Bromley Mencap has submitted a detailed organisational response to the UK Government’s consultation on the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper.
Developed through co-production with people with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, autistic individuals, carers, and professionals, the response strongly challenges proposed changes to disability benefits – especially the suggested reforms to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and linking it to Universal Credit.
The charity describes the consultation process as “fundamentally flawed”, noting accessibility issues and a failure to meaningfully engage those most affected. Their response expresses serious concerns that the proposals will reduce support for disabled people and risk deepening poverty, distress, and inequality.
Among key concerns:
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Tighter PIP eligibility would exclude many people with fluctuating, invisible, or mental health conditions.
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Linking Universal Credit’s health element to PIP is seen as unfair and damaging, especially for those who need support but may not qualify under stricter PIP criteria.
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Scheduling the Second Reading just one day after the consultation’s planned closure raises serious concerns about the government’s willingness to genuinely consider public feedback.
Bromley Mencap calls for reforms that empower rather than penalise disabled people. They recommend compassionate, person-centred approaches and investment in tailored employment support – not benefit withdrawal.
Interim CEO Steve Barnes stated:
“These are not abstract policy shifts – they are proposals that will massively impact people’s wellbeing, independence, and survival.”
The full response includes lived experiences, expert insight, and practical recommendations across 17 consultation questions.
- Read our full consultation response here
- Read our covering letter here
- You can read our easy-read letter to the Government here.
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Easy Read: Bromley Mencap’s Answer to Government Benefits Plan
Who wrote this?
- Bromley Mencap has written an answer to a Government plan.
- The plan is called ‘Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working’.
How was it written?
- Bromley Mencap worked with disabled people, carers and professionals to write it.
What do they think?
- They say the Government’s ideas are not good for disabled people.
- They are worried about changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
- The Government wants to link PIP to Universal Credit. Bromley Mencap thinks this is a bad idea.
Problems with the consultation
- Bromley Mencap says the consultation was not fair.
- It was not easy for all disabled people to understand.
- The Government did not properly include people affected by the changes.
Why they are worried
The changes could make life worse for disabled people.
They might make people have
- Less support
- Not enough money
- More stress
- More unfair treatment
Main concerns
- The rules to get PIP will be harder
- People with hidden, changing or mental health disabilities might not get help.
- Linking PIP to Universal Credit is unfair. Some people who need help won’t qualify under the new rules.
The Government is moving too fast.
- They are already checking the new law. It is just one day after the last answers get sent in.
- This shows the Government might not listen properly.
What Bromley Mencap wants
- They want changes that help disabled people – not punish them.
They ask for:
- Kind and person-centred support
- Help with jobs that suit the person
- No removal of important benefits
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What the CEO says
Steve Barnes is the temporary Chief Executive of Bromley Mencap.
He says these changes could really hurt people’s health and independence.
The full answer
Bromley Mencap’s full answer includes:
- Real stories from people
- Expert advice
- Ideas for how to make things better
