Upcoming changes to benefits

@Zipz Aaww, Zest, lovely word, not heard that for a long time. Realised not felt it either for a long time, 5 years in November. I'm going to challenge myself - today of all days - to start feeling Zest again! Don't know the how bit yet lol. I expect we're possibly going to have one hell of a fight to put up but I am going to summon up something in me to grasp that, but a bit of Zest would help balance it all.

The BBC are working hard for the gov this morning.

They've got doctors claiming sick notes are too easily attained and most people should be working.

They've got business owners claiming their own mental health problems prove a lot more people should be working.

They've got their senior political figures putting out charges and numbers that prove the gov have to do this.

And the rolling coverage is leaks like sieve ahead of the paper.

but Ellen Clifford didn’t seem concerned in fact I’m sure I heard her say she feels better after listening to Nick , though I was tired and am hard of hearing.

no way the above has not played a major part in Starmers attack on the neediest. I always sensed it was coming!

Feels like Labour is slowly unraveling their plans before the major announcement.Read here

CHECK ON SICK CLAIMANTS

After reading this ,I am deeply distressed by Labour’s proposed reforms to disability benefits, which threaten to make life even harder for all of us . Personally me and my family are reliant on financial support due to multiple disabilities, many that are now become permanent caused by delay in accessing care and navigating our bureaucratic nhs systems and waiting list. My family or I did not choose to be in this position. The current system is already challenging to navigate, and reduction and further benefit loss will only add more stress, anxiety, and uncertainty.

Liz Kendall claims that the most severely disabled will be protected, but who decides what qualifies as “severe” enough? Does she or the draconian Reeves/Starmer have any knowledge how disabilities affect people’s lives?The focus should be on fixing the NHS and reducing treatment delays, not cutting essential financial support. The reality is that these changes will push many into hardship, making it even harder for disabled people to survive, let alone thrive.

What’s even more concerning is that there seems to have been little to no consultation with disabled people, charities, or advocacy groups. These reforms appear to be driven by an agenda to cut costs rather than genuinely support those in need. The government may save pennies, but at what human cost? Disabled people deserve a system that listens to them, not one that punishes them for needing support.

It is disheartening to see Labour—traditionally a party of social justice—adopting policies that echo past Conservative cuts. These proposals risk repeating the same mistakes that have already led to suffering, destitution, and even increased mortality rates . We need a compassionate, evidence-based approach, not a system that ignores the voices of those it claims to help.

Not much longer to go now, the anxiety this is causing is awful