SEVERAL leading charities have written to the Chancellor urging for a “safeguard” to disability benefits from cuts.
It is understood that Rachel Reeves plans to save several billion pounds by making austerity cuts to the welfare budget with health-related benefits being targeted.
It has been reported Labour could experience their biggest rebellion yet in the House of Commons over the proposals to slash Department for Work and Pensions funding in the Spring Statement. Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar has remained silent on the issue.
The Telegraph puts the number Labour MPs who oppose the cuts at 80 — with backbenchers planning to fire off a letter of complaint to the Treasury and the Prime Minister. One Labour MP even referred to the plans as “draconian cuts” in an interview with the BBC.
A group of large charities including Scope, Mind, Citizens Advice, Mencap and more warn that the proposed cuts would have a “catastrophic impact on disabled people up and down the country”.
The joint letter urges the Chancellor not to slash Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and Limited Capability for Work Amount, which the charities say can act as a “lifeline” for disabled households.
The letter reads: “Making cuts to disability benefits would have a catastrophic impact on disabled people up and down the country. Scope’s analysis of government figures shows that without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households could be pushed into poverty.
“Life costs more for disabled people. Huge numbers already live in poverty as a result of these extra costs. The impact of any cuts to disability benefits would be devastating.”
“There is little evidence to suggest cutting benefits increases employment outcomes. We know the benefits system is broken and needs reform. That there are disabled people out of work who want to work given the right support. And for some disabled people work isn’t appropriate. Changes to welfare must start here. Not with cuts.”
It continues: “The Government has an opportunity to work with disabled people and the sector to bring about meaningful change. We want disabled people to be heard and supported by the Government. The needs and voices of the disability community should be at the heart of the Government’s plans. Disabled people should not be an afterthought.”
The Spring Statement is scheduled to be announced on March 26.
