The problem with freezing benefits, of any kind, is that it is indiscriminate and can hit those who genuinely need support, as opposed to those who take advantage.
I have heard interviews with those either “dependent” on benefits or campaigning to maintain them, which has reinforced my view that we need to properly sort out what benefits should be available, and for what reason.
In my mind this is clearly a case for the Access to Work scheme, which is precisely focused on providing the right adaptations not only to encourage people to take a job, but to encourage employers to be prepared to offer a job.
Then, take a young woman I heard interviewed last weekend, who indicated she had been working from home and occasionally going into work. She had had her PIP reassessed, and as a consequence, had it removed. She said she had to give up her job because she could no longer afford the car she needed to get to work.
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In this instance the Motability scheme – intended to enable disabled people, their families and their carers to lease a new car, scooter or powered wheelchair – might have been a more suitable support than PIP.
If we are to substantially reform the system to “make work pay”, and to provide people with the dignity and self-esteem of earning their own living, we need to ensure that people receive the right benefit at the right time, and above all, for the right reasons. The present system is an absolute mess, and the sooner we sort it out, the better.
The problem was that the Treasury blocked it, and here we are, all these years later, still trying to ensure that a very sensible measure is implemented to not only encourage people into work, but to incentivise it. And to understand that the early probationary period is always going to be difficult for anyone, but particularly for those who have been out of work for some time.
The choice we face is where to invest. In prevention and remediation, or in long-term dependence?
Lord Blunkett served as Labour education secretary (1997-2001), home secretary (2001-04) and work and pensions secretary (2005)
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