Thousands face disability payments cut

13th August 2014

Disabled support down by £310 million per annum.

More than 100,000 Scots are expected to lose some, or all, of their UK disability benefits by 2018, with individuals set to lose at least £1,120 per year, according to a new report by the Scottish Government.

This includes almost 50,000 disabled people who receive the enhanced rate mobility payment who will lose between £1,820 and £2,964 annually.

Anyone who can walk aided, or unaided, more than 20 metres will no longer be entitled to the enhanced weekly mobility allowance. Previously, a distance of 50 metres was used as a measure of mobility impairment.

The losses come about as a result of UK Government rule changes to the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for working-age disabled individuals, which is being replaced with the Personal Independence Payment (PIP).

The replacement of DLA with PIP is expected to reduce total UK disability benefit expenditure in Scotland by around £310 million 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.

“This analysis of the UK Government's welfare changes underlines the pressing need for a Scottish welfare system that has, at its heart, the clear principles of fairness and dignity.

“Following a vote for independence, we will halt the abolition of DLA in Scotland and its replacement by PIP.

“With the powers we have at present, this government is doing all we can to mitigate against the harmful effects of Westminster welfare reforms.

“The only way to stop these unfair policies is with the powers of independence and having policies that protect disabled people rather than punish them."

Bill Scott, Director of Policy for Inclusion Scotland said:“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.

“We look forward to continue working with Scottish Government to mitigate the impact of these reforms on disabled people in Scotland".

The Scottish Government analysis paper ‘Financial Impacts of Welfare Reform on Disabled People in Scotland.’ is available at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/People/welfarereform/analysis.