More than 100,000 people in Scotland are facing cuts to their disability benefits by 2018, a new report is warning.
The report by the Scottish Government found that changes to the Disability Living Allowance by Whitehall will mean nearly 50,000 disabled people who receive the enhanced rate mobility payment will lose between £1,820 and £2,964 annually. Those who can walk aided or unaided more than 20 metres will also stop receiving the enhanced weekly mobility allowance.
The report found that the introduction of Personal Independence Payment (PIP) will reduce the disability benefit expenditure in Scotland by around £310m per annum by 2017-18.
Deputy first minister Nicola Sturgeon said: ‘It is simply wrong that so many disabled people in Scotland are set to lose so much money as a result of these UK Government changes.
‘I am particularly concerned that the redrawn mobility rules will mean that almost 50,000 people will lose entitlement to up to £3,000 per annum. These are truly horrifying cuts in support for disabled people.’
Sturgeon added that if Scotland gained independence, it would halt the abolition of DLA.
Bill Scott, director of policy for Inclusion Scotland added: ‘Inclusion Scotland welcomes the publication of this analysis by Scottish Government. The UK Government has been refusing to carry out an assessment of the cumulative financial impact of Welfare Reforms on disabled people for the last three years.
‘It just goes to show that where there’s a will, there’s a way. The Scottish Government has shown a real understanding of the potentially devastating impact of these benefits cuts on disabled people and their families – something sadly lacking in the UK Government’s approach.’
