Summary
In a letter published today, Steve Witherden, a Welsh MP, asks the government to stop plans to take money away from disabled people.
The letter is signed by UK and Welsh disabled people's organisations and carers organisations.
Below is an extract of a letter from Steve Witherden MP, which was co-signed and enthusiastically supported by unanimous democratic votes of Swansea and Cardiff & Valleys Disabled People Against Cuts groups, calling for the disability benefit cuts to be abandoned, and for disabled people to be involved in the reform of the welfare system.
Dear Secretary of State,
Impacts of the Pathways to Work Green Paper on Wales
The Pathways to Work Green Paper poses a significant threat to over 275,000 Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and 110,000 Universal Credit (UC) recipients in Wales.
The proposals to tighten PIP eligibility and cut the UC health element will push thousands deeper into poverty. Wales will be hit particularly hard.
Policy in Practise’s latest report, The impact of disability benefit reforms in Wales, sees household incomes of an individual in Wales receiving both PIP and the UC Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity element cut by 68% as a result of these reforms.
The knock-on effects will place additional strain on the public sector, including local authorities, health boards, and charitable organisations. The Welsh economy is consequently set to lose an estimated £470 million annually.
We therefore urge you to:
1. Abandon current plans to withdraw disability-related benefits.
2. Meaningfully involve disabled people in the design and delivery of any future reforms.
3. Provide transparency on how these changes will affect Wales and interact with devolved responsibilities.
4. Reform the system to support, not hinder, disabled people and those with long-term health conditions.
The UK Government must safeguard the welfare state for those who need it most.
Without meaningful reform, these proposals will deepen hardship and entrench inequality in Wales.
Yours sincerely,
Steve Witherden MP
Disability Rights UK
Disability Wales
Coalition Against Benefit Cuts
Carers Wales
All Wales People First
Torfaen Access Forum
Disability Arts Cymru
Swansea DPAC
Cardiff & Valleys DPAC
Headway – the brain injury association
