NSUN has published its briefing on the proposed welfare cuts outlined by the Government in the ‘Pathways to Work’ Green Paper. To learn more about the proposed cuts, you can read the analysis we published when they were first announced. The briefing is co-signed by Mad Youth Organise, who are a youth-led, lived experience campaign against the material conditions that drive mental ill-health and medical models that blame individuals.
Key points in the briefing
- These reforms are specifically designed to impact those living with mental ill-health.
- Poverty is well known as both cause and consequence of mental ill-health. These reforms would plunge millions further into poverty, worsening distress and destitution.
- Proposals will increase demand on our already struggling mental health system, which cannot cope with more demand. There are no “savings”, simply costs shifted from the DWP to the NHS.
- The consultation process is disingenuous — the most controversial proposals are not being consulted on, and the consultation that is happening is inadequate and poorly run.
- If implemented without full consultation, reforms will undermine trust in the entire political system, opening the door for new political ideologies that claim to offer an alternative.
What is the briefing for?
We are sending out this briefing to people with power to take action against the cuts. In particular, we are focussing on MPs who have not yet said anything about the cuts and those who have criticised them but haven’t publicly committed to voting against them.
This process of trying to influence people in positions of power is called “lobbying”. We are also sending the briefing out to charities in the mental health sector so they can use it in their own lobbying.
How do I lobby my MP?
Members of Parliament (MPs) are elected officials who sit in the House of Commons. MPs are often more open to talking to people who are in their constituency (live in the area that they are an MP for).
You can find out who your MP is here, and find out their position on the cuts using this tool developed by Mad Youth Organise (you can submit additional information for the MP database here).
Members of the House of Lords are unelected officials who also have the power to debate and vote on laws. They do not represent individual constituencies, so you are not limited to who you contact. You can use the UK Parliament website to find members of the House of Lords and their contact details.
Ways you might lobby an MP:
- Send your MP our briefing (either via email or post).
- Request a meeting with them to talk through your concerns.
- Use template letters/tools to write to your MP, including these ones from: Disability Rights UK, Inclusion London, and Scope.
- Get involved in campaigning collectives such as Crips Against Cuts or Disabled People Against Cuts. If you decide to get involved in protesting or direct action, make sure you know your rights.