Disabled benefit changes a “tax” on vulnerable

Tunbridge Wells MP Mike Martin on why proposals are a “tax”

An MP has described changes to the way disability payments are calculated as a “tax” on the vulnerable.

Mike Martin, the newly elected member for Tunbridge Wells, has written to Kent County Council (KCC) expressing concerns about the increase in costs to many.

The Liberal Democrat has appealed to KCC’s cabinet member for adult social care, Cllr Dan Watkins, to “urgently reconsider” the changes which came into force on September 2.

The council, under severe financial strain due to squeezed budgets and soaring bills, believes it can save around £4m.

In a letter dated September 9, Mr Martin said he has been approached by constituents concerned about the increased care costs for disabled people on enhanced benefits.

Mr Martin said the changes amount to “a tax on disability and sickness”.

He wrote: “I am well aware that KCC faces serious financial challenges. But those who receive disability benefits are, by definition, the most vulnerable people in society.

“Asking them to foot the bill for KCC’s financial problems isn’t the right approach. Neither is giving them a few weeks’ notice of a major change to their financial circumstances just before winter.”

There has been cross-party opposition to the new system with the Lib Dems and Labour tabling a motion at KCC’s full council meeting on Thursday (Sept 12) asking for a pause.

Councillors Richard Streatfeild and Cllr Jackie Meade are urging the ruling Conservative administration to wait until the new government announces details of multi-year budget settlements for local government.

Disabled people, their families and the wider community are urged to attend the council meeting to show solidarity with the vulnerable.

Matfield resident Bernadette John’s son Nathan is now £35 a week worse off as a result of the alteration to the system.

Cllr Watkins said: “I can assure residents the decision…was not taken lightly and to help mitigate some of the impact this may have on those most in need, we have included a £900,000 contingency in the budget which will help with increased disability-related expenses.

“Faced with increasing demands for complex care, rising costs of care and a lack of adequate funding from central government, we are having to take tough decisions to make sure future essential services are sustainable.”

Chief executive officer of Disability Assist, the Kent-based charity, Sophie Fournel said the problem will become more acute when winter sets in and the cost of living remains high. She remains concerned the changes will lead to disabled people falling into debt.

Some have suggested the number of people affected by the changes could be 9,000 but KCC said the real figures are 276 young people and 2,717 adults from September 2.

The council’s means-tested scheme takes into account the enhanced night-time allowance, the care aspect of the disability living allowance and the daily living component of the personal independence payment before arriving at its final calculations.