Mencap responds to recommendations to pause benefit deductions

“IT IS CRUCIAL THAT THE ENTIRE SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEM IS ABLE TO RESPOND TO CRISES QUICKLY” 

MENCAP RESPONDS TO RECOMMENDATIONS TO PAUSE BENEFIT DEDUCTIONS

Yesterday (27^th July 2022) a new report by the Commons Work and Pensions Committee recommended a pause in benefit deductions for struggling families and a review and increase of the benefit cap to support people who are affected by the cost of living crisis.

Responding to the recommendations, Jackie O’Sullivan, Executive Director of Communications, Advocacy and Activism at the learning disability charity Mencap, said: 

“Yesterday’s Work and Pensions Committee report sets out a number of welcome recommendations which the government should accept immediately to support people with the cost of living crisis.  This will particularly benefit the 1.5 million people across the UK living with a learning disability who often are forced to contribute towards their own care from their benefits.

“Pausing deductions to people’s benefits will make a significant difference to people at a time when budgets are being stretched to breaking point.

“It is also crucial that the entire social security system is able to respond to crises quickly, no matter what payment you receive. The Committee’s recommendations on ensuring legacy benefits can be uprated quickly, something which currently takes months, will enable the Government to provide support at the right time.”