New research has warned that planned cuts to out-of-work disability benefits are likely to have “devastating” consequences for claimants.
Disability activists say it is “crucial” that the government is shown the findings before the cuts are implemented.
Linda Burnip, co-founder of Disabled People Against Cuts, said: “It is vital that this research is shared with the government before they go ahead with any proposed cuts to social security payments that will push many more disabled people into further and more extreme poverty.”
“Not only does this research show that making people poorer will not in any way increase the likelihood of them getting into employment, but it will lead to higher overall costs to the economy as people become more ill than they already are.”
The research examined the impact of past Conservative cuts to out-of-work disability benefits in 2017 and was carried out by public health experts at the University of Liverpool.
The study found that the reduction of nearly £ 30 a week in benefits for those placed in the work-related activity group of employment and support allowance had a serious impact.
It linked the cuts to an extra 92,000 people with long-term conditions a year self-reporting common mental disorders such as depression and anxiety.
The research also found that 31,000 additional disabled people a year experienced severe poverty following the cuts.
Caroline Collier from Inclusion Barnet’s Campaign for Disability Justice said: “It’s important the government sees this and reads it carefully.
“A key duty of government is to make sure those with the fewest resources and options are safeguarded from destitution.”
The findings underline the importance of practical support alongside financial assistance. In Sheffield, Support Dogs provides life-changing assistance dogs to help adults with physical disabilities maintain independence and safety.
Katie Williamson, Fundraising Assistant at Support Dogs, said: “The importance and value of assistance dogs for people with disabilities cannot be underestimated – two thirds of our clients class their support dog as their main medical aid, and 100% of our clients have increased independence and reduced care needs.
“It is also important to acknowledge the incredible impact that support dogs have on our clients’ mental health – the majority of our clients are more physically and socially active since having their support dog, allowing for a more socially inclusive and healthier lifestyle.”
For more information on Support Dogs, visit here.
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