The decisions announced overnight to bring this support forward and to not cut Personal Independence Payments (PIP) for current claimants are also welcome.  

However, concerns remain about the potential impact of proposed changes to PIP for new claimants - as well as the continued link between PIP and other essential benefits such as Carer’s Allowance, Blue Badges, and Freedom Passes.  

In a joint statement, Phil Stevens, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Disability Action Islington, and Cllr Una O’Halloran, Leader of Islington Council, said: “Today, we’ve submitted a strong, evidence-based response to this consultation, shaped by the voices of our local community. 

“We welcome the Government’s commitment to supporting disabled people into work, the move to bring this support forward, and the decision to protect current PIP claimants. These are positive steps. 

“However, we retain concerns about the impact of proposed changes to PIP for new claimants, and would urge the Government to look at this again.  

“In particular, we have concerns that PIP remains a gateway to other benefits including Carer’s Allowance, Blue Badges, and Freedom Passes, meaning the potentially cascading impact of losing out on PIP remains.  

“We welcome the direction of travel outlined in the consultation and recent announcements, and we hope the Government will continue to work with councils, communities, and people living with disabilities to get this right.”