Our thoughts on the Spring Statement and Welfare Changes

The latest welfare changes announced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves will have a profound and deeply concerning impact on young wheelchair users and their families across the UK. These measures, including the freezing of health-related universal credit payments and the stricter eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP), will create additional financial strain for many disabled young people who are already struggling to access the support they need.

The decision to remove the incapacity benefit top-up for those under 22 is particularly alarming. Many of the young people we support rely on this assistance to cover essential costs associated with their disability, from specialist equipment to transport and care. This change risks pushing some of the most vulnerable members of our society into greater hardship, limiting their independence and opportunities for the future, and stripping young disabled people of the financial security they need at a crucial stage of their lives.

At Whizz Kidz, we see firsthand how vital financial support is in enabling young wheelchair users to live full and active lives. The freezing of disability-related payments in cash terms until 2030 fails to account for the rising cost of living, leaving disabled young people at an increasing disadvantage. These measures risk widening the inequality gap and making it even harder for those with mobility needs to access education, employment, and social opportunities.

We urge the Government to reconsider these proposals and ensure that welfare policies provide meaningful support for young disabled people. Whizz Kidz stands ready to work with policymakers to ensure that the voices of young wheelchair users are heard and their needs properly addressed.