In a joint letter to Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Leader Cllr Peray Ahmet and these groups have expressed concerns that plans in the Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) Bill will push thousands of Haringey residents deeper into poverty.
The estimated directed financial impact on Haringey residents per year would be £34.10m, while 3,331 residents are likely to lose PIP through reassessment resulting in an economic impact expected to be £15.6m.
11.575 residents will also be adversely impacted by changes to Universal Credit.
The council’s letter follows a co-design event held at the council offices with stakeholders from disabled and welfare groups to seek their views and input.
Leader, Cllr Peray Ahmet, said:
“We cannot support the government proposals in their current form as they represent a chipping away of the safety net for vulnerable people across our borough.
“It will also add to the burden of over-stretched local services following 15-years of austerity and put extra pressure on our voluntary and community groups who will see even more demand for support.
“We have consulted closely with vulnerable people in Haringey and fully understand the impact this could have on them. By listening, collaborating, and amplifying voices, we’re making sure every voice is heard. Change starts with us.
“We want to help people get back into work so they can live independent lives, unlock their talent and contribute to economic growth.
“We are asking the government to withdraw their proposals in the current form and carry out a consultation and co-production with disabled people and their carers.”
Haringey is ranked as the 4th most deprived borough in London as measured by the Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) score 2019 and one of the more deprived authorities in the country, ranked 49 out of 317 local authorities.
Overall, the combination of a high disability and PIP Claimant rate and existing economic challenges makes Haringey residents particularly vulnerable to the government's proposed changes to disability benefits.
The letter has been co-signed by:
Cllr Peray Ahmet - Haringey Council Leader
Phil Stevens – CE Disability Action Haringey
Daniel Blake – CEO CAB Haringey
Lynette Charles - CEO Mind in Haringey
The full letter can be read below:
