THE complexities of people’s lives “do not always fit into neat economic models”, the Bishop of Newcastle, Dr Helen-Ann Hartley, told the House of Lords on Tuesday, in a debate on proposed changes to Universal Credit.
In her introduction to the debate, the Minister for the Department of Work and Pensions, Baroness Sherlock, who is an Anglican priest, suggested that there was broad agreement that “some reform is needed.”
Because the Bill is designated as one concerned primarily with economic issues, the Lords have no power to amend the proposals — a designation that was criticised by the disability campaigner and former athlete Baroness Grey-Thompson (cross-bench).
Personal independence payments (PIP) were often misunderstood as an unemployment benefit, she said, when in fact they were “integral to disabled people’s lives” and existed “because society is inaccessible”.
The Government had not taken the opportunity to change the eligibility criteria for PIP. Instead, it had asked the Minister for Social Security and Disability, Sir Stephen Timms, to lead a review.
“There is a granularity to this debate about the complexity of people’s lives, which do not always fit into neat economic models,” Dr Hartley said.
She expressed concern about the disproportionate number of disabled people living in poverty, and spoke the particular effect that this could have on children, “making their start in life all the more challenging and deepening systemic injustices”.
Dr Hartley referred to correspondence that she had had with a man in her diocese, whose son has complex disabilities. He would like to work, she said, but was struggling to navigate the changes to Universal Credit.
“His capacity to enter the workforce faces barriers even before he can contemplate exploring opportunities. Our values should hold us to account for how we raise up the most weak and vulnerable.”
Dr Hartley called on the Government to take “proportionate actions” that enabled people to make the most of their abilities, and not to shy away from the “difficult questions” on PIP, about the eligibility threshold and other matters.
But it was also vital, she said, to tackle the causes of ill health. She referred to under-investment in social security and housing, lack of mental-health services, and “the effects of insecure, demoralising work”.
“I am glad that the Government are addressing some of these challenges, but I hope they will not be considered in isolation, that the Government will monitor the impact of this Bill closely and that the lives of all our citizens can be improved so we may all flourish together, each according to their capacity and need,” Dr Hartley concluded.
Lord Rook (Labour), who is also an Anglican priest, and is a former adviser to Sir Keir Starmer, welcomed support and incentives in the Bill which were designed to get more young people into work.
“As with other legislation, I am keen that we prioritise young people. After all, this generation has been disproportionately affected by the Covid pandemic and other societal challenges,” he said. Mental health was a particular concern.
His passion for this issue had developed when he was a youth worker, he said. “While my youth-work skills are certainly less in demand here in your Lordships’ House, my heart still goes out to those young people struggling to make their way in our country today.”
The Bill was passed and now proceeds to Royal Assent.