IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Money and Mental Health response to the Autumn Statement 

22 November 2023

Today the Chancellor gave his Autumn Statement to parliament, in which he announced forthcoming changes to the rules around assessing people’s capability for work when they are claiming benefits. The changes included plans that would limit the number of people who can be classed as unfit to work on the grounds that engaging in work-related activity would present a “substantial risk” to their mental health.

He also reaffirmed the government’s plans aimed at getting more people back into work, which were published last week.

Responding to the Chancellor’s announcements on the government’s plans, Conor D’Arcy, Chief Executive of the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute, said:

“The Autumn Statement included some welcome news – with benefits rising in line with inflation and added funding for talking therapies and more intensive mental health support. But other changes announced today could rip holes in the vital safety net that ensures people with mental health problems get the financial support they need.” 

“The government’s plans could see people being pushed into jobs when they are simply not well enough to work – or face having their benefits cut. People with mental health probIems have told us time and again how the current system fails to understand how their conditions affect them practically and what their needs are. We’re deeply worried that an emphasis on getting more people into work – without properly recognising their needs – will be, at best, counterproductive, but at worst hit the living standards and mental health of people already in difficult situations.” 

ENDS

Contact:

To set up an interview or any other media enquiries, please contact Rachel Fergusson, External Affairs Officer at Money and Mental Health, on 07935 216 804 or [email protected]. 

Notes to Editors

• The Money and Mental Health Policy Institute was set up by Martin Lewis in spring 2016, registered charity number 1166493.
• It conducts research and develops policies for essential services firms, regulators, the health service and government to help people with mental health problems protect themselves from financial difficulties and get out of debt.