Press Release, Church of England.
Following the government’s welfare reform announcements, The Archbishop of York, The Rt Revd Martyn Snow, and Canon Alice Kemp each expressed their views on the potential impact of the proposals.
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.”