The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has suffered a major legal setback after the High Court ruled its consultation on disability benefit cuts “unfair and misleading.”
The proposed changes, aimed at overhauling the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), could have left nearly 500,000 claimants worse off by up to £416.19 per month.
Although these plans were introduced by the previous Conservative government, the Labour government has confirmed it still intends to make £1.3 billion in savings. However, it has now committed to re-consulting on the reforms in light of the ruling.
Why Did the Court Rule Against the DWP?
In a damning judgment, Mr Justice Calver ruled that the DWP’s eight-week consultation was:
- Rushed and unfair, failing to properly consider the impact on vulnerable people.
- Misleading, as it suggested the reforms were about supporting people into work, while cutting welfare spending appeared to be the real motive.
- Negligent, as the government did not account for the mental health risks of cutting financial support for disabled claimants.
The judge highlighted that the proposed cuts could:
- Push vulnerable people into poverty.
- Disproportionately harm disabled individuals and those with mental health conditions.
The Legal Challenge: A Victory for Disability Rights
The case was brought by disability activist Ellen Clifford, who described the ruling as a major victory.
- She urged the government to “rethink these proposals” and prioritise disabled people’s safety and wellbeing.
- Disability charities have also welcomed the ruling, calling it a wake-up call for the government.
David Southgate, policy manager at disability equality charity Scope, stated:
“Proposed changes to the WCA were only about saving money, not meaningful change. Cutting support for disabled people will push more into poverty.”
What Were the Proposed WCA Changes?
The Conservative government’s planned reforms would have:
- Changed WCA descriptors, making it harder to qualify for disability benefits.
- Reduced financial support for hundreds of thousands of disabled claimants.
- Forced more people into work-related activities despite serious health conditions.
The DWP denied any wrongdoing, with government lawyer Sir James Eadie KC arguing that the consultation had been properly explained. However, the court disagreed, ruling that it had failed to meet legal standards of fairness.
Labour’s Response and Next Steps
Despite the ruling, the Labour government still intends to make the same £1.3 billion in cuts but says it will:
- Launch a new consultation in spring 2025 to address the High Court’s concerns.
- Ensure better transparency and engagement with disabled claimants.
- Deliver reforms as part of broader welfare changes focused on getting people into work.
A government spokesperson stated:
“The judge found the previous government failed to adequately explain its proposals. We will now re-consult on WCA changes while ensuring we achieve the full level of planned savings.”
However, disability campaigners remain sceptical, warning that any future cuts must be carefully reviewed to avoid worsening poverty among disabled people.
The High Court’s ruling against the DWP highlights serious flaws in how disability benefit reforms were handled. The previous government’s consultation was ruled unlawful, but the Labour government still plans to cut £1.3 billion from disability benefits.
With a new consultation set for spring 2025, campaigners are calling for genuine engagement with disabled people to prevent further financial hardship. The government now faces the challenge of balancing cost-cutting with protecting society’s most vulnerable.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether these benefit changes will be implemented fairly or continue to face legal opposition.
FAQ’s
Why did the High Court rule against the DWP’s disability benefits consultation?
The High Court found the consultation unfair and misleading, as it failed to properly explain the impact of cuts on vulnerable people.
How much would disabled claimants have lost under the DWP’s proposed changes?
Nearly 500,000 claimants could have lost up to £416.19 per month due to stricter Work Capability Assessment (WCA) rules.
Will the Labour government still cut disability benefits?
Yes, Labour remains committed to making £1.3 billion in savings but will re-consult on the reforms in spring 2025.
What were the proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA)?
The reforms would have changed WCA descriptors, making it harder for disabled people to qualify for certain benefits.
What happens next after the High Court ruling?
The government will hold a new consultation in 2025 to address the court’s concerns while still aiming to deliver the planned savings.
