ENABLE Scotland is calling on the UK Government to reconsider its plans on cutting benefits for people who have a learning disability.
Mike Holmes, executive director for ENABLE Scotland, said: “We are concerned that people who have learning disabilities will be pushed further into poverty and social isolation through these measures.
“Disability Living Allowance (DLA) is about supporting people to meet the extra costs of living with a disability. These costs have not reduced or gone away.
“The targeted saving of 20 per cent of this budget appears arbitrary and we cannot see where it has come from. The Government needs to give a commitment, in action not just words, to protect those in the greatest need.”
Notes to editors
(1) Figures from official Department for Work and Pensions statistics – (https://www.nomisweb.co.uk/articles/596.aspx). In Scotland, 346,670 disabled people rely on the support of Disability Living Allowance to meet the additional cost of living with their disability. 69,334 is 20 per cent of this figure.
(2) Contained within the initial draft of assessment criteria for Personal Independence Payment – http://www.dwp.gov.uk/policy/welfare-reform/legislation-and-key-documents/welfare-reform-bill-2011/personal-independence-payment-briefing/
ENABLE Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading charities for children and adults who have learning disabilities and their families and carers.
ENABLE Scotland campaigns for people who have learning disabilities to live full and independent lives.
ENABLE Scotland is a member-led organisation formed in 1954 by a group of families. Local ENABLE branches are made up of volunteers – mostly people who have a learning disability, their families and carers.
1.5 million people in the UK have a learning disability. The most well known learning disability is Down’s Syndrome, although there are many others.
ENABLE Scotland provides services, information and advice to allow people who have a learning disability to live, work and take part in their communities – living the life they want.
MEDIA RELEASE posted by ENABLE Scotland. You too can post media releases (aka press releases) on allmediascotland.com. For more information, email here.
Contact: Nikki Slowey
Phone: 09721657185
Email: nikki.slowey@enable.org.uk
Website: http://www.enable.org.uk
