Access to Work and benefit reforms: Meeting the Minister and having your say
The Vision Partnership has been working hard to ensure the Government hears the concerns of people with vision impairment.
Earlier this month they hosted a roundtable for the Rt Hon Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability. The Minister met with seven people from Vision Partnership organisations, including Nia Greer from Vision Support, a Visionary member.
Seven representatives from the Vision Partnership charities standing in a meeting room inside the Department for Work and Pensions with Sir Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability in the centre of the group on 19 May 2025.,
Given the Government’s recent proposals to reform Access to Work and disability benefits, the discussion focussed on what needs to change. Attendees highlighted the current delays with Access to Work and fears that reforms might lead to a reduction in vital support. The Minister heard about the urgent need to improve employers’ attitudes and understanding. Representatives also stressed the importance of Personal Independence Payment in helping cover the extra costs that can come with a vision impairment.
The Minister was in listening mode, encouraging people to respond to the consultation. The Vision Partnership are now preparing a joint sector response to this consultation. To understand the potential impact of these proposals on people with sight loss they are asking people with a vision impairment to complete a survey here – Survey: Reforms to disability benefits and employment support (opens Microsoft Form). If you have a vision impairment they’d love to hear your views.
The survey will close on 15 June 2025.
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