The UK government’s plan to slash £6bn from disability benefits has triggered outrage, with campaigners warning it will plunge vulnerable people into deeper poverty.
Government faces backlash over disability cuts
The government wants to cut £6bn from the welfare budget, with disability benefits firmly in the firing line. Ministers argue the changes will encourage more people to work. However, disabled individuals and advocates say the cuts will only make life harder.
Helen Barnard, a leading anti-poverty campaigner, summed up the concern bluntly: “The majority of people who are forced to come to our food banks are disabled. There’s an incredible level of hardship out there. We are appalled the government looks at that situation and appears to be deciding to make huge cuts to the support people get.”
Labour MPs split over welfare reform
Labour MPs are divided. Some back the government’s push to reform welfare and reduce dependency on state support. Others, however, warn that cutting benefits for disabled people will increase hardship and leave many struggling to survive.
Advocates point out that disabled people already face major challenges in securing work and managing day-to-day life. They argue that reducing financial support will only worsen the situation.
‘Incredible hardship’ – Food banks bracing for impact
Charities and food banks are already seeing an increase in demand – and they fear it will get worse.
Helen Barnard warned that many disabled people rely on food banks to survive. Cutting benefits will drive even more people to seek emergency support.
“There is an incredible level of hardship out there,” she said. “We are appalled the government appears to be ignoring that reality.”
What happens next?
The government insists the changes will create a “fairer and more balanced” system. But critics argue it’s disabled people who will pay the price.
With pressure mounting, ministers may face a fierce battle to push the reforms through.
Does this chime with you?
It left David Osland to post what a lot of people might agree with, when he wrote: “No matter how many times you cut disability benefits, severely disabled people still won’t be able to work.”
