Commenting on the Spring Statement, 26 March 2025, Matt Whittaker, CEO of Pro Bono Economics, said:
“The government’s commitment to balancing the budget is understandable, but this approach risks devastating consequences for thousands of disabled people. Disability benefits aren’t just numbers on a spreadsheet—they are a lifeline, helping people manage the extra costs of daily life and maintain dignity, independence, and wellbeing.”
“Tightening eligibility criteria will push many further into hardship, creating more barriers for those who already struggle to access the support they need. The planned changes to Universal Credit from 2028-29 will make this even worse—linking the health element of UC to PIP will pile more pressure on an already flawed assessment process. Those who don’t qualify for PIP risk losing their health-related UC support entirely, leaving them with no safety net at all. Rather than making it harder to claim, the government should focus on fixing a system that too often fails the very people it is meant to help.”
“The shift from welfare to work will only succeed if the right support is in place. Right now, it isn’t. Cutting benefits before ensuring disabled people have real opportunities to work risks leaving thousands in an impossible situation.”