Our history

The Commission came about as the result of lots of different conversations between lots of different people over a long period of time. Those conversations revolved around a number of recurring themes:

(i) The current social security (welfare benefits) system is failing, but there is no agreement on ways forward, so ideas for a better social system need to be set out i.e. a solutions-focused approach.

(ii) Experts by Experience must be central in policy development.

(iii) Building consensus is vital.

Things came together in 2018 when Trust for London agreed to fund a project based on the above three points. 

The full story is available here.

How we work

We work by building consensus across our large-scale network.

Our network includes claimant/user-led groups, Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations, the third sector, advice workers, academics, trade unions, think tanks and individuals. We welcome involvement from anyone interested in building a better social security system.

Principles and equality        

Our work is based on five principles for how a social security system should be. These principles have wide public support and guide us in our work.

• Make sure everyone has enough money to live - and support extra costs like those related to disability and children.

• Be clear, user friendly and accessible to all, involving people who have actual experience of the issues from all impairment groups, in creating and running the system as a whole.

• Treat everyone with dignity, respect and trust, and the belief that people should be able to choose for themselves.

• Include access to free advice and support. Make sure people can access support to speak up, be heard or make a complaint.

• Be a public service with rights and entitlements.