Joseph Rowntree Foundation investigates the Government proposal to merge disability benefits

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has investigated the government proposal to merge disability benefits with the locally provided social care services. 

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) has investigated the government proposal to merge disability benefits with the locally provided social care services.

The investigation found that merging the benefits is ‘too big a risk to take with such a vulnerable group’.

In a JRF publication, ‘Disability and Poverty in Later Life’, the relationship between disability and poverty among the older population is highlighted. The report goes on to suggest ways of reforming the current system without taking risks.

Some key findings from the article include:

• Additional living costs are incurred by people with disabilities.
• The current budget for disability can be spent in a more effective way.
• The current system misses people who are in the greatest need.

If you would like to read the full article, it is available to download from the JRF website.