UK Government Launches Right to Try Benefit Reforms

The British government has introduced Right to Try regulations to prevent employment or volunteering from automatically triggering benefit reassessments for claimants of Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, and the health element of Universal Credit across England, Wales, and Scotland.

Sir Keir Starmer defended the reforms during Prime Minister's Questions as a necessary tool to incentivize employment. He criticized the previous Conservative administration for systemic failures and an inflated welfare bill. In response, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch claimed that benefit costs have risen by £20 billion since the current government took office.

Sir Stephen Timms, Minister of State for Social Security and Disability, clarified that the Department for Work and Pensions cannot order new assessments solely because a claimant started paid or voluntary work. While the regulations protect eight groups of claimants to provide confidence in returning to work, the department noted that the type of work performed may still be considered in future assessments if it relates to a claimant's functional ability.

Brian Dow, CEO of Mental Health UK, described the initiative as a positive and practical step toward removing barriers for those returning to the workforce.