Following on from my previous post about PIP. I tried to listen to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement yesterday, but only managed about 10 minutes. Partly because it felt pretty excruciating, partly because I struggle to listen, watch and absorb detail, partly because I couldn’t bear the MP’s nodding and knowing smiles, and partly because I can’t hear very well at the moment.
I wouldn’t normally attempt a blog post in such close succession, but I do feel that I must post. How can I possibly remain silent knowing how challenging life is with a Disability and/or Chronic illness. But it is a struggle to write about this, as it’s so personal. Is this the intention, to make it feel up so close and personal you just want look away and cover your ears? But you can’t. Although isn’t that exactly what is happening to vulnerable people? *Cover image.
Confirmation of the Impact
So confirmed with dismay are the figures that 3.2 million people will be affected by the changes to welfare, with 800,000 people receiving PIP to be impacted. With the astonishing number of 250,000 people who could be pushed into ‘relative poverty‘. According to Carers UK 150,000 carers will be affected. And I don’t think that number includes all carers who work, alongside their carer role. Again I ask – “how will carers cope“?
An Increase in Levels of Poverty
With these numbers blithley reeled off as mere stats. Let’s just sit with that ‘relative poverty‘ number. I looked for definitions. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation provide the definition of poverty. Their response to the Chancellors Spring Statement presses the point home.
“Cuts to push 250,000 into poverty as living standards for the poorest under continuing assault.
250,000 people could be pushed into *poverty including 50,000 children”
Joseph Rowntree Foundation *(note – no mention of the word ‘relative’.)
The number of children who could be affected could equate to the pupil numbers of 50 schools, in their entirety.
The Trussell Trust have announced today that the Government’s own figures quote 4.7 million disabled people are facing hunger, a figure which includes 1.6 million children. With 75% of people who turn to food banks from a family where someone is disabled.
What! And they still pursue these measures!
With a person featured on the news, amongst the horrifying numbers emblazoned across the screen, who has an acquired brain injury. They are set to lose a huge amount of support. Why would anyone think that is ok? These are real people.
I hope politicians are squirming. I really do.
What can any reasonable person say apart:
- It’s awful.
- What are they (government) thinking?
- This affects real people.
- There are no words or other perhaps more descriptive language.
What do Disability and Support Charities Say?
Here are a few statements for charities. (Not an exhaustive list.) Bearing in mind over ONE HUNDRED charities put their names to Scope’s letter to the Chancellor, with over 55,000 people having put their names to it too. There will be many more I am sure.
Scope
From Scope – We’re here to create an equal future with disabled people.
The Chancellor has confirmed devastating plans to further cut disability benefits. As a result, lowering the living standards of disabled people and pushing more into poverty.
The government have said that this is about the “moral” desire to get more disabled people into work. But it couldn’t be clearer that these cuts are simply about saving money.
The government needs to listen to disabled people and understand the catastrophic impact these decisions will have on their lives.
The cost of cuts cannot be understated.
Scope.org.uk
Carers UK
This is an unprecedented step in the wrong direction and must swiftly be rectified. ~ Helen Walker,Chief Executive, Carers UK
Mind
Last week, the UK government announced huge cuts to welfare benefits. Charities across the health sector pushed back – hard. We explained this would make people’s mental health worse and simply move costs elsewhere in the system.
They didn’t listen, and today they’ve announced even more cuts.
This is despicable. The government is choosing to take away the last line of support from some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
Trussell Trust
CONFIRMED: Social security for disabled people has been slashed in the Spring Statement.
This is cruel.
People at food banks are already telling us that they’re terrified about how they will survive.
Mencap
In this Spring Statement the Government has chosen to take even more money away from disabled people and penalise those on the lowest incomes.
We don’t believe the Government understands what a learning disability is: if they did they wouldn’t be doing this.
Having a learning disability is not a choice. Relying on a public service and support systems is not a choice.
Jon Sparkes, OBE, Chief Executive – Mencap
Once again. If folk need to talk to someone.
The Samaritans phone number, which is FREE from any phone, any time day or night is: 116 123
It is Heartless
I am staggered by the level of austerity being meted out to the vulnerable. There will now be more parents skipping meals so that their children can eat. More children going without adequate clothing, toiletries, bedding, warmth at home and just the dignity of their being enough for them. The stress on people will be huge.
Along with the thousands of people with a disability or chronic illness left feeling bewildered and probably pretty stressed. Understatement.
There will be carers wondering how on earth they will make ends meet, whilst ensuring care needs are met. With the assumption being made that carers have adequate revenue to fully support another person financially, and they can just increase it.
Closing Thoughts
Although changes may not take effect immediately. I really do hope that the effort to try to persuade government to rethink this strategy will work. That the government will search their conscience. They cannot place the burden of the economy on the vulnerable whilst also appearing to think that they and their life challenges do not exist, and will simply disappear. Thus seemingly freeing the state of this ‘burden’ of responsibility! Here is to a hasty and meaningful return to compassion for the vulnerable in our society.
A Fitting Quote
I feel it apt to include this closing quote (with permission from The Nazareth Community, of which I am a Companion – meaning online), from last night’s Bread for the World service livestreamed from St Martin’s-in-the-fields, Trafalgar Square, London. A church which does a huge amount to help the vulnerable. The text below also features in the book ‘The City is my Monastery ~ A contemporary rule of life‘ by Richard Carter.
Now all of us must go out into the World
And live God's love there
Look for Jesus in the oppressed and burdened,
Look for Jesus in those who have lost hope,
Look for him among the poor in heart,
Among the merciful
Among the peacemakers
Among the persecuted for the sake of right
Look for Jesus on the edge.
I hope you find peace and refreshment today, and...
Have a blessed day⚘
- May – ME Awareness Month
- Thoughts of Family on the 80th Anniversary of VE Day
- Light Changes Everything
- Comparison – the Thief of Joy
- Happy Easter
Hope found in M.E. 
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