Today, the Work and Pensions Secretary announced the benefits reform Green Paper. This Green Paper sets out the government’s proposed changes to the UK’s benefit system.  

In response to the Green Paper, Sam Smethers, CEO of Surviving Economic Abuse, said: 

“Benefits are vital for economic abuse victim-survivors, enabling them to flee and rebuild their lives. While we’re pleased to see the uplift in Universal Credit, this shouldn’t come at the expense of disabled victim-survivors – many of whom will have a hole in their pockets following today’s disability benefits cuts.  

“We welcome the Department for Work and Pensions’ commitment to improving its safeguarding approach. It must work alongside Surviving Economic Abuse and other specialists to ensure any new safeguarding policies reflect the needs of victim-survivors and ensure staff are adequately trained by specialists to support them. It will be key to ensuring victim-survivors get the support they need to take steps to safety and live free from abuse.” 

ENDS