Liverpool experts warn government reforms will deepen poverty and worsen health inequalities
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Professors David Taylor-Robinson and Ben Barr, co-leads of the University of Liverpool’s Health Inequalities Policy Research Group (HIP-R), gave evidence this month to the Work and Pensions and Child Poverty Taskforce Select Committees, warning that proposed government reforms to disability benefits and the ongoing two-child benefit cap risk deepening poverty and worsening public health.
The Committees are examining government plans to reform disability benefits and develop a new child poverty strategy, with findings expected to inform national policy later this year.
“The figures are stark: one in three children in the UK live in poverty, and the trend is going in the wrong direction,” said Professor Taylor-Robinson. “In Liverpool, 40% of children are growing up below the poverty line. This is a disaster for their health, education and future prospects.”
HIPR's evidence revealed that half of all people in poverty in the UK are either disabled or living with someone who is. Yet, the government recently announced a £4.8 billion cut to disability benefits, which is expected to push 250,000 people into poverty, including 50,000 children.
The professors presented evidence from HIPR’s evaluations showing that previous cuts to disability benefits were linked to increases in mental health problems, including 600 additional suicides. The group’s research suggests that further restrictions will not improve employment outcomes but will exacerbate poverty, worsen health inequalities, and strain public services.
“Our research clearly shows that austerity-era policies reversed major gains made under the English Health Inequalities Strategy (1997–2010),” said Professor Barr. “Those earlier policies had significantly reduced poverty and improved health outcomes. We are now seeing the consequences of abandoning that progress.”
In their testimony, the professors also highlighted new evidence on how poverty and childhood adversity contribute to long-term mental health issues, higher NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) rates, and increased social welfare dependency in adulthood.
Importantly, HIPR also presented an alternative path forward, showing that inclusive economic growth—not benefit cuts—can improve employment for disabled people while reducing poverty and inequality.
“It’s great that the Health Inequalities Policy Research Group here at the University of Liverpool could contribute independent, robust evidence to shape this agenda,” said Professor Taylor-Robinson. “It’s clear that bold action is needed to improve the lives of children and people with disabilities. That starts with removing the two-child benefit cap and reversing plans to cut disability benefits.”
The research was supported by the NIHR School for Public Health and the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration North West Coast. The views expressed are those of the researchers and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care.
Watch the Child Poverty Task Force evidence here: Parliamentlive.tv - Education Committee and Work and Pensions Committee
Watch the Work and Pensions Task Force evidence here: Parliamentlive.tv - Work and Pensions Committee