DWP plan to 'target' three benefits in crackdown will be 'disastrous'

The DWP and Labour Party government have been warned that proposed cuts to disability benefits would have "disastrous consequences" for disabled people.
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A Labour plot to target Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance and Attendance Allowance - or PIP, DLA and AA - will have "disastrous consequences", it has been warned. The DWP and Labour Party government have been warned that proposed cuts to disability benefits would have "disastrous consequences" for disabled people.

David Southgate, the policy manager at disability equality charity Scope, said benefits are "a lifeline" for disabled people. "Life costs a lot more when you're disabled, on average by over £1,000 every month," he said.

Mr Southgate explained that these benefits help pay for vital equipment, support at home, and sufficient heating to stay well. "We're hearing constantly from people who already can't afford these, so taking further support away would be devastating," he added.

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While acknowledging the need for reform, Mr Southgate urged the Government to work with disabled people to fix what he called "our broken benefits system". Debbie Abrahams, chair of the Commons Work and Pensions Committee, has said that the idea of replacing personal independence payment (PIP) with vouchers is “nonsense” and will not happen.

Abrahams said that Labour Party MP Stephen Timms, disability minister at the DWP, had already ruled out a voucher scheme. However, whilst he might have given such assurances in private to Abrahams, there is no record of him having done so publicly.

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Abrahams went on to tell the Mirror that “"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 asked if the idea of vouchers was insulting to disabled people, Abrahams responded: "Absolutely. This is how confident I am that it won't happen." The interview took place at the start of December ahead of Christmas.