Christian charities warn 600,000 affected by changes to disability benefits

The government has come under fire from a group of charities over planned changes to disability benefit.

In an open letter to the minister for disabled people, Justin Tomlinson, the Disability Benefits Consortium (DBC), which includes a number of Christian charities, said the plans "damage the health and wellbeing" of up to 600,000 people.

The charities said a disease such as multiple sclerosis can cost up to an extra £200 per week Pixabay

The government is introducing changes to the way disabled people are assessed for benefits under the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) scheme. However the DBC says the proposals would limit entitlement and have a "severe impact on individuals' financial security making it harder to access opportunities to work and participate in society."

In the letter criticising the government, they say: "It could have serious consequences for their health and independence."

The DBC says proposals would limit how an assessment takes into account the need for aides and appliances. In the current system thousands qualify for PIP by demonstrating they cannot complete everyday tasks without help. The DBC said it feared this criteria would be removed.

"In the worst cases, individuals could lose up to £120-£150 per week," the letter read. Signed by over 20 disability charities and organisations, the letter includes Christian organisations Compassionate Britain and Livability.

Founder of Compassionate Britain Tanya Marlow urged Christians from all political viewpoints to oppose the cuts.

"In 2010, David Cameron promised compassion, and yet he keeps targeting cuts at the most vulnerable in our society," she told Christian Today.

"Government cuts have already affected disabled people nine times more than the average person and severely disabled people 19 times more. Now they want to introduce a back-door cut to a vital disability benefit."

Marlow pointed to the extra expense incurred by disability and said PIP helps "level the playing field".

A DWP Spokesperson said: "The PIP consultation was launched to ensure the use of aids and appliances was achieving its original purpose - supporting people appropriately with the extra costs associated with disability.

"We have consulted widely with a number of organisations including members of the Disability Benefits Consortium to find the best approach. We'll be publishing our response shortly."

related articles
Abortion vote: Northern Ireland votes against liberalisation of law

Abortion vote: Northern Ireland votes against liberalisation of law

Catholics and the Zika Virus: Why abortion and contraception are very different issues

Catholics and the Zika Virus: Why abortion and contraception are very different issues

Euthanasia in Holland: Loneliness cited as key motivator in majority of cases

Euthanasia in Holland: Loneliness cited as key motivator in majority of cases

Children's Society: Welfare reforms will hit millions of UK children

Children's Society: Welfare reforms will hit millions of UK children

\'Right to die\' debate hits Japan
'Right to die' debate hits Japan

'Right to die' debate hits Japan

News
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message
Pope seeks prayers for peace in Christmas Day message

The Pope asked people to pray in particular for the "tormented people of Ukraine" in his Christmas Day 'Urbi et Orbi' message. 

Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?
Who was St Stephen and why is he remembered on December 26?

The carol says, “Good King Wenceslas last looked out on the Feast of Stephen.” In many countries, December 26, also known as Boxing Day, is better known as St Stephen’s Day. Stephen was the first Christian martyr. This is the story …

King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address
King Charles reflects on pilgrimage, reconciliation and hope in Christmas Day address

King Charles III used his Christmas Day speech to reflect on the significance of pilgrimage as he appealed to the nation "to cherish the values of compassion and reconciliation". 

2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book
2 Timothy 3:16 is Logos' Bible verse of the year, Matthew was the most studied book

One of the most-studied Bible verses of the year is from 2 Timothy in the New Testament, according to an analysis of millions of Bible study sessions that tracked how believers worldwide are engaging with Scripture.