09-19: Letter; Don’t Cut Benefit

Don’t Cut Benefit

It is encouraging that the need to reduce poverty further was
mentioned in the Queen’s Speech. However, thousands of children
live in families who rely on the limited support incapacity benefit
provides. Any threat to that support undermines progress on
reducing child poverty.

Any changes to the benefit system resulting from the promised
Incapacity Benefit Bill must therefore prioritise helping people
facing disability and illness.

Claimants who are ready and able to think about work need
support and more flexible job opportunities. Those whose illness or
disability make work unrealistic must not be left even worse off
than they are now.

Kate Green
Chief Executive, Child Poverty Action Group