Warnings have been issued that a Labour scheme to target Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, and Attendance Allowance – known as PIP, DLA, and AA – could lead to “disastrous consequences”. The DWP and a potential Labour government have been cautioned about the severe impact proposed cuts to disability benefits could have on disabled individuals.
David Southgate, policy manager at the disability equality charity Scope, emphasised that these benefits are crucial for disabled people, stating: “Life costs a lot more when you’re disabled, on average by over £1,000 every month,” He highlighted that such benefits are essential for covering the costs of necessary equipment, home support, and adequate heating to maintain health. “We’re hearing constantly from people who already can’t afford these, so taking further support away would be devastating,” he remarked.
Don’t miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the BirminghamLive newsletter here.
While he recognises the need for reform, Mr Southgate has called on the Government to collaborate with disabled people to address what he describes as “our broken benefits system”. Meanwhile, Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee, has dismissed the notion of replacing personal independence payment (PIP) with vouchers as “nonsense”, asserting it will not come to pass.
She mentioned that Stephen Timms, the Labour Party MP and disability minister at the DWP, had privately assured her that a voucher scheme is off the table, although there is no public record of such a statement.
Abrahams expressed to the Mirror, “I think it’s nonsense and I cannot see that happen. It is suggesting that it’s ok for disabled people to be provided with a voucher instead of money – as though they aren’t responsible with their money.”
When questioned if the concept of vouchers was offensive to disabled individuals, Abrahams replied: “Absolutely. This is how confident I am that it won’t happen.”
The interview was conducted in early December, just before Christmas.