Dear Sir,
As charities representing millions of disabled people across the UK, we are extremely concerned about the life shattering changes the government is making to disability benefits.
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is intended to financially support people with the increased cost of having a disability, but changes to the eligibility criteria mean that if people can walk more than just 20 metres with a stick they will no longer receive the highest rate of the benefit. Many of those that need this benefit the most will no longer qualify for the support they desperately need.
Over half a million people are set to lose out – and even more in years to come. Thousands will be forced to give up their car or other essential mobility equipment, thus potentially leaving work or education, or missing medical appointments.
Today court proceedings will begin to determine whether the government’s decision to make this change was unlawful. We believe it was, and we hope the court rules in favour of our view. Perhaps only then will the Government be inclined to reconsider.
Signed,
Michelle Mitchell, MS Society
Steve Ford, Parkinson’s UK
Richard Hawkes, Scope
Liz Sayce OBE, Disability Rights UK
Susie Parsons, National AIDS Trust
Sonya Chowdhury, Action for M.E.
Dave Webber, Livability
Faryal Velmi , Transport for all
Judi Rhys, Arthritis Care
Ailsa Bosworth, National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society
Peter Corbett, Thomas Pocklington Trust
Teresa Catto-Smith, Autism in Scotland
Jeff Skipp, Deafblind UK
Andy Kerr, Sense Scotland
Ian Welsh, Health and Social Care Alliance Scotland (the ALLIANCE)
Michael Kerin, St Josephs Hospice Hackney
Disability Benefits Consortium 