The cuts announced by Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall yesterday appear to be driven by a desire to save money and seek to balance the books on the backs of disabled people.
The UK Government needs to think again. I have been overwhelmed this week hearing disabled people and the organisations that represent them talking about the devastation and anxiety these proposals are causing.
Saving money on the backs of disabled people is wrong. So is stigmatising disabled people and those who are affected by ill-health.
We know that stigma and shame associated with sickness and disability benefits stop some people from coming forward and applying for the support they are entitled to.
But some of the comments made over recent weeks risk heightening that stigma.
I am also concerned that the cuts being proposed could reduce the Scottish Government’s budget for social security.
In 2025-26, we will invest around £3.6 billion in Adult Disability Payment, which is £314 million more than we are forecast to receive from the UK Government.
We will need time to work through the detail of the paper and understand the impacts of the reforms on both devolved disability benefits in Scotland and on the people who rely on this support.
It is disappointing that the UK Government decided not to engage with the Scottish Government before this announcement.
Liz Kendall now says she will work with the Scottish Government on these proposals – but my answer will be quite clear.
The UK Government should not be making these cuts. They should listen to disabled people’s organisations and many more groups, and think again.
I cannot understand why this UK Government is repeatedly targeting the most vulnerable, by cutting Winter Fuel Payments for pensioners, failing to tackle rising fuel bills and now imposing cuts on disabled people.
Instead of undertaking another review of PIP assessments and increasing assessments, the UK Government should follow the lead of the Scottish Government.
Our system treats people with dignity, fairness and respect, holding person-centred consultations only when there is no other way to make a decision.
It is not too late for the UK Government to listen to disabled people, realise they have made a mistake and have a change of heart.
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