Cuts hit disabled asylum seekers

People with disabilities and mental health problems will be made
destitute through benefit changes announced last week, according to
the Disability Alliance.

The ending of benefits for asylum seekers was announced by Peter
Lilley, Secretary of State for Social Security, at the Conservative
Party conference in Blackpool.

Disability Alliance director Lorna Reith said: ‘Many asylum
seekers are disabled. They are survivors of torture and civil war.
As a result of their traumatic experiences a disproportionate
number suffer mental health problems.’

Beth Lakhani, the spokesperson for the Child Poverty Action
Group, said many asylum seekers who are disabled are already denied
benefits through the habitual residence test for Income
Support.