Coquet Trust’s response to the new legislation
Coquet Trust is an organisation committed to championing the rights of individuals with learning disabilities and autism, the proposals in the bill that was passed in the house of commons on 9th July 2025 still includes cuts to the health element for new claimants, this raises serious concerns and a broader call for compassion and reform.
Coquet Trust acknowledges that the welfare system faces legitimate challenges, however, for a truly inclusive reform we believe these principles should be followed:
- Co-production with lived experience
Any reform should be co-designed with individuals who have learning disabilities, autism, mental health conditions—and crucially, their families and carers. Real insights can’t come from data alone. - Nuanced, condition-sensitive assessments
Criteria must recognise the spectrum of severity and adapt to fluctuating conditions. Benefits shouldn’t be withheld simply because a disability isn’t visible or permanently debilitating. - Stronger support pathways
Where appropriate, benefits should be coupled with access to employment support, vocational training, mental health services, and social care. This fosters independence without leaving individuals unsupported.
Coquet Trust’s Call to Action
- Uphold dignity and inclusion:
Benefits must reflect the varied realities of disability—not reduce eligibility to a tick-box exercise. - Embed lived experience:
Representation of disabled communities must be central in policymaking. - Balance incentives and safeguards:
Effective systems support those who can work while protecting people with chronic or severe conditions. - Commit to fairness across backgrounds:
Social security must bridge, not divide.
While Coquet Trust recognises the need to address financial sustainability and welfare effectiveness, reforms must be driven by empathy, evidence, and first-hand perspectives. Real change lies not in exclusion or narrow definitions, but in building a welfare system that respects diversity, enables participation, and ensures everyone regardless of disability or background can live with dignity.