#StopTheCuts
Right now, the Government is considering changes to disability benefits. But for millions of disabled people, these benefits are a lifeline. They are the difference between surviving and being pushed deeper into poverty.
Disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and the Limited Capability for Work Amount, are essential for disabled households and can enable people who receive PIP to work. Scope’s analysis shows that without PIP, a further 700,000 more disabled households in the UK will be pushed into poverty.
Life costs more for disabled people (approximately an extra £12k a year even with the current benefits). Huge numbers already live in poverty as a result of these extra costs. The impact of any cuts to disability benefits would be devastating.
We understand the Government’s ambition to support more disabled people into work. However, making cuts to disability benefits will not achieve this goal. In fact, there is little evidence to suggest cutting benefits increases employment outcomes. That is because employment is not accessible, reasonable adjustments are not put in place, and discrimination, stigma and ableism is alive and well in the job market.
Removing disability benefits does nothing to change these issues and puts disabled lives on the line. With the Assisted Dying bill on its way it appears that this Government is more interested in assisting disabled people to die than assisting us to live.
Call To Action – what you can do
We are asking the York disability community and our allies across the city to come together with YDRF to show that we are not going to sit back and accept these changes.
Come to the #StopTheCuts Picket
When? Thursday 27th March from 5pm
Where? Outside the Guildhall in St. Helen’s Square, York
Bring? Banners, friends, children and dogs – this is a peaceful picket of City of York Council
Sign up to speak at the CYC full executive meeting now closed
Anyone can sign up to take part in public participation at the full CYC council executive meeting and is given 3 minutes to speak. This can be done in person or remotely. You can also write something for someone else to read out if you prefer.
If you would like support in getting involved in this or want to let us know you’ve signed up, please contact nd@ydrf.org.uk
Write to your MP and Local Councillors
Template letter to send to MPs and Councillors about the benefits cuts:
Rachael Maskell MP (York Central) has already spoken out about these cuts and is supporting disabled people in this fight. She said: “We recognise the economic circumstances that we’re in and the hand that we were given and of course it is right that the Chancellor has oversight over all those budgets but not at the expense of pushing disabled people into poverty“.
Email: rachael.maskell.mp@parliament.uk
Phone Number: 020 7219 4525
Luke Charters MP (York Outer) was one of 36 signatories to the “Get Britain Working Group” letter which encouraged Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall to make “hard choices” in cuts to the benefits system. This move has sparked controversy and the MP for Stoke-on-Trent South, Allison Gardner, removed her name from the group shortly after the letter’s publication.
Email: luke.charters.mp@parliament.uk
Phone: 01904 463444
Find your local councillors and their contact details here
Get in touch with YDRF
Keep an eye on our social media (@yorkdrf on Instagram, Twitter/X and Facebook, links at the bottom of the page) to make sure you don’t miss anything.
You can also join the forum which signs you up to our monthly newsletter.
Email us at nd@ydrf.org.uk
Leave us a voicemail on 01904 326781