It is encouraging that the need to reduce poverty further was mentioned in the Queen's Speech. However, thousands of children live in families who rely on the limited support incapacity benefit provides. Any threat to that support undermines progress on reducing child poverty.
Any changes to the benefit system resulting from the promised Incapacity Benefit Bill must therefore prioritise helping people facing disability and illness.
Claimants who are ready and able to think about work need support and more flexible job opportunities. Those whose illness or disability make work unrealistic must not be left even worse off than they are now.
Kate Green
Chief Executive, Child Poverty Action Group
