Upcoming changes to benefits

Like everybody else on Scope I have been trying hard to not get overwhelmed with fear as it is not good for my physical or mental health but it is difficult to avoid the fearmongering in the news. I have been switching the news off the second it starts and trying to avoid reading newspapers.

We don't have definite details yet, we do know cuts are coming and we know they are likely to be the harshest cuts disabled people have ever faced. It is really hard for me to even begin to wrap my head around how I will manage financially if the cuts are as harsh as predicted.

I don't think my husband will have any other option but to return to work full time and I think it is a point we are missing, I think this is also a push to put disabled people in such an untenable position that their carer sees no other option but to return to work, I know I am fortunate to even have that as an option as I know many people will not have that option as they are single.

Many carers will be in the same situation and need to return to work which will save the government huge amounts of money through not paying them carers allowance and taking lots of disabled people off of Universal credit completely.

They're only talking about back downing on rate freezing. There's no mention of them backing down when it comes to stricter eligibility, which is the real issue.

They are definitely targeting people with mental ill health and disabilities (those of us with autism etc.) primarily - I think that's their goal here as these issues are mostly affecting younger people who they believe are shirking work.

I'm not so young anymore (39) and I work full time which is made possible, in huge part, to the PIP I receive. Without it, working would be incredibly difficult for me probably due to the fact that the cost of living is so high regardless but also that most jobs really don't pay very well and when you add to the fact the increased likelihood of sickness (and not being paid for being sick) that comes with disability, it's pretty obvious why we need it.

Like you all, I am trying not to worry too much about it but I do believe they will push this through as they seem determined to penalise a specific group of people.

I agree. Flaws in how it would all be implemented have been evident from start. It’s a way for Reeves to implement a nationwide tax plan.. sacrifice the disabled first then tax the masses. Morgan McSweeny and empty eyed Paddy are the architects of these sorts of shockers.. neither of them have any loyalty to a party or political ethos. They’re a couple of Dominic Cummings? I was going to watch Laura Kunesberg on the Beeb but don’t know whether I have the stomach for it.. probably scripted!

I’m not going to bother watching Wes Streeting on Kuenssberg but I’m following along on the BBC app’s live reporting so I can post the highlights of what’s said if anyone wants!

Well it's finally got the better of me, I have been spiralling ever since I read about the changes. I felt I was making progress and if you had asked me a few months ago I never would have thought it would be the government that would cause me to start self harming again after going so long with out it happening but it's my last resort when I feel there is no other way to release the anxiety which builds to a level which is unbearable. They have no clue how this effects people. Now I'm battling with the other issue of thinking if I pick up a drink it will make everything feel better but this will be the end of me if that part of me wins, after being sober for 3 years I feel like all the hard work is just being ripped away by these people who have no clue what it's like to live with mental health/addiction. Just want them to say what's happening already so we all know where we stand

Suspect today's shows will be pretty dull. They'll be waiting to see how today's leak landed after yesterday's leak bombed. Then assessing their MPs mood tomorrow (not good is my prediction!)

As I say, this does not seem to be the work of evil masterminds.

As for today, I'm going to enjoy the sunshine. We probably all should.

Just because the government want to cut LCWRA doesnt mean it will happened fast or at all, their will be legal cases on this and mark my words this will end up going to high court and with failed risk assessment.

Again this won't happened fast.

Once we get better idea of the green paper next week i think action will be taken then.

Remember don't be fooled on the pip freeze u turn people! Its the discrimination of people with mental health problems which will lead to a change in criteria! So those with certain mental health problems like ADHD, Depression and Autism will no longer be eligible to receive PIP and LCWRA! They're also planning a cruel 34% cut to LCWRA after inflation that's roughly £128 gone each month! That cannot be allowed to happen! It will lead to homelessness, self harm and deaths!

That’s Streeting off now. He also said there’s a “risk of disruption” to patient care during the reorganisation of NHS management.

So… how exactly are people meant to get well enough to work and “prevented” from getting iller when this is going on???