MP calls for disabled cuts re-think

Susan Elan Jones MP is writing to the Prime Minister urging the Government to re-think cut-backs to Personal Independence Payments and support to disabled people that were proposed in Wednesday's Budget.

The Clwyd South Labour MP (pictured), who has previously led a debate on Personal Independence Payments in Parliament, said: "The Conservative Government only has a small majority and I know from my personal involvement in the campaign against changing our Sunday trading laws that they can be defeated.

"The resignation of Iain Duncan Smith MP as Work and Pensions Secretary and the clear disquiet of so many MPs on the issue of Personal Independence Payments suggests that we should be able to get a U-Turn on this issue.

"Part of the craziness in the Government's thinking  is that their proposed changes actually make it harder for people with disabilities to work and access jobs, which is what PIP is about. It really beggars belief that any Government would think of implementing these changes. They are not just heartless; they don't make economic sense either." 

In her letter to David Cameron MP, Susan Elan Jones MP states: "We are all aware that Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payments (PIP) are designed to make a contribution towards the extra costs caused by long term health conditions and disabilities.

"DLA and PIP are, of course, very important to disabled people who face a wide range of additional daily living costs. The help provided by DLA and PIP towards these additional costs makes a real difference to people's independence and quality of life. Many of my constituents are concerned that the proposals in the recent DWP Consultation on PIP eligibility, if implemented, would mean a dramatic reduction in the amount of help provided or, in some cases, no help at all."