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After emailing my mp over a dozen times, I finally got a reply just now!! I did mention how local elections were coming up and I'd not be voting for any of them, only to put a cross through all candidates as a protest vote. He soon replied, even saying he's voiced his concerns to Timms, and has included a video to watch of him interviewing him. I ve copied the email below if anyone would like to read his comments, I think he's sitting on the fence as he agrees with some proposals but not others.

Thank you for your email.  

I understand the fear and concern that many disabled people feel regarding the proposed changes to the welfare system.  

I welcome some of the changes proposed, like the ‘Right to Try’ which would give people the chance to try going back to work, without fear that if this doesn’t work out their benefits will be stopped. I also welcome the change to re-assessments that means those who will never be able to work do not have to go through continuous re-assessments, the £1bn being invested into tailored employment support and the above inflation rise to the standard Universal Credit allowance. I also understand people have significant concerns and we should recognise that. 

While many disabled people would like to work, and it is important that we support them to do so, it is also crucial that the system is there to protect those who cannot.  

I know a lot of disabled people have felt fearful and uncertain since the announcement. I have raised the concerns of disabled people in Parliament and am continuing to have conversations behind the scenes with the relevant ministers to communicate the strength of feeling of constituents like yourself. 

Soon after the announcement I asked Stephen Timms, Minister for Social Security and Disability, for assurances that the consultation responses will be genuinely considered and taken into account in taking forward these proposed changes. You can watch this here.

Following this, I raised benefit changes again in Treasury questions, questioning the number of children in poverty which estimates suggest will rise, not fall, because of the proposed measures.

As the consultation progresses, I will continue to stand up for disabled people on this issue and ask that changes made are fair and do not target the most vulnerable. 

I urge you to contribute your views to the consultation, which you can do here.

I would also like to reassure you that anyone currently in receipt of the Universal Credit health component will see their benefits remain steady in cash terms while they benefit from a higher standard allowance. The reductions to the UC health top-up will affect new claimants, not existing ones. 

I hear all too often from constituents that the current welfare system is broken and does not provide dignity or fairness to those who rely on it. Reform of the system is necessary, however changes need to truly protect those that the system is there to protect, while ensuring those who are able to work are supported to.  

Thank you once again for contacting me about this issue, and please rest assured that I will continue to raise the concerns of constituents regarding these proposed changes.  

Yours sincerely,

Josh 

Josh Fenton-Glynn (he/him)
Member of Parliament for Calder Valley
| E: josh.fentonglynn.mp@parliament.uk |

• Video link for interview(hopefully works)
• you can watch this here.

@YogiBear I have poor vision and am perhaps particularly stupid but I cannot see anything in what you've posted stating that PIP scores will be limited to 0, 2, and 4. Please quote.

I've spent quite a bit of time on a SCI ward. That has always been the attitude of patients to adapt and never give up.😊👍️

I did include my details and said she once helped me with PIP. Obviously she’s in a safe seat in Islington so she’s nothing to worry about . But next election she’s back in opposition.

Thank you for the clarification. The anonymous user on B & W appears to have caused some distress over there, too. I suspect they are either from Whitehall or the country of scaremongers. Anonymous posting is an unfortunate feature of the News area of B & W.

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I had the exactly same from my MP in Cornwall word for word.

I know just what you mean. All you can do is email MPs, Parliament, Councillors etc. They are all part of government themselves.

They are hardly impartial are they? Just that thought makes gets you down and they all merge into each other after a while.

We could do with a body of people to represent us at that level, who are completely independent of the government and on our side. If only.....

Actually, if you don't hear from your MP a letter to your councillors is a good idea. First, they might have a hotline. Secondly, many will be bricking it at the prospect of the local elections.

Random thought. A letter the Chairman of your local Labour Party might help, too.