Island MP Warns ESA Changes Could Scare Vulnerable Islanders
Andrew Turner, the Island’s MP, has voiced concerns that recent reports on Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) reforms might be causing unnecessary panic among vulnerable residents. The House of Commons last Wednesday shot down several disruptive amendments from the House of Lords on the Welfare Reform and Work Bill.
No Changes for Current ESA Claimants
Turner stressed that those already receiving ESA won’t see any changes. “It needs to be made very clear that there will be no change for people already claiming ESA, who may well have become scared by some of the reports,” he said. The new rules will only hit fresh claimants from April 2017 in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG).
Under the new system, these claimants will get the same financial support as those on Jobseeker’s Allowance – which means a cut of nearly £30 a week. Instead of higher handouts, they’ll get tailored help aimed at getting them back into work and out of the benefits trap.
Support Over Handouts: A New Approach
The Government plans to roll out the details of this support through a forthcoming White Paper. Turner highlighted ongoing talks with charities and other groups to ensure the scheme is ready before the changes kick in.
“Nationally, job growth is strong with record employment levels,” he said. “One in five people on Jobseeker’s Allowance finds work each month. But just 1 in 100 in the WRAG group manage that, despite 61% saying they want a job.”
Welfare Reform Faces Harsh Realities
Turner argues the current system, in place since 2008, is failing claimants, their families, and taxpayers alike. He quoted former Labour welfare minister Frank Field’s grim warning during the debate:
“No Government over the next 10 years will have the resources that previous Governments had to drive their counter-poverty programme by increasing cash transfers. We might wish that it were different, but we need to grow up.”
Field may disagree with the Government on how best to support those able and willing to work, but he recognises the core issue.
“With less money to spend, it needs to be targeted where it will have the most effective results,” Turner concluded.
