Sir Stephen Timms has been appointed as the new Minister of State for Social Security and Disability in the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), effective from 8 July 2024.
A Seasoned Advocate for Social Security
Stephen Timms has a long history of involvement in social security issues, having previously served as the Minister for Pensions. During his tenure, he worked on various initiatives aimed at improving the pension system and supporting people who rely on social security.
According to the official government announcement, Timms will be responsible for overseeing the administration of benefits and social security measures, ensuring they are fair and accessible to all who need them. His prior roles in government have positioned him well to address the complex issues within the DWP.
Concerns Over Combined Ministerial Role
WECIL, welcome Sir Stephen Timms’ appointment, but we have serious concerns about the amalgamation of the roles of Minister for Social Security and Minister for Disability. This decision means there will be no dedicated Minister for Disabled People with reach across government.
The barriers faced by Disabled people span across the remit of all government departments including health, the DWP, and social services, we require a minister who can dedicate the necessary time, focus, and authority to drive the transformational changes urgently needed. This role is crucial to ensure that Disabled people are seen not as a problem, but as valuable contributors to society.
This combined role therefore raises significant concerns. Disability is a notoriously neglected area, and Disabled people are under-represented in the House of Commons and across government sectors. The absence of a dedicated Minister for Disabled People sends a troubling message to the 16 million Disabled people in the UK.
The delay in appointing a minister and the decision to add the disability portfolio to another department raises fears that Disabled people are not a priority. Only by having a dedicated and high-profile minister with a cross-government brief can we have confidence in positive changes in the structures that hold back many Disabled people in the UK.
Addressing Carer’s Allowance Overpayments
One of the immediate challenges Sir Stephen Timms will need to address is the issue of Carer’s Allowance overpayments. In our previous article, “Unpaid Carers Face Financial Strain and Repayment Demands”, we highlighted the financial difficulties faced by unpaid carers due to the DWP’s repayment demands.
Timms, who has been a vocal critic of the DWP’s handling of these overpayments, now has the opportunity to implement the changes he has long advocated for. Carers UK also responded to Timms’ appointment, emphasizing the need for a fair and supportive system for unpaid carers. They highlighted Timms’ understanding of the financial and emotional pressures faced by unpaid carers and expressed hope for better support and policies under his leadership.
Sir Stephen Timms’ new role as Minister of State for Social Security and Disability brings hope for significant improvements in the support systems for Disabled people and carers. However, the amalgamation of this role with the social security portfolio raises serious concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing disability issues.
As advocates for for policies that uphold the dignity and well-being of Disabled people, we call on the government to appoint a dedicated Minister for Disabled People to ensure that the needs of Disabled people are a priority across government and to drive the transformational change that is urgently needed.
