Fiona MacMillan, Trustee of Together for the Church of England, writes:
The Government has announced huge changes to disability and incapacity benefits. Disability, health and poverty organisations are extremely concerned that these changes will worsen physical and mental ill heath, push vulnerable people to the edges of communities and cause preventable deaths . Even the government estimates that more than a million people will be pushed into poverty. Disabled church members are very worried and are asking for our help.
In March this year, the Government published a Green Paper – Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to get Britain working. The proposals affect those unable to work, disabled people who need help with daily living, and unpaid carers. James Taylor of disability charity Scope, has called these ‘..a catastrophe for disabled people’s living standards and independence‘. You can read more about the proposed cuts here. The cumulative effect of this package of proposals is significant, and Office for Budget Responsibility are carrying out further impact assessments, to be published in the Autumn. But most changes are going straight to Parliament for a vote in June. MPs are being asked to vote without knowing the full impact on their constituents.
What can you do?
- Write to your MP and ask them to vote against the cuts. Disability charity Inclusion London has a helpful template letter
- Be aware of those in your community who may be worried about these changes
- Pray for those making decisions and those who will be affected.
Further information:
Centre for Mental Health – cutting disability benefits is a major public health risk
MIND – benefits cuts risk deepening mental health crisis for people on low incomes
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