Archbishop Stephen acknowledged the fiscal challenges faced by the government but emphasised the importance of addressing the underlying causes of ill health and worklessness. He urged the government to listen carefully to those most affected by the proposed changes and warned that the consequences should not be borne by the most vulnerable. Drawing attention to the struggles of many people, even those in work, the Archbishop stressed that increased reliance on food banks and heating difficulties are symptoms of a much broader issue that needs urgent attention.

The Bishop of Leicester, Revd Martyn Snow, who serves as the lead bishop for welfare, shared his understanding of the deep concern felt by those whose vital income could be at risk. While he acknowledged the difficult choices the government faces, he expressed concern that the burden of these decisions should not fall on those already struggling. He highlighted the disproportionate effect on disabled people, who are already battling poverty, and cautioned that restricting access to benefits would add to the hardship they face. The Bishop also welcomed efforts to help people into employment, though he voiced apprehension about the anxiety it may cause for those unable to work.

Canon Alice Kemp, a member of General Synod and the Disability Task Group, spoke from personal experience, detailing the challenges faced by disabled people in the workplace and society. She criticized the proposed restrictions to Personal Independence Payments (PIP), warning that such cuts could push people out of work rather than provide them with the support needed to contribute to their communities. Emphasizing the need to stand up for those pushed to the margins, she underscored the Christian obligation to advocate for the most disadvantaged.

The Archbishop of York, Stephen Cottrell, said:

“I recognise that increased spending on social security creates pressures in a fiscally challenging environment, while also laying bare the scale of poor mental and physical health in our country. The Government is right to identify social security reform as a priority and there are no simple solutions to these complex challenges.

“We are all worse off when anyone is unable to fulfil their potential, which is one reason why we must address the underlying causes of ill health and worklessness. Yet we see through our churches, schools and community projects that millions of people, many of whom are in work, already struggle to heat their homes and are dependent on food banks to feed their families.

“I urge the Government to listen carefully to people most affected by these proposed changes and ensure that the consequences of difficult choices are not borne by those least able to bear them.”

The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, Bishop of Leicester and lead bishop for welfare said:

“I understand the deep concern felt by millions whose vital income may be at risk under these proposals. In tough economic times, the Government faces difficult choices as it seeks to chart a fair and equitable course, but the burden must not fall on those already struggling, both to make ends meet and to access the support they need. Disabled people are disproportionately affected by poverty, and restricting their access to benefits will be felt most keenly where support is already scarce.

“Good work can be a route out of poverty, a way to use our skills, and a means to support our families while building a better society. I welcome efforts to help people into employment but remain deeply concerned about the hardship and anxiety this may cause for those unable to work.”

The Revd Canon Alice Kemp, member of General Synod and the Disability Task Group said:

“Disabled people have long fought to be able to work and to lead independent and productive lives, allowing us to contribute to our communities and wider society.

“I live with high levels of pain and accompanying fatigue which means that the amount of energy I have available to use each day is significantly compromised. Like many disabled people I’ve had to buy and maintain my own wheelchair. Carrying out basic domestic tasks – cleaning, washing and cooking – would use up all of my energy, leaving me nothing for work. These proposed restrictions to Personal Independence Payments would potentially take me out of work rather than into it.

“Restricting PIP is a cruel blow for people who already experience severe disadvantages in the workplace, in the jobs market and in society more generally.  As Christians we must always stand up for those who are disadvantaged and pushed to the margins.”