YP Comment: Why disabled deserve dignity

WHEN the Tories returned to power in 2010, welfare spending was out of control. Yet, while it has taken time, and much heartache, to regain some semblance of control, there is a growing sense that the disabled are paying an unfair price for the painful medicine that has been introduced.

By The Newsroom

Published 2nd Jun 2017, 11:47 BST

Updated 4th Jun 2017, 20:52 BST

This is why the main parties should take heed of today’s open letter signed by Kadeena Cox, the gold medal-winning Paralympian from Leeds, and many others which calls for welfare payments to the disabled to be protected in the next Parliament.

The plea comes after more than 50,000 people have had specially adapted motability vehicles taken away since personal independence payments (PIP) were brought in to replace the disability living allowance in 2013.

Though it is important that each case is treated on its merits, claimants do deserve dignity. Ministers also need to realise that the availability of support, like motability vehicles, can determine whether disabled people can actually hold down jobs, for example, and lead independent and fulfilling lives as a consequence. The sadness is so many people feel the need to speak out – what does that say about the Britain of today and its values?