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Pod Save the UK
Is Britain’s benefits system broken? w/ Caroline Selman and John Pring
Oct 3, 2024
In this engaging discussion, Caroline Selman, a senior research fellow at the Public Law Project, and John Pring, founder of Disability News Service, dissect the troubling state of Britain's benefits system. They debate the impact of proposed reforms on low-income earners and the ineffective Personal Independence Payments process. The guests share personal stories highlighting systemic injustices and advocate for a compassionate approach to welfare support. They also touch on biases within the Department for Work and Pensions, calling for urgent reforms to create a fairer social safety net.
49:15
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Quick takeaways
- The UK's welfare system is facing significant challenges, with many families experiencing financial losses despite the intended simplification of Universal Credit.
- Sanctions under Universal Credit disproportionately harm vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities, worsening their financial situations rather than assisting them in finding employment.
Deep dives
Analysis of the Welfare System
The current welfare system in the UK is primarily administered through Universal Credit, which aims to streamline multiple benefits into a single payment. However, this reform has not only been complicated to implement, but it has also led to significant financial losses for many families, particularly impacting low-income households with children. From 2010 to 2019, statistics revealed that poor families saw an average income loss of 20%, indicating that the intended simplification has resulted in hardship for those who rely on it. While the system supports millions, it remains a source of frustration and distress, requiring a comprehensive review to address its flaws.
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Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode