12th January 2012

Critics attack ‘disastrous’ government welfare reforms

A new report published this week has claimed the government misled MPs and peers by hiding evidence of strong opposition to disability benefit reforms.  The 'Responsible Reform' report also described the government's plans to replace Disability Living Allowance (DLA) with a personal independence payment as "disastrous" for Deaf and disabled people.

The report, written and published by Deaf and disabled campaigners, looks at evidence given by Deaf and disability organisations to the government's consultation on DLA reforms.

Evidence included feedback from deaf groups said to be "fearful of being forced to use aids such as cochlear implants" and "forced to use aids which were inappropriate”, or else risk their benefits being taken away.

Only 7% of Deaf and disabled organisations support the government reforms, demonstrating an overwhelming opposition. Critics accused the government of ignoring Deaf and disability organisations during the consultation.

Ministers insisted the plans are not intended to cut costs, but to ensure benefits are going to the right people. Under new plans, applicants will have to undergo a face-to-face assessment.

Even the Conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson joined the attack on the government's plans by saying the reforms will cause thousands of people "additional hardship and isolation."

In Johnson's response to the consultation, he objected to the new system of face-to-face assessments with contracted healthcare professionals unknown to the claimants. He said Deaf people can find it difficult in face-to-face assessments when "an efficient interpretation service is unavailable."

A Department of Work and Pensions spokesperson said Deaf and disabled people who need help and support will receive it, and that the current DLA system is "inefficient."

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Picture: Joseph Plotz via Wikimedia under Creative Commons licence