69-72Legacy benefits campaigners
At the start of the pandemic, ministers increased Universal Credit payments by the equivalent of £1,040 per year. But they did not – and resisted repeated calls to – increase payments to those on legacy benefits, including Jobseekers Allowance and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA). These welfare payments, which are gradually being replaced by Universal Credit, are claimed largely by disabled people, who faced soaring living costs in lockdown, including deliveries and private transport to appointments in an attempt to stay protected from the virus.
The fierce campaign, supported by groups including Disabled People Against Cuts, Z2K and the Disability Benefits Consortium, culminated in a legal showdown. Four disabled claimants are behind the court action, including Philip Wayland, Lynn Pinfield and two people choosing to remain anonymous.…
