The new budget for 2016 feels like another kick in the teeth for people who have a disability. We feel that we are being punished and made to feel we are a burden and a drain on society. A lot of these cuts are being made, so that the more well off won’t be impacted as much.
They say it is to ‘encourage’ people with disabilities to get out and find meaningful employment. I am one of the lucky ones that is able to work, but unfortunately my health will only allow me to work on a part-time basis. I would love to work longer hours, but it is physically and mentally impossible for me to do so. I need the benefits I get to survive, without which, I don’t know how I can manage.
Iain Duncan Smith resigned over the weekend due to the fact that he thinks that the cuts are too much for people. Anyone who has a disability, a single parent or deemed a vulnerable member of society, will take what he says with a pinch of salt. He has shown no signs of a conscience up until now and knows it is only a move to realign himself politically over the split in the Conservative Government over Brexit.
During the Budget Debate 2016, the UK Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell repeatedly asked the Chancellor George Osborne to apologise for the mess he made in the budget and for the unnecessarily stressed and pain he caused towards people with disabilities. Instead, he was seen laughing and joking with Michael Gove on the front row of the benches, ignoring the calls to apologise.
This week also, there was a protest at Westminster by people with disabilities against the cuts that are coming and for being marginalised and squeezed out of mainstream society. The BBC was there, with a live report from Norman Smith the Assistance Political Editor. Immediately there was a mysterious woman appeared who insisted that the report cease and no more reporting. Thankfully this was a live broadcast and people could see what was happening.
Big Brother has arrived, Orson Welles was right.
With Welfare Reform, Tax Credit Reforms and other changes coming, 2016 and the next 4-5 years is a scary place to be. We don’t know what the future will be and how many of us will survive…. and that is the stark reality of it.
I was born in England I now live in the irish Republic I am disabled but I believe in fighting these cuts all Disabled should unite to fight them.
People with disabilities are continued to be marginalised by society by the help of negative propaganda to push through their plans for cuts. Whilst normally I wouldn’t be a fan of strong protests, such as above, it might be the only way to get our voices and concerns heard. Though I would favour positive dialogue where possible first.