SDLP MP for South Down Margaret Ritchie has attacked the Chancellor’s changes to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) as “shameful”.
The PIP is replacing Disability Living Allowance for people with a long-term health condition or disability aged between 16 to 64.
Speaking after the Chancellor delivered his Budget in the Commons, Ms Ritchie said:
“We have witnessed another Austerity Budget from George Osborne, with pay outs for the rich at the expense of those with disabilities. The Chancellor’s failure to mention the £1.2bn cut to Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in his statement was no mistake.
“From January 2017, the number of points awarded to those who need an aid or appliance as support will be reduced. There is no justifiable reason for this flagrant attack on disabled people. This will make life more difficult for people who already face massive barriers and it will drive more people into deeper poverty. This will cut the incomes of those who require support getting dressed and walking because the Chancellor has decided to move the goalposts.
“This is the biggest revenue raiser in this Budget, yet he shied away from declaring this in the House. The Chancellor himself knows that these cuts are shameful, wrong and unjustifiable. This change will spell deep cuts and a serious impact on the lives of disabled people. I will be writing to the Chancellor and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions to outline my grave concern.”
Check out the CAB link to PIP for more information on how PIP affects you.
Personal Independent Payments and the CAB
