Helen Barnard, director of policy, research and
information at Trussell, said: “The
insistence by the Treasury on driving through record cuts to
disabled people's social security to balance the books is both
shocking and appalling. People at food banks are telling us they
are terrified how they'll survive.
“These brutal cuts to already precarious incomes won't help more
disabled people find work, but they will risk forcing more people
to skip meals and turn to food banks to get by.
“Cuts come at a cost. Driving up hunger and hardship means more
spending on already struggling public services, with increased
hospital and GP visits a very likely outcome of these actions.
“Disabled people are already three times more likely to face
hunger, and over three quarters of people in receipt of Universal
Credit and disability benefits are already struggling to afford
the essentials like food. This will only get worse.
“These cruel cuts are out of touch with what voters want from
this government. The government says people voted for change, but
we know that seven in ten voters across political parties agree
the social security for disabled people should at least be enough
to cover essential living costs. This is a change for the worse,
and it is disabled people who will pay the price.”
David, 46, from Norfolk, has a bone disease and is
terrified by the prospect of cuts to his disability benefits. He
has recently been forced to turn to a Trussell food bank for
support.
He said: “I am terrified now that the Chancellor has confirmed
that my disability benefits will be cut. The bone tumours in my
hips cause me pain everyday and force me to use crutches, and in
the cold weather my symptoms worsen but I already can't afford to
put the heating on. I don't know how I'll survive. It's not my
fault I'm disabled, and I shouldn't be punished for it.
“Life costs more if you're disabled. Things like specialist
equipment and travel to healthcare appointments all add up. PIP –
which the government is brutally cutting – is there to account
for these extra costs. It is not a luxury, and I shouldn't need
to use a food bank or turn to charities like Trussell for
support.
“Cutting my benefits won't get me back to work – it will just
push me deeper into poverty.”
