Newcastle Charity says disabled people can’t cope with more cuts
A Newcastle disability charity say fresh cuts to society's most vulnerable could devastate their independence.
A Newcastle disability charity say fresh cuts to society's most vulnerable could devastate their independence.
It’s as Labour claim huge cuts are expected to the Personal Independence Payments, making it harder for claimants who struggle to use the toilet or get dressed to qualify.
An analysis shows 200,000 disabled people could lose almost £3,000 a year. Meanwhile 400,000 will see their benefits drop from £82 a week to £55 if cuts go ahead.
Disability North supports disabled people in the North East to become more independent, but admit pressure is growing on the charity since welfare reform in 2013.
Chief Executive, Diane Cowell, said:
“I think it’s really concerning. Disabled people have had to bear the brunt of a lot of cuts so far. It’s critical and crucial that disabled people are allowed to remain independent and live in their own homes and have the support that they’re entitled to.”
“99.9% of our clients need help and support for independent living. They need help and support to ensure that they get their disability benefits right. That’s absolutely essential for any disabled person and it seems very unfair that they’re cutting benefits even further.”
Paul Myers, from Killingworth, suffers from heart disease, diabetes, chronic cluster headaches and fibromyalgia. He says he’ll lose his independence if his benefits are cut. Paul said:
“None of my illnesses are ever going to get better; they’re only going to get worse. So how’s taking £30 off me going to help anybody? It just penalises me for being ill.”
“You judge a society by how it helps it’s most helpless? This government is showing exactly what it thinks of the ill and disabled in this country if more cuts go ahead.”
The Chancellor, George Osborne, will deliver his annual Budget Statement in the House of Commons.