Scope chair 'willing to resign' over speaking out against disability benefit cuts (2025)

The Chairman of disability charity Scope has said he is willing to resign his position to speak out against the Government’s planned cuts to disability benefits.

The world-renowned record producer, who has been registered blind since he was a teenager, added: “Disabled people are not a burden — we are valuable contributors to society when given the opportunity. Companies that employ disabled people thrive and become more profitable. That is a fact.

“Closing the disability employment gap by just half would inject £17billion into the UK economy through increased tax revenue and reduced welfare dependency. That too is a fact. The Treasury is fully aware of this, yet it has chosen to back these cuts. That is disgraceful.”

Sir Robin, who has been Chair of Scope since 2020, acknowledged that the charity’s “governing documents make it clear that we are not a political organisation and must remain impartial”.

He added: “By speaking out, I may be asked to step down as Chair of Scope. If that happens, so be it. I stand by my words.

“If this is to be my final statement in this role, then I am proud that it is on behalf of Scope. Scope is the only organisation unwavering in its commitment to an equal future for disabled people. It is the only organisation tackling the challenges and opportunities that affect the largest minority group in the world.”

She said it was unsustainable that one in 10 people of working age were claiming sickness benefits as she unveiled the changes.

Personal independence payments (PIP) given to people with disabilities will not be frozen or means tested, the Government has confirmed.

But the system will be reformed, with the criteria for those able to claim being far more strict. Job seeker's allowance and employment and support allowance will also be merged.

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The move has been controversial, with dozens of Labour backbenchers speaking out against it and the Government accused of repeating the austerity measures put in place under the Conservatives.

It comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves prepares to deliver her Spring Statement on Wednesday, which is expected to include sweeping cuts to the Civil Service as well as more details on the welfare reforms.

The Prime Minister's official spokesman said last week: "I think the Prime Minister has been clear there is both a moral and an economic case for fixing our broken social security system that's holding our people back, and our country back.

"Three million people are out of work for health reasons, and one in eight young people not currently in work, education or training.

"So we've got a duty to fix the system, to ensure that that safety net is always there for the most vulnerable and severely disabled, but also supports back into work, rather than leaving people written off."

What changes to benefits has the Government announced?

• Ministers will merge jobseeker's allowance and employment and support allowance

• PIP will be retained and will not be frozen after a backlash from backbench Labour MPs, but the number of people eligible to claim it will be cut

• The minimum age to claim PIP will be raised to 18 and from November 2026 only the most severely disabled will qualify, requiring four points in at least one activity for the daily living allowance

• The work capability assessment (WCA) for universal credit will be scrapped in 2028

• Standard universal credit allowance will be increased by £775 in 2029/30

• A "right to try" initiative, which will mean people on disability welfare who want to attempt to get back into work won't lose their benefits if they try a job, will be introduced

• A “Keep Britain Working” review, led by former John Lewis boss Sir Charlie Mayfield, will help establish what employers can do to keep people in work

• Universal Credit claimants with severe, lifelong disabilities will no longer face reassessments for their benefits

Scope

Labour

Disability Benefits

Government