CAMPAIGNERS from across the UK will be taking to the streets tomorrow (Wednesday) in central London to protest against cuts to disability benefits and services.
The protest, which takes place on the first anniversary of the Coalition Government, has been organised jointly by the UK Disabled People’s Council and the Disability Benefits Consortium.
It brings together individuals from across the country and over 40 organisations to send a clear and collective message to the Government: stop to the cuts.
The last 12 months have seen a stream of Government cuts that could have a significant impact on the quality of life of disabled people as it is estimated disabled people and their families will be £9bn worse off over the course of this parliament.
The Hardest Hit campaigners intend to bring Westminster to a standstill to call on the Government to:
- Scrap plans to cut Disability Living Allowance, a vital benefit that enables disabled people to live independently.
- Make sure Employment and Support Allowance, which replaces Incapacity Benefit, has a fair and effective assessment process, does its job and supports disabled people.
- Stop cuts to services that are essential to disabled people’s quality of life, such as day care, transport and respite care services.
Gillian Stancer, who has nerve damage following several operations for a back problem and has been in a wheelchair for many years, will be among the group of disabled people at the front of the march.
She said: “I’ll be traveling to London to join thousands of disabled people marching past the Houses of Parliament to express solidarity and anger at the cuts threatening our benefits.
“We will make sure our voices are heard and MPs and Peers understand our message – don’t hit the most vulnerable hardest.
“I rely enormously on personal care support at home to shower in the morning, make the bed and do activities around the house. Without that support, I would be much less independent.
“I’m also extremely concerned on a personal level about the changes from Disability Living Allowance to Personal Independence Payment. I’m fearful that we will receive less money in future.
“I am not arguing for an extravagant life style; the mobility component of the DLA enables people like me to pay for repairs and batteries for wheelchairs and scooters and to give us a degree of independence and so improve our quality of life.
“If we receive less money in future, the independence and choices that are the automatic right of an able-bodied person will be denied to people living with a disability.”
The day will see campaigners gather from 11.30am on Victoria Embankment by Horseguards Avenue.
Before the march through London commences, the crowd will be addressed by a number of speakers, including Jane Asher, and MPs Jenny Willetts and Dame Anne Begg.
