As a Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation, KCIL would like to add its voice to the chorus of concern across the country regarding yesterday’s announcement of proposed changes to the disability and welfare system.
Most disabled people face unavoidable extra costs due to their disability or impairment, such as increased utility bills, transport costs, and the purchase of specialist equipment in order to live as independently as possible. PIP (Personal Independence Payment) is a welfare benefit designed to support disabled people in managing those extra costs.
In Greater London families that include a Disabled person are more likely to be in poverty than those living in families that do not include a Disabled person. Limiting the number of people awarded PIP, as announced in yesterday’s plans, will put increased financial pressure on families who may already be struggling. Not increasing the incapacity benefit part of Universal Credit in line with inflation and reducing it for new claimants will also put increased financial pressure on those who may already be struggling. The government say that they wish to save £5 billion from the benefits bill by the end of this decade; we say not from the pockets of disabled people.
Yesterday’s news will be scary for many. The changes announced were in the form of a green paper. A green paper announces ideas that the government would like to pursue, but it must first ask the public for their views. Find out more about the consultation here. Write to your MP—find your MP’s contact details here. There is still the possibility of change.
If you would like to talk to someone about how you are feeling, a list of Mental Health resources is available here.
Information about support with disability benefits can be found here.
