Court Slams DWP’s “Dangerous” Benefit Cuts Plan That Could Push 100,000 Into Poverty by 2027

The UK Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is under fire after the High Court ruled that its recent consultation on disability benefit cuts was “misleading,” “rushed,” and “unfair,” sparking outrage among disability rights groups, legal advocates, and affected communities.

The consultation, which aimed to review proposed changes to the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), was part of broader plans to cut disability benefit spending by £3 billion over four years.

However, critics and the courts agree the process lacked transparency, failed to disclose key motives, and posed serious risks to some of the UK’s most vulnerable individuals.

Why the Consultation Was Ruled Unlawful

In January 2025, the High Court sided with the Public Law Project and claimants who challenged the DWP’s consultation process. According to the ruling, the government failed to make it clear that a major goal of the reform was fiscal savings, not simply helping disabled people into work.

The court highlighted that:

• The consultation lasted less than eight weeks, a timeframe deemed insufficient for a policy with sweeping implications.
• It did not adequately inform respondents that the primary motive was reducing costs.
• The proposals, if enacted, would have affected over 424,000 disabled people, with many facing a loss of at least £416 per month in benefits.

Internal estimates revealed that up to 100,000 individuals could be pushed into absolute poverty by 2026–2027 under the proposed cuts.

The ruling forces the government to withdraw its current consultation and re-launch the process with appropriate transparency and public engagement.

What Was the DWP Proposing?

The proposed changes primarily targeted the Work Capability Assessment, the tool used to decide who qualifies for incapacity and disability benefits. While the government claimed the intent was to modernize the system and better support individuals into employment, internal documents revealed that budget reduction was a key driver.

The DWP estimated the reforms could save billions by shifting people off incapacity benefits. However, the reforms would have disproportionately impacted individuals with complex physical or mental health needs, especially those unable to work in traditional settings.

Critics say the approach ignored the real-life challenges of disabled people and reflected a worrying trend of prioritizing austerity over social welfare.

Disability Advocates Sound the Alarm

Disability rights organizations and social justice advocates have condemned the consultation as not only inaccessible but potentially harmful.

“Consulting on such significant changes without providing a full picture of the financial implications is inherently unfair,” said a spokesperson for Disability Rights UK. “The process excluded many disabled individuals from meaningfully participating in decisions that could devastate their lives.”

They further argue that:

• The consultation documents were not available in accessible formats for many people with visual or cognitive disabilities.
• The process felt rushed and predetermined, leaving little room for genuine feedback.
• The proposed savings came at the cost of cutting support from people who need it the most.

What Happens Next?

Following the High Court ruling, the DWP must now re-consult on the proposed reforms, this time ensuring the process is transparent, accessible, and legally sound. The government has confirmed it will issue a revised consultation on WCA descriptor changes later this year.

A Green Paper detailing updated reform plans is also expected to be published soon. However, the government maintains its objective to control benefit spending while helping people into work.

Campaigners are calling on the DWP to approach this new consultation with greater inclusivity and openness, warning that a repeat of the previous mistakes could lead to further legal challenges and public backlash.

Final Thoughts

The court’s intervention serves as a stark reminder that public policy must be rooted in fairness, transparency, and accountability. As the DWP prepares to revisit its consultation, it faces mounting pressure to uphold these principles—and to protect the financial security and dignity of disabled people across the UK.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.