RNIB speaks out on the impact of cuts on working age disabled people.
Comment
Steve Winyard, RNIB Head of Policy and Campaigns, says: "At RNIB we were optimistic when Iain Duncan Smith outlined his vision to help people into work and make work pay, so it is shocking that in reality it is disabled people of working age who will be worst hit.
"The cuts announced will sharply reduce the living standards of blind and partially sighted people who are already amongst the most vulnerable and poorest in the country.
"Older disabled people will feel the pinch, but it is disabled people of working age who will bear the greatest burden of these cuts.
"RNIB will continue to examine the details, and will defend the rights of blind and partially sighted people to receive the support they need to find employment, access care services and live independently. The Government has repeatedly promised fairness, and on that we intend to hold them to account."
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Statement in full
Steve Winyard, RNIB Head of Policy and Campaigns, says:
"At RNIB we were optimistic when Iain Duncan Smith outlined his vision to help people into work and make work pay, so it is shocking that in reality it is disabled people of working age who will be worst hit. The cuts announced will sharply reduce the living standards of blind and partially sighted people of working age who are already amongst the most vulnerable and poorest in the country.
"Older disabled people will feel the pinch, but it is disabled people of working age who will bear the greatest burden of these cuts threatening their independence and employment prospects.
"DWP evidence shows that employers perceive greater barriers to employing blind and partially sighted people than other disabled people. By removing the contributory version of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) after just one year from those who face some of the greatest barriers to employment these cuts will hit those in most need. It may save money, but at what cost? In fact the Government will achieve 28 per cent of its cuts to the welfare budget announced today by limiting disabled people's access to ESA.
"We also need to see this in light of the other cuts to hit working age disabled people. £1 billion of savings have already been announced from the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) budget suggesting that a higher threshold for eligibility may be introduced. This will mean many blind and partially sighted people lose out on support for their very real care and mobility needs. The caps on housing benefit are also going to have a very real impact.
"Although an additional £2 billion has been announced for social care, the reality is that local authorities receiving this budget will be able to allocate it to any services they provide. With local authorities facing a council tax freeze and an overall cut of 28.4 per cent over the next four years can we really expect that social care funding will be protected?
"What is this Government trying to achieve by taking support away from people with the greatest need, who have paid tax and NI contributions in the expectation that the state would support them if they became unable to work?
"RNIB will continue to examine the details of the cuts, and will defend the rights of blind and partially sighted people to receive the support they need to find employment, access care services and live independently. The Government has repeatedly promised fairness, and on that we intend to hold them to account."
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Comprehensive spending review: RNIB briefing (Word, 173KB)
For further information contact the RNIB Media Relations Team on 020 7391 2223 or email pressoffice@rnib.org.uk. Out of hours call 07968 482812.
About RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk.
RNIB is a partner in the UK Vision Strategy, a ground-breaking UK-wide initiative which seeks a major transformation in the UK's eye health, eye care and sight loss services. The strategy was launched in April 2008 in response to a World Health Assembly global resolution to reduce avoidable blindness by the year 2020 and to improve support and services for blind and partially sighted people. To find out more visit: www.vision2020uk.org.uk/ukvisionstrategy.