UK Budget 2024: Reflections and Impact on Disabled People

It has now been some 12 days since the budget announcement by the United Kingdom (UK) Government and Disability Equality Scotland has taken some time to reflect on the announcements made and the support, or implications, for disabled people.

Since the budget announcement on 6 March, there have been a number of papers and articles highlighting the specific details contained within the budget and we want to avoid repeating this evaluation work that has already taken place and been published.

Of particular – and significant – concern to us is the fact that the proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) remain in place. We can assure our members that we continue – with others – to make political representation regarding these proposals and their implications for disabled people.

Overall, and taking all the individual aspects of the budget together, we do not believe that the UK Government provided any direct support for disabled people who are facing higher costs due to the combination of the cost-of-living crisis and rising energy costs.

Lyn Pornaro

Chief Executive Officer

Disability Equality Scotland