What the latest budget means for people with Parkinson’s

Universal Credit changes

In this latest budget announcement (23 September) the government has announced they want Universal Credit claimants who are working part-time to increase their hours or risk sanctions. That could mean a reduction in the amount of benefit they receive. The chancellor offered reassurance that people who are unable to work because of long-term sickness or a disability will be exempt from these benefit sanctions. 

But as more and more people with Parkinson’s are moved from Employment and Support Allowance to Universal Credit, they are likely to be hit by this change.

Sue Christoforou, Senior Policy and Campaigns Adviser at Parkinson’s UK, said:

"Parkinson’s is exhausting. Being able to manage hours worked is critical for people with the condition to live well. If people with Parkinson’s are obliged to work beyond their capacity or risk losing their income, their health will suffer.

"Yet many people with Parkinson’s can and do work. What they need to fulfil their potential is appropriate, timely support and employers who embrace the wealth of skills, knowledge and experience that they can bring to the workplace. If the government wants to realise the potential of disabled workers, including those with Parkinson's, and boost economic growth, they need to take action to make the adaptive workplace a reality."

Help with energy bills

Earlier this month, the government made its first major announcement. From 1 October, the Energy Price Guarantee will mean a typical UK household will now pay up to an average of £2,500 a year on their energy bill for the next 2 years. 

This guarantee is automatic and applies to all households in England, Scotland and Wales, with the same level of support made available to households in Northern Ireland. A typical household will save an average of £1,000 a year on their energy bills, under a new 2 year Energy Price Guarantee.

Disability Cost of Living Payment

As well as the Energy Price Guarantee, early October should see eligible people with Parkinson’s automatically receive their £150 Disability Cost of Living Payment. The payment will go to people who were claiming Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment or Adult Disability Payment (in Scotland) on 25 May 2022. 

Sue Christoforou, Senior Policy and Campaigns Adviser at Parkinson's UK, said:

"We very much welcomed the Cost of Living Payments and know that the Energy Price Guarantee will bring some comfort to the Parkinson’s community. Yet those who were not receiving the relevant benefits on 25 May will still be in need, but will not get support. Given that inflation is expected to continue to rise, it is not fair that those in need lose out simply because they applied ‘too late’ for the benefit they need.

"We are also deeply concerned that the chancellor's tax cutting budget will only result in the 145,000 people living with Parkinson’s and those who support them, especially those on the lowest incomes, having to tighten their belts further still, in the face of inevitable cuts to the support they rely on to live well."

National Insurance rise scrapped

The chancellor has also announced a reversal of the Health and Social Care Levy from 6 November 2022, brought in to generate much needed finance for the NHS and social care. 

He noted that the overall funding for health and social care services will be maintained at the same level, as if the levy was in place, so planned investment in services will still happen.

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