Shadow disability minister calls for U-turn on benefit changes

Shadow minister for the disabled Ann Maguire has urged the government to change its mind on how personal independence payments should be assessed.

The Labour MP spoke at the Hardest Hit North East conference at Newcastle’s Civic Centre on Sunday (June 3rd) and her talk was highlighted by fellow speaker at the occasion Peter Bennetts, reported shieldsgazette.co.uk.

Mr Bennetts, who has lost his sight and would be affected by reforms, agrees that the Disability Living Allowance proposals put forward by the government need to change otherwise people will lose money – a factor that could prove decisive for disabled individuals, male or female, working from home.

He said: “There were a lot of people there and they heard a number of positive speeches. Ann Maguire pointed out that the government has made three U-turns this week already, and urged that the fourth U-turn needs to be on the assessment criteria for personal independence payment.”

Healthcare news provider pulsetoday.co.uk noted that it can be emotionally difficult for a person to be refused Disability Living Allowance and suggested that they might benefit from an immediate course of counselling if they were not deemed to be disabled.

The resource explained that some people initially feel like they will not be able to live without such benefits, whereas some form of therapy could help them consider employment options open to them.

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