1 More than meets the eye Why the welfare cuts will hit blind and partially sighted people particularly hard

2 Economic context The Comprehensive Spending Review means £18bn savings have to come from welfare Other government plans predicated on making welfare savings Contraction of the state - this is a long- term project

3 Political context Promise of fairness - “we are all in this together” Welfare Reform Bill A narrative about simplification and helping people into work Comparison with the Health Bill

4 Public perceptions No more “something for nothing” attitude on the increase Squeezed Middle YouGov and other polls show attitudes are hardening

5 Fairness Progressive or Regressive? Poverty alleviation or social mobility Simplified benefits system not necessarily fairer for people with complex needs

6 Welfare Reform Bill January December 2010 (tbc) Many proposals - but focus today on disability benefits Government majority dictates amendments will need to be made in the Lords Labour emphasis on responsibility

7 Key proposals Opportunities Might be some people who gain from the Universal Credit Simpler forms A more responsive and flexible system?

8 Key proposals Many more threats DLA reform and introduction of Personal Independence Payment in 2013 Review of DLA mobility in residential care Employment and Support Allowance time limit

9 DLA reform More than £1bn budget cut by 2015 DLA “past its sell-by date” No more automatic entitlements New assessment

10 DLA reform Re-assessment for existing claimants Periodic reviews New components for Personal Independence Payment Qualifying period Adaptation to impairment

11 Out-of-work benefits Incapacity Benefit re-assessment began in April 2011 Work Capability Assessment problem Employment and Support Allowance time limit

12 Other issues to consider Benefits cap Universal Credit Disability premium and passporting Welfare-to-work and sanctions

13 Analysis Targeting vs universalism Who wins? Legal aid and advice? Clearing the poor away?

14 What can you do? Hardest Hit campaign Short window to influence the Bill October crunch date Liberal Democrats key Show what impact a loss of DLA would have

15 Thank you Andrew Kaye