THE UK Government is set to unveil more than £6 billion in cuts to the welfare budget which will mean those unable to work will lose money.
The plans, revealed by ITV News, will see £5bn in cuts by making it harder to qualify for the disability benefit Personal Independence Payment (PIP).
PIP is not linked to work but is awarded to help with the additional costs of disabilities.
The Labour Government is also set to freeze PIP payments next year so that they do not rise with inflation.
There will also be changes to the way Universal Credit is calculated. The basic rate paid to those searching for work will be raised, while the rate for those who are judged as unfit for work will be cut.
The remaining £1bn will reportedly come through “a major investment for employment support for those who are looking for a job”.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall previously said that “there are people who shouldn’t be on benefits who are taking the mickey”.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves was accused of “punching down” on some of the poorest in society after she signalled her plans to cut the budget on Sky News’s Electoral Dysfunction podcast.
The plans have been slated by disability equality Scope, which warned the cuts would have a “devastating impact on disabled people and their families.
James Taylor, executive director of strategy at Scope, said: “Ripping PIP away will be catastrophic for disabled people.
“PIP exists because life costs more if you are disabled. Those costs won’t disappear if the government squeezes eligibility. Many disabled people use PIP to get to and from work and to pay for essential equipment like mobility aids.
“Making it harder to get benefits will just push even more disabled people into poverty, not into jobs.
“The Chancellor has a choice – cut benefits and increase poverty, or invest in an equal future for disabled people.
“Making the wrong choice will have a devastating impact on disabled people and their families.”
The Chancellor is set to deliver the spring statement on March 26 – although the planned cuts are set to be met with the biggest rebellion of this Parliament to date.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) said it would not comment on speculation and that it would set out its plans "shortly".
A DWP spokesperson said: “We have been clear that the current welfare system is broken and needs reform, so that it helps long-term sick and disabled people who can work to find employment, and ensures people receive the support they need, while ensuring fairness for the taxpayer.
“Without reform more people will be locked out of jobs, despite many wanting to work. That is not just bad for the economy, it’s bad for people too.
“We have a duty to get the welfare bill on a more sustainable path and we will achieve that through meaningful, principled reforms rather than arbitrary cuts to spending.
“That’s why as part of our Plan for Change we will bring forward our proposals for reform shortly that will unlock work and help us reach our ambition of an 80% employment rate.”
The SNP have been contacted for comment.
