Dear dasl members and Disabled residents of Lambeth,
You will have heard about the government's proposed cuts to benefits for Disabled people. These were announced over the last two weeks.
The proposals are wrong in so many ways.
As an organisation led by Disabled people we understand the anger and fear the government’s plan have created. We feel these ourselves. Many of our staff, volunteers and trustees are Disabled people.
The cuts are a direct attack on Disabled people's incomes and wellbeing. They will put more Disabled people in poverty. The other changes announced will provide little benefit to Disabled people in finding and keeping work. The proposals are cruel at a time when our everyday living costs are still rising faster because we rely on energy, food and transport more.
The government claim making the cuts is morally the right thing to do. We strongly disagree - they are morally wrong. It shows the government do not know the real barriers that face Disabled people in finding, getting and keeping good jobs. And it hides the fact that many Disabled people receiving Personal Independence Payment are in work already.
The government’s proposals are not a done deal. If we work together with Disabled people and our organisations across the country and our allies, we can do something. There is still time to force a government change of mind.
MPs can still change the government’s plans.
If you can, please write to your MP.
Inclusion London, a Disabled People’s Organisation itself, have very clear information on how to do this. See their webpage here.
At dasl, we are planning a meeting for Disabled people in Lambeth where we will:
1) explain what the government plans will mean
2) listen to you
3) show what we can do to make our voice heard
4) plan work together to change things
We will post more information about this meeting very soon.
Please contact us if you are a Disabled person in Lambeth who is worried about benefit cuts – we want to hear from you and stand together with you.
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 020 7738 5656
Peter Gay
Director, dasl