The Department for Work and Pensions' plans to cut benefits for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety and depression have been thrown into disarray by a landmark review published on Friday.
The Fonagy review of NHS England’s mental health, ADHD and autism services, a 600-plus page report, concludes that without a radical overhaul, mental health and neurodiversity services will be overwhelmed. The report directly challenges the claim that cutting DWP benefits is a helpful intervention in claimants’ lives.
Key findings challenge benefit cut arguments
Professor Peter Fonagy, who led the review, dismissed the notion that reducing financial support helps claimants. The report states: “The rise in mental health problems is real, is affecting everyday functioning” and, in relation to autism and ADHD, “we cannot conclude that overdiagnosis is occurring at scale”.
The report also found: “Increases in individual or household income improved mental health and wellbeing, while decreases worsened them.” This directly contradicts the premise behind proposed cuts to the universal credit health element and personal independence payment (PIP) for young people.
Disability groups respond
Benefits and Work, a disability forum, said: "This seriously undermines any argument that cutting benefits for young people will increase their motivation and chances of obtaining employment."
The forum added: "Not only that, but the way benefits changes are introduced can be a cause of mental distress. So, Fonagy provides strong support for the argument that cutting benefits, such as the universal credit health element and PIP for young people, will make matters worse rather than better."
Benefits and Work went on: "The Fonagy report contains findings that challenge the major arguments used to justify benefit cuts, particularly claims of widespread overdiagnosis and the assumption that reducing financial support will help young people into work."
Government response and next steps
Yvette Cooper, the Labour Party health secretary, will draw on Fonagy’s recommendations in putting together the forthcoming mental health strategy, which is due by the end of the year.
She said: “It is clear that mental health services need to change to focus more on the early support young people need to stay in education or work or keep their lives on track.”
The review’s publication comes as the government considers changes to welfare support for people with mental health conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders. The findings are expected to influence the design of the upcoming mental health strategy and the future of benefit assessments for claimants with these conditions.
