Sheffield Green Councillors have spoken out against the Government targeting cuts on disabled people and carers, both in and out of work. They call for a fair, just and progressive taxation system instead – where those with the broadest shoulders take the greatest burden.
The Green Group’s motion to next Wednesday’s (3 September 2025) Full Council meeting also calls for more face-to-face advice to help people in Sheffield.
Gleadless Valley Councillor Marieanne Elliot, who is proposing the motion, said,
“The Government’s intention to cut benefits for disabled people and carers will penalise people who already face disadvantages and have to deal with the barriers put up by society.
“The Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is intended to help with the extra daily costs of living with a disability.
“It’s not just disabled people who will suffer but their carers too. For unpaid carers, if the person they care for no longer qualifies for PIP this will affect eligibility for carers allowance, removing a lifeline that many rely on.
“Disabled people and carers must not be made to pay the price for a broken and underfunded care system when removing essential support will deepen hardship and cost more in the long run.
“Cuts in disability benefits put more pressure on over-stretched council budgets, with an estimate from the Disability Policy Centre putting this at £1.50 for every £1 lost in disability benefits – jeopardising the ability to deliver essential services and fulfil its statutory duties.
“This country needs a fair, just and progressive taxation system where those with the broadest shoulders take the greatest burden. The Green Party is proposing a modest 1% wealth tax on assets over £10 million, rising to 2% on assets over £1 billion.
“Widespread criticism and campaigning against the Bill forced the Government to partially climb-down, however it is really concerning that some Sheffield Labour MPs still voted in favour of the cuts.
“Cuts to disability benefits will increase the need for advice services to help people navigate the system and understand their rights.
“Face-to-face free advice improves outcomes and helps lift people out of poverty. That is why we are recommending rolling out the South Local Area Committee (LAC) face-to-face income maximisation pilot. A proposal championed by Green Councillors, it has successfully helped hundreds of people to save money on bills, stay out of poverty and keep money in the local economy.
NOTICE OF MOTION REGARDING “DISABILITY BENEFIT CUTS AND SUPPORTING SHEFFIELD RESIDENTS” – GIVEN BY COUNCILLOR
MARIEANNE ELLIOT AND TO BE SECONDED BY COUNCILLOR
ANGELA ARGENZIO
That this Council:-
believes:
(a) the Government’s intention to cut benefits for disabled people and carers with their Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill shows a worrying intention to penalise people facing the most disadvantage, both in and out of work;
(b) disabled people have the right to live with dignity and respect, and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is intended to help with the extra daily costs of living with a disability;
(c) for unpaid carers, if the person they care for no longer qualifies forPIP this will affect eligibility for Carer’s Allowance, removing a lifeline that many rely on;
(d) disabled people and carers must not be made to pay the price for a broken and underfunded care system when removing essential support will deepen hardship and cost more in the long run;
(e) cuts in disability benefits put more pressure on over-stretched council budgets, with an estimate from the Disability Policy Centre putting this at £1.50 for every £1 lost in disability benefits – jeopardising the ability to deliver essential services and fulfil councils’ statutory duties;
(f) this country needs a fair, just and progressive taxation system where those with the broadest shoulders take the greatest burden;
(g) widespread criticism and campaigning against the Bill forced the Government to partially climb-down, however it is concerning that some Sheffield MPs still voted in favour of the cuts;
(h) creating more hardship will increase the demand for the Household Support Fund, food banks and other vital support;
(i) cuts to disability benefits will increase the need for advice services to help people navigate the system and understand their rights;
(j) face-to-face free advice improves outcomes and helps lift people out of poverty;
(k) the South Local Area Committee (LAC) face-to-face income maximisation pilot has been a success, resulting in more money in people’s pockets;
resolves to:-
(l) request the Chief Executive to forward to the Prime Minister, Chancellor of the Exchequer and Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, a copy of this motion, to express concerns about the
damaging impact on health, wellbeing and local government finances in Sheffield;
(m) reaffirm its commitment to supporting Sheffield residents by recommending the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee, when considering the previous referral from Full Council, strongly
considers the benefits of rolling out the South LAC income maximisation pilot across Sheffield with face-to-face advice in communities delivered by financial navigators, as part of its discussion on the future approach to cost of living support scheduled for October 2025; and
(n) request the Strategy and Resources Policy Committee to consider adding to its work programme the take up of opportunities to provide accessible, good quality, free advice services and to explore expanding services further, such as face-to-face benefits advice.
