https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/sunak-launches-full-on-assault-against-disabled-people

PM announces major plans to impose curbs on benefits

RISHI SUNAK was accused of launching a “full-on assault” on disabled people today after he announced major plans to impose fresh curbs on benefits.

The Prime Minister said an expected rise in benefits spending is “not sustainable” and vowed to “significantly reform” the system.

He announced a new consultation on personal independent payment (PIP), a non means-tested benefit that helps with extra costs caused by long-term disability or ill health.

Citing an increasing number of people are claiming PIP for anxiety and depression, Mr Sunak said a more “rigorous” approach will be introduced, and that “greater medical evidence” will be required to substantiate a claim.

…

He pledged to “tighten” the work capability assessment so that “hundreds of thousands of benefit recipients with less severe conditions will now be expected to engage in the world of work.”

James Taylor of disability charity Scope said the plan “feels like a full-on assault on disabled people.”

He said: “These proposals are dangerous and risk leaving disabled people destitute.

“In a cost-of-living crisis, looking to slash disabled people’s income by hitting PIP is a horrific proposal.”

Disability Rights UK’s head of policy Fazilet Hadi accused the government of “targeting disabled people for a failing economy.”

She said: “The Prime Minister’s approach to systemic inequalities caused by government policies and underfunding of public services, is to further penalise, punish and threaten disabled people living on inadequate benefits.”

…

https://morningstaronline.co.uk/article/sunak-launches-full-on-assault-against-disabled-people

Charities blast Rishi Sunak’s ‘dangerous’ and heartless clamp down on disability welfare

…

Dr Sarah Hughes, CEO of Mind, said: “We are deeply disappointed that the Prime Minister’s speech today continues a trend in recent rhetoric which conjures up the image of a “mental health culture” that has “gone too far”.

“This is harmful, inaccurate and contrary to the reality for people up and down the country. The truth is that mental health services are at breaking point following years of under investment with many people getting increasingly unwell while they wait to receive support.”

She added: “To imply that it is easy both to be signed-off work and then to access benefits is deeply damaging. It is insulting to the 1.9 million people on a waiting list to get mental health support, and to the GPs whose expert judgement is being called into question.”

Labour MP John Trickett offered an alternative solution: “Sunak would stop doctors from issuing ‘sick notes’ in effort to force ill people back to work. I have a 3-part proposal: 1) fully finance the NHS & cut waiting lists 2) an all-out drive to end poverty which is at the root of so much ill health 3) force bosses to pay living wage”.

Charities blast Rishi Sunak’s ‘dangerous’ and heartless clamp down on disability welfare