Cystic Fibrosis Trust responds to UK Government Autumn Statement

Although the Autumn Statement is not a Budget, it is an opportunity for the UK Government to update the House of Commons on the state of the economy, and at times, announce tax and spending decisions.

Ahead of the Autumn Statement, Cystic Fibrosis Trust wrote to the Chancellor calling for:

• benefit uprating and alignment with pensions to ensure timely and accurate increases in support
• an assessment of the Christmas bonus to help those with disabilities manage the rising cost of energy and food during the coldest months
• an overhaul of the Statutory Sick Pay system to abolish the three-day waiting period, extend the criteria and increase the 28 week (about 6 and a half months) limit.

We were pleased to see an increase in working age benefits and Local Housing Allowance rates. However, last week’s Autumn Statement did little to address the practical realities of living with a disability or long-term health condition, like cystic fibrosis (CF). The cost of living crisis is continuing, and entering the winter months with inevitable additional costs for heating simply to stay well, plus any potential lost income from sickness, could have serious health impacts for people with CF.

Increase to benefits in line with CPI

Many people in our community are reliant on benefits to keep them physically and mentally well, and often spend their benefits on basic utilities.

While we welcome the government’s confirmation that benefits will increase in April 2024 by 6.7%, in line with September’s Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate of inflation, we believe that this is not enough to ensure benefits keep pace with the actual cost of living, as by April, September’s CPI will be out of date.

To protect vulnerable individuals, such as those with CF, a new guarantee on benefit uprating must be implemented that sees more timely and accurate increases to the vital support people receive.

The government also unfroze Local Housing Allowance (LHA) and increased it to equal the 30th percentile of an area's market rents. This means some private renters will qualify for money towards their rent.

Changes to the Work Capability Assessment and Universal Credit

Work Capability Assessment (WCA) is used to determine whether people with significant health conditions are entitled to additional financial support, and the requirements they may have around attending Jobcentres and preparing for work. The government has been carrying out a consultation on proposed changes to the WCA. In the budget, the Chancellor revealed that the government is moving ahead with changes from 2025. This could result in people losing access to benefits.

The government also announced that it planned to increase sanctions for those in receipt of Universal Credit (UC) who are not fully engaged with their Jobcentre plans. Attendance will be closely monitored at job fairs and interviews organised through the Jobcentre.

After a year of unsuccessful job hunting, individuals will be required to participate in a compulsory work placement program to enhance their skill set and enhance their chances of securing employment. If an open-ended sanction continues beyond six months, their benefits will be completely stopped, and their case will be closed. Additionally, these individuals will be deprived of free NHS prescriptions and legal aid.

Cystic Fibrosis Trust believes that these sanctions and changes are neither constructive nor reasonable. Instead, people need support to guide the back into suitable work when appropriate and to reach their potential.

The government must now start working closely with people with long term health conditions and disabilities like CF, employers, and charities to close the disability employment gap and support more disabled people into work, where appropriate.

Financial support the Trust offers

We support people with cystic fibrosis and their families every step of the way by providing grants, supporting with applying for benefits, and helping people get the most out of their income through our income maximization service. Our Work Forwards programme empowers people to fulfil their career dreams and aspirations.

What to do if you’re worried

If you’re worried about access to benefits or employment support, our free Helpline is here to support you.

Call 0300 373 1000 or 020 3795 2184, Monday–Friday 10am–4pm

Email [email protected]

Chat with us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram

Message us on WhatsApp on 07361 582053

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition which causes sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system. It affects around 11,000 people in the UK. One in 25 of us carries the faulty gene that causes it, usually without knowing.

Since 1964, we've supported people with cystic fibrosis to live longer, healthier lives – and we won’t stop until everyone can live without limits imposed by CF.