Disabled Scots are voicing their concerns following the announcement of impending austerity measures proposed by Keir Starmer’s Labour government.
The new policies set forth by the Labour leader and Liz Kendall, Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, aim to impose more stringent eligibility criteria for Personal Independence Payments (PIP) and propose significant reductions to incapacity benefits.
The Labour government argues that these measures are vital to address the “devastating” surge in the disability benefits bill, which is projected to escalate to £70 billion annually by 2030.
In Scotland, where control over welfare is devolved, these cuts would correspondingly reduce the block grant from the Treasury, echoing the reductions seen with the elimination of winter fuel payments last year.
Tressa Burke, CEO of Glasgow Disability Alliance, criticises the planned cuts, arguing they strip away the “dignity and respect” that disabled individuals warrant.
“When times get tough, the government gets tough on disabled people,” Burke stated, highlighting the dire consequences these policies would have on disability support, potentially driving more individuals into poverty rather than aiding their integration into the workforce.
A recent survey by Burke’s organisation found overwhelming evidence of the challenges faced by the disabled in Glasgow: 79% were unable to access necessary services, 91% experienced social isolation, and 71% struggled to pay their bills.
