http://www.disabilitynow.org.uk/latest-news2/politics-1/cleggs-hidden-agenda-conned-voters/
Almost 20% of people on DLA work, I am one of them, and the extra money from DLA assists with mobility and care needs. It is also a gateway benefit, which means that receiving DLA also receive other benefits such as Housing Benefit and Freedom Passes - also many people caring for people on DLA receive Carers Allowance. The removal of DLA from many disabled people would effectively stop them from contributing fully to society, plunge them into poverty and have a huge impact on their mobility. But for the Lib Dems none of these questions are relevant, it just seems to be part of the Orange Book/Tory agenda of saving money and cutting benefits. Ironically it could result in people who are working and receiving DLA no longer being in a position to work as their support system would effectively be removed. DLA was introduced in the early 90s clearly as a part of the 'social model' of disability and was a big step forward for disabled people. It is already quite difficult to claim and there are a mountain of application forms to go through. The proposal to hand over the testing of DLA claimants to ATOS Medical Services, a private company whose testing staff are not medically qualified, and whose wrong decisions re other disability benefits are already clogging up the DWP appeals system, is monstrous.
Disabiled people are going to have to oppose these callous moves in every way possible and I have been pressing for the full involvement of the disabled community in the Coalition of Resistance. As for the Lib Dems, well it would seem from the comments of many disabled people that the infamous statement on their election leaflets "only the Lib Dems can win here" will soon to demonstrated to be as false as their pre-election promises on disability benefits.
"Disabiled people are going to have to oppose these callous moves in every way possible" And so they should. Perhaps libdem thought disabled would be easy pickings but people like yourself are not making it so
ReplyDeleteI think the very questioning of DLA is appalling. The people I know who are on it for whatever reasons not of their own creation, can be made severely ill by stresses things like this will cause.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who has mental health difficulties and I imagine his whole condition being destabilised by this removing of his basic ability to live. As Joseph said for many this is all they have. To remove it is to remove their ability to even subsist!
I believe Cameron's father was disabled, as was his son. Difference is they had money so it was alright for them. The ConDems once again proving they are the rich in it for themselves and their mates, while us at the bottom suffer.