Human rights watchdog to review welfare reforms

In its business plan for 2016/17, the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) said it would commission an assessment to determine how welfare changes have “affected equality of opportunity and the human rights of people who share certain protected characteristics.”

It said the review would help identify whether the welfare system is supporting all groups into work “and where improvements are needed to address unintended consequences”.

The Welfare Reform and Work Act, which gained Royal Assent in March, reduces the annual total household benefits cap from £26,000 to £20,000 (£23,000 in London).

In an impact assessment of the legislation last June, the government admitted that six in 10 people (59%) hit by the benefit cap are likely to be female, lone, single parents.

It also found “certain ethnic minorities that tend to have a higher proportion of large families are more likely to be affected” by the welfare reform.

Following a High Court ruling that the benefit cap unlawfully discriminates against disabled people and their carers, the government announced last month all people receiving carers allowance would be exempt.

The EHRC is also planning to intervene at the Supreme Court to say that the bedroom tax does not comply with equality and human rights law in light of the “severe impact on disabled people” who require an extra room.

It also said it would launch a new inquiry to examine housing options for disabled people, including those with learning disabilities, and its impact on independent living.

A Department for Work and Pension spokesperson said: “Our welfare reforms are giving everyone the opportunity to get on in every stage in their lives.”

UPDATE at 9.39am 11.04.16

The article has been updated with a comment from DWP.