Councillors are calling on the Government to work with disabled people to set out new rules

Labour councillors in Cheshire West and Chester (CWaC) are calling on the Government to work with disabled people to set out new rules affecting their futures.

Members of the controlling Labour Group are united in backing reforms affecting opportunities to find employment contained in the ‘Pathways to Work’ draft legislation first set out in March.

But they are concerned about suggested changes to the welfare system outlined in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper discussion document and are calling for changes to proposals potentially affecting members of the disabled community.

In a motion approved at the full council meeting on May 15 entitled ‘Protecting disability benefits and defending the rights of disabled residents’, councillors decided that the Government must honour its manifesto pledge to fully co-produce any benefits changes with disabled people and their organisations.

“This council stands in solidarity with disabled people and calls on the Government to reconsider its approach to welfare reform.”

Councillors agreed to write to Liz Kendall MP, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, to express the council's opposition to proposed cuts and they called for meaningful co-production with disabled people in shaping disability benefits policy.

They also opted to call on borough MPs to oppose any cuts and urged them to raise concerns in Parliament about their impact on disabled constituents.

Councillors will also explore ways to support disabled residents locally, including signposting them to advice, advocacy services such as DIAL West Cheshire and the council’s Help team.

Councillor Sheila Little, CWaC cabinet member for Adult Social Care, said:

“The much-needed reform of the benefits system needs to begin with a genuine dialogue with disabled people’s organisations to redesign something that is less complex and offers greater support, alongside tackling the barriers that disabled people face when trying to find and maintain employment.

“We also need to invest in creating job opportunities and ensure the law is robust enough to provide employment protections against discrimination.”

Pictured – Councillor Sheila Little.