Report on the Impact of UK Welfare Reforms on Disabled Women and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The UK government’s upcoming welfare reforms have raised significant concerns regarding their impact on disabled women, particularly in relation to their safety and economic independence. This report emphasizes the implications of these reforms through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), focusing on gender equality, reduced inequalities, and the eradication of poverty.

Background of Welfare Reforms

1. The government proposed cuts to Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Universal Credit health-related elements, aiming to save approximately £5 billion annually by 2030.
2. Following political pressure and a growing rebellion within Parliament, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced adjustments, including protection for all existing PIP claimants.
3. Changes to PIP eligibility will now be implemented in November 2026 and will apply only to new claimants.
4. A review of the PIP assessment process will be conducted, co-produced with disabled people to ensure inclusivity.

Concerns Raised by Advocacy Groups

• Domestic Violence Charity Refuge and the Women’s Budget Group (WBG) warn that the cuts will have long-term detrimental effects on disabled women’s ability to escape abusive relationships.
• Disabled women are twice as likely to experience domestic abuse, and PIP often represents their sole income source.
• Reduced financial support increases vulnerability to coercive control and limits options for fleeing abuse.
• The cuts risk undermining government commitments to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG), a key target under SDG 5 (Gender Equality).

Impact Analysis

• The joint report by WBG and Sisters of Frida highlights that the reforms will:
  • Deepen economic insecurity among disabled women (SDG 1: No Poverty).
  • Increase vulnerability to violence and abuse (SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).
  • Push disabled women out of the labor market (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth).
  • Make parenting more challenging for disabled women.
• Statistical data indicates a gender imbalance in PIP eligibility, with women disproportionately affected due to conditions like musculoskeletal disorders and arthritis.
• New claimants, estimated at around 1,000 per day, will face stricter eligibility criteria, exacerbating inequalities (SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities).

Stakeholder Statements

• Gemma Sherrington, CEO of Refuge: Warned that the cuts present a “truly terrifying prospect” for disabled survivors and could have fatal consequences if survivors remain trapped with abusers.
• Dr. Sara Reis, Deputy Director of WBG: Emphasized that the reforms will increase poverty and abuse vulnerability, hinder parenting, and exclude disabled women from employment opportunities.
• Labour MP Rachael Maskell: Expressed strong opposition to the bill, citing its gendered and dangerous nature and its contradiction with government VAWG objectives.
• Joseph Rowntree Foundation: Urged MPs to oppose the reforms, highlighting the risk of pushing disabled claimants into deep hardship.
• Amnesty International: Criticized the concessions as superficial, warning that the legislation will deepen poverty and discrimination, creating an unjust two-tier welfare system.

Government Response and Future Actions

• The government acknowledges that the current welfare system is failing many, trapping individuals in poverty and dependency.
• Adjustments to the welfare bill aim to protect existing claimants and slow the pace of change.
• A co-produced review of PIP assessments will involve disabled people to ensure reforms are fair and effective.
• The government emphasizes the need to balance reform with dignity, opportunity, and support for vulnerable populations.

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

• SDG 1: No Poverty – The welfare reforms risk increasing poverty among disabled women by reducing essential financial support.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Increased vulnerability to abuse and economic insecurity negatively affect physical and mental health.
• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The reforms disproportionately impact disabled women, undermining efforts to achieve gender equality and reduce violence against women.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Cuts may push disabled women out of the labor market, limiting economic participation.
• SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – Stricter eligibility criteria exacerbate inequalities faced by disabled women.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Increased risk of domestic abuse challenges the goal of promoting peaceful and inclusive societies.

Conclusion

The UK government’s welfare reforms present significant challenges to the well-being and safety of disabled women, with potential setbacks to multiple Sustainable Development Goals. Advocacy groups urge reconsideration and the scrapping of harmful reforms to ensure that disabled survivors receive the protection and support necessary to live with dignity and security. The government’s commitment to co-producing future assessments with disabled people is a positive step, but ongoing vigilance and inclusive policymaking are essential to align welfare policies with the SDGs and uphold human rights.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 1: No Poverty – The article discusses welfare cuts affecting disabled women, pushing them into poverty and economic insecurity.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The vulnerability of disabled women to abuse and the impact on their mental and physical health is highlighted.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article focuses on violence against women and girls (VAWG), gendered impacts of welfare cuts, and the need for gender-sensitive policies.
4. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities – The welfare reforms disproportionately affect disabled women, increasing inequality.
5. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The article addresses domestic violence and the need for protection and support for survivors, linking to justice and institutional support.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 1 – No Poverty
   • Target 1.2: By 2030, reduce at least by half the proportion of men, women and children living in poverty in all its dimensions.
   • Target 1.3: Implement nationally appropriate social protection systems and measures for all, including floors, and achieve substantial coverage of the poor and vulnerable.
2. SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
   • Target 3.7: Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health-care services.
   • Target 3.8: Achieve universal health coverage, including financial risk protection.
3. SDG 5 – Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual and other types of exploitation.
   • Target 5.4: Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work through the provision of public services, infrastructure and social protection policies.
4. SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
   • Target 10.2: Empower and promote the social, economic and political inclusion of all, irrespective of disability, gender, age or other status.
5. SDG 16 – Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 1 (No Poverty)
   • Proportion of population living below the national poverty line, especially disabled women affected by welfare cuts.
   • Coverage of social protection systems for disabled people and vulnerable groups.
2. Indicator for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being)
   • Prevalence of domestic violence and abuse among disabled women.
   • Access to health and social services for disabled survivors of abuse.
3. Indicator for SDG 5 (Gender Equality)
   • Number of women and girls subjected to violence, including domestic abuse.
   • Proportion of women receiving personal independence payments (PIP) and other welfare benefits.
   • Progress towards halving violence against women and girls as pledged by political leaders.
4. Indicator for SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities)
   • Disparities in welfare benefit eligibility and receipt between disabled women and men.
   • Economic insecurity levels among disabled women compared to other groups.
5. Indicator for SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions)
   • Rates of violence against women and girls, including fatal outcomes.
   • Access to justice and support services for survivors of domestic abuse.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: the-independent.com