Latest news with #carers
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The Independent
a day ago
- Politics
- The Independent
‘I feel like an expensive pet': Independent readers open up on the human cost of disability cuts
As Labour faces mounting backlash over plans to cut disability benefits, dozens of Independent readers have voiced fear, anger and despair over what they see as a betrayal of society's most vulnerable. Their comments reveal the human cost behind the headlines: carers facing destitution, disabled people fearing the loss of their last shred of financial independence, and a pervasive feeling that the reforms are not about support, but punishment. Several readers spoke of lifelong conditions that make work impossible, and how benefit cuts would not help them back into employment, only into poverty. Others warned that the reforms are economically short-sighted, creating more strain on the NHS, social services and unpaid carers. Beyond practical concerns, many touched on the emotional toll of feeling vilified, dismissed or forgotten by politicians and the general public. Here's what you had to say: It's not just PIP cuts! It's not just PIP cuts! It's the cuts to the Universal Credit Health Element and Carer's Element too that many will lose. Those who work part-time and do not claim PIP will lose out, and those who have paid in, getting contribution-based benefits, will be thrown under the bus by unemployment insurance, limited to six or 12 months, because they may have a partner, when normally they would claim in their own right. These issues are not being talked about. Disabled people in all these situations will lose massively and Labour have learnt nothing from the deaths of claimants under the Tories. They know and have heard the evidence, criticised the Tories for being cruel, yet they think this is acceptable. This is not about helping people into work; it is punishing them for being unable to do so! The Force Grinding existence of poverty I have fibromyalgia and many other chronic long-term conditions, and those 14 years under the Tories forced unnecessary austerity and cruel, draconian DWP cuts to the most vulnerable people in society, many with lifelong chronic health conditions, making work impossible, and no employer would give us a second look. Those years of horrific treatment by the DWP, constant demonisation and vilification in the media and press, being made to feel like a criminal for just being alive, although it is more like a grinding existence of poverty and constant scapegoating – which feels like a form of abuse via proxy, designed to wear us down until we are broken and prone to taking our own lives… I've been there! That this isn't a national scandal on the level of the Infected Blood, Post Office Horizon, Windrush etc., is utterly shameful. But for decades, the disabled and chronically long-term sick amongst us have been treated as a drain on society – thus our plight is swept under the carpet and our lives deemed of no value. The Tories were 'stealth culling' us for years, but I never thought I'd see the day that Labour would carry through their callous policies. RedRocket68 Insulting assessments Simply cutting benefits across the board isn't the way to deal with this. There is undoubtedly misuse in the system, like in all systems, and that's why there needs to be a workable structure in place to address this. Nothing here can or ever will be foolproof! The severely disabled and their carers need support, and not to be living in fear that they won't be able to survive. Anyone who's cared for someone knows what a hard, unrelenting job it is – often 24/7. Some of those making these assessments seem to be oblivious as to what disability means for those who can never get away from it. Insulting questions, which lead to people saying they can manage things they can't, are just a small example of what people are faced with in these so-called 'assessments'. Often disabled people face more challenges than most can imagine or are even interested in. Those who do get jobs face the daily challenge of getting there – especially if they're dependent on a wheelchair. There's no quick fix for this, and slashing vital payments certainly isn't one! Ambigirls These cuts will break people None of the arguments the government is using stand up to scrutiny; there's no evidence which supports the cuts. The majority of the impact of disability is hidden outside people's close circle, especially intimate, embarrassing, and financial issues. People do not realise how bad things are, or how a lack of support can destroy you. These cuts will BREAK people. Cuts will also negatively impact the economy and cause higher dependency and increased costs to the NHS and local services in the medium to long term. KittyKat They've already cut mine by 36% Not badly so, but I'm disabled and have lived with not only the endless threat of losing my benefits – I have had them slashed (36%) and halted altogether. I wonder how far this has gone toward the destruction of my health, and yet there are many far worse off than myself. TomSnout We are where we are Unfortunately, the government does not have a time machine to go back and change decisions that some people may not like. We are where we are now. And where we are now is even higher taxes than the current record, to pay for even higher benefits spending, which, again, is already at a record (all in real terms). Mark Constant cycle of torture It's not about 'people who can work, should'. Realistically, no employer will jump at the chance to employ a disabled person – and if they do, it'll be a constant cycle of torture for the worst affected, who will be forced – and it is forced—into work they cannot do. In six months or less, they'll have worsened in health and require the services of occupational health. And what is occupational health going to tell them? Quit! Resign! You can't work after all! This welfare reform needs total scrapping. VIMS2022 Universal Credit won't help carers There will be many carers left destitute because the benefit system doesn't allow them to claim any other benefits. Universal Credit doesn't cover someone who's unable to work due to caring responsibilities. They will get nothing! Everlasting I've been waiting five years I would love nothing more than to walk again. But this is my fifth year of waiting. In case you're thinking I can't be so bad, I have severe end-stage arthritis. What bone I have left is twisting. I'm pretty darn sure I'm not the only one. Cynicalme A vendetta against the most vulnerable Having attended the consultations into the green paper, I witnessed so many who were terrified of how the cuts would rob them of their hard-fought careers. A warning for those calling for an end to disability support: these measures only save a pittance, so expect more cuts. If they can stoop low enough to give the most vulnerable a good kicking, then nothing will stop them going after pensioners next, who are the biggest slice, by over half, of the welfare bill after all. TalkingSense Easy targets PIP isn't awarded because of your ability to work or not. Why cut PIP? To save money and pretend that those who have disabilities don't have them anymore. And we are the easiest ones to target. Starmer has calculated that the 'grey vote' will be useful in the next general election, and voters will be upset if their granny and grandad die from cold. Children have voting parents and will grow up to be voters. But the disabled? Nah. Sub-humans without a voice. As I said, easy targets. News for him: disabled people also have loved ones who are voters, and we are voters too. I am about to be a grey voter, and I have a disability. Labour won't be getting my vote ever again. LizzieM I feel like an expensive pet I'm disabled. My partner works. I can't claim any benefits due to her income. PIP is therefore my only source of income and independence. It allows me to get to my own appointments, and it pays for my prescriptions, eye tests, and dental care (not that it covers this—I haven't seen a dentist in years due to the cost). PIP also makes me marginally less of a burden on my partner, as I can pay for my own prescriptions and even pick them up or get them delivered. To remove this money will drive me into poverty, make me rely more on my partner, and cost her more money. This will put pressure on our already strained relationship, as I will feel like an expensive pet, rather than a valued human being. It is cruel, vindictive and callous. I would have expected this from the Conservatives after the minefield they created throughout austerity, but for a Labour government to penalise disabled people in such a manner is bordering on political insanity – and the very definition of cruelty. Silvafox Why do they always pick on us? My husband is disabled, paralysed, uses a wheelchair – only one side of his body works. Due to other health issues, he can't have a motorised wheelchair, so we have a manual one. I take him where he has to go. He is so stressed by all of this that his condition is worse. Why does the government always pick on people who cannot defend themselves? It happens all the time. Bonniebell Employers won't take the risk The problem with DWP trying to engage disabled individuals in finding suitable work leaves a lot to be desired. Employers are more reluctant to take on disabled people on the grounds that they have to look after them. They consider disabled people as cheap labour, and the cost of employing them far outweighs the benefits. There is a pool of people who have no skills, and that is disadvantageous, not to mention that disabled people have no history or record of having worked for a considerable time. Kingdaniel Want to share your views? Simply register your details below. Once registered, you can comment on the day's top stories for a chance to be featured. Alternatively, click 'log in' or 'register' in the top right corner to sign in or sign up.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
The hidden danger of slush ice drinks to young children
The Food Standards Agency (FSA) has warned parents and carers against giving slush ice drinks containing glycerol to children under the age of seven. Glycerol, used as a sugar substitute to prevent slushies from freezing solid, can cause very low blood sugar levels and unconsciousness in young children if consumed at high levels. The FSA's updated advice, following recent intoxication incidents, takes a more precautionary approach to protect children. Businesses are advised to limit cup sizes and avoid offering free refill promotions to children under 10 for drinks containing glycerol. The warning applies to ready-to-drink slush drinks in pouches and home kits, with businesses urged to use only the minimum necessary glycerol.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Business
- The Sun
DWP issues update on PIP reform plans ahead of major welfare changes
THE Department for Work and Pensions has issued a major update on PIP reform plans ahead of a major shake-up. In March, the government revealed plans to tighten the rules for claiming personal independence payments (PIP). 1 The goal is to shave £5billion a year off the nation's soaring welfare budget and drive more people to return to work. Today, the proposed legislation to make this happen was introduced in Parliament for the first time. The DWP's Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill explains how the government plans to reduce the number of people claiming PIP by making the rules for eligibility stricter. Currently, you qualify for PIP by earning enough points across different tasks, like cooking, cleaning, or managing money. But, under the new rules, you'll need to score at least four points on one specific daily living activity to qualify. This means simply having minor difficulties across several areas may no longer be enough to qualify. This change could see about 800,000 people lose out, with an average loss of £4,500 per year, according to government's own impact assessment. However, the Bill also introduces measures to protect existing claimants who might lose their payments. If someone loses their PIP under the new rules, they will still receive payments for 13 weeks as a safety net. This also applies to related benefits, such as carer's allowance. But campaigners, including disability equality charity Scope, said the longer transition period, up from an originally expected four weeks, "will only temporarily delay a cut and disabled people will continue to be living with extra costs when it comes to an end". Food bank network Trussell said: "The last-minute details on protections offer something for a small proportion of people, but even they will still see a real-terms cut. "The reality of this Bill is still record cuts in support for disabled people, and the biggest cuts to social security since 2015." The Universal Credit and Personal Independence Payment Bill has also set out how the government proposes to slash incapacity benefits offered to those on Universal Credit. It also includes a proposal to hike the Universal Credit standard allowance above inflation over the next four years. What is PIP and who is eligible? HOUSEHOLDS suffering from a long-term illness, disability or mental health condition can get extra help through personal independence payments (PIP). The maximum you can receive from the Government benefit is £187.45 a week. PIP is for those over 16 and under the state pension age, currently 66. Crucially, you must also have a health condition or disability where you either have had difficulties with daily living or getting around - or both - for three months, and you expect these difficulties to continue for at least nine months (unless you're terminally ill with less than 12 months to live). You can also claim PIP if you're in or out of work and if you're already getting limited capability for work and work-related activity (LCWRA) payments if you claim Universal Credit. PIP is made up of two parts and whether you get one or both of these depends on how severely your condition affects you. You may get the mobility part of PIP if you need help going out or moving around. The weekly rate for this is either £29.70 or £77.05. On the daily living part of PIP, the weekly rate is either £73.90 or £110.40 - and you could get both elements, so up to £187.45 in total. You can claim PIP at the same time as other benefits, except the armed forces independence payment. What's happening with Universal Credit? The government plans to freeze the extra health payments available to those on Universal Credit who are unable to work. For people already on Universal Credit, the current incapacity payment of £416.19 a month for those unable to work will be frozen until 2030. This means the payment will no longer increase with inflation each spring. However, for new claims starting from April 2026, this very same payment will be cut by half, to approximately £208 a month (or £50 a week). This reduced amount will also be frozen until 2030, meaning new claimants will receive significantly less extra support. At the same time, the government is proposing to hike the Universal Credit standard allowance above inflation over the next four years. It believes that raising the standard allowance for everyone while reducing the health top-up will make returning to work more financially worthwhile and possible. However, charities disagree. Anela Anwar, chief executive of anti-poverty charity Z2K, said: "We all know that our broken disability benefits system needs reform. "But these reckless plans, which official estimates show will plunge more than one million disabled people into poverty or even deeper into poverty, do not represent meaningful reform. "Government suggestions that these cuts are about helping people into work are entirely disingenuous. "Experts agree that only between 1% and 3% of those who will be hit by the cuts are expected to find work as a result." The government also plans to get rid of the Work Capability Assessment (WCA), which is used to decide if someone qualifies for Universal Credit health payments, at a later date. Instead, the DWP will use the PIP assessment to decide if someone is eligible for these health payments. The DWP aims to make this change by 2028. What are Work Capability Assessments? The DWP uses the Work Capability Assessment (WCA) to evaluate a claimant's ability to work when applying for Universal Credit due to a health condition or disability. The WCA focuses on assessing functional limitations rather than specific medical diagnoses. It considers both physical and mental health, awarding points based on how an individual's condition impacts their ability to carry out daily activities. After the assessment, claimants may be placed into one of two groups - Limited Capability for Work (LCW) or Limited Capability for Work and Work-Related Activity (LCWRA). Claimants assigned to the LCW group are recognised as currently unfit for work but may be capable of returning to employment in the future with the right support and assistance. Those in this group are required to engage in work-related activities, such as attending Jobcentre appointments or training courses. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in sanctions, including a reduction or suspension of benefits. Claimants are placed in the LCWRA group if their health condition or disability is considered so severe that they are not expected to be able to work or participate in any work-related activities in the foreseeable future. Those in the LCWRA group receive an additional amount on top of their standard Universal Credit allowance currently worth £416.19 a month.
The Guardian
4 days ago
- The Guardian
Carer's allowance: woman who won case against DWP calls for end to ‘sickening harassment'
The mother of a teenager with cerebral palsy has demanded an end to the 'sickening harassment' of unpaid carers after a significant legal victory against the government. Nicola Green, 42, was pursued by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) for more than a year after she was accused of fraudulently claiming nearly £3,000 in carer's allowance. When Green insisted she was innocent, the DWP wrote to her employer without her knowledge to try to recoup the sum from her pay. The part-time college worker, whose 17-year-old son has a number of health conditions, appealed against the fine before a tribunal judge, who quashed it in barely 30 minutes last month. Speaking after her legal victory, Green said she had been treated 'like a criminal' by the DWP over the £2,823.75 sum. 'I can't believe what they're putting people through,' she said. '[I'm] just a law-abiding person, who has never broken the law in my life. I've always tried to do things by the book … It feels like harassment.' The DWP wrote to Green on 27 May to say it was considering appealing against the tribunal ruling and that it would not cancel the debt until then. However, the department wrote to her again on Monday, days after being contacted the Guardian, to say it had cancelled the overpayment and that she would be offered advice about claiming compensation. A DWP spokesperson said: 'Ms Green's overpayment has been cancelled. We are committed to supporting carers across the UK. Tribunals offer customers an opportunity to provide any additional information which may be relevant to their case, and we regularly gather feedback and learn from them.' Green's case is the latest in the Guardian's award-winning investigation into the DWP's pursuit of unpaid carers despite official errors that have plunged tens of thousands of vulnerable people into hardship. The latest figures show that the government is clawing back at least £357m in carer's allowance paid out in error over the last six years, leaving hundreds of people with criminal records and some with debts of more than £20,000. The DWP has faced widespread criticism over its 'cruel and nonsensical' punishment of family carers who unwittingly earned slightly more than the weekly limit to qualify for carer's allowance, which rose to £196 a week in April. The department is alerted whenever a carer oversteps the weekly limit but until recently only checked half of these alerts – and as few as 12% for a long time – meaning tens of thousands of people were unknowingly building up debt for years. The controversial 'cliff-edge' rule means that a carer who earns £1 more than the weekly threshold must repay the whole of that week's carer's allowance, currently £83.30 a week. That means someone who earns £1 a week over the limit for a year must repay not £52 but £4,331.60. A Guardian analysis has found a sharp increase in the number of cases being quashed by judges in recent years as concern over the DWP's actions have grown. In the year to April 2025, tribunal judges struck out 42% of carer's allowance fines, compared with 29% in 2019 and 15% in 2014. In total, the DWP has lost 898 cases at tribunal in the last six years. Green, who works less than 14 hours a week at Bolton college, said she was reduced to tears by the DWP's pursuit. She juggles her term time-only job with caring for her teenage son, whom she did not wish to be named publicly. He has cerebral palsy, is deaf and has short bowel syndrome owing to complications arising from being born extremely premature, meaning he was hospitalised for six months from birth. 'They don't care about you. They don't care about your personal situation. They don't care what you've been through and they don't care how much you're saving the system,' she said. 'It's so unjust and it's the injustice that's driven me to challenge it. It's sickening actually. The tone of the letters – they're insinuating I'm a criminal. And going through the process you do feel like you've defrauded the system, however innocent it has been.' The DWP claimed Green had breached the earnings rules on seven occasions between December 2018 and April 2024. Five of these related to a one-off Christmas holiday bonus from her employer. One was due to unexpectedly receiving sick pay. The final overpayment related to a pay increase awarded to all Bolton college employees. However, tribunal judge Dianne Oliver ruled last month that Green had not in fact breached the rules because her average weekly pay was below the earnings limit. The DWP did not attend the 30-minute hearing in Bolton. The judgment follows a similar legal victory by another unpaid carer, Andrea Tucker, who defeated the government in February. The rulings are significant because the DWP routinely pursues carers on the basis of individual weekly earnings, rather than averaging them over a year. If the government took the latter approach, far fewer carers would end up with huge debts.
South China Morning Post
5 days ago
- Health
- South China Morning Post
Silver economy far from enough for rapidly ageing Hong Kong
By 2046, an estimated 36 per cent of Hong Kong's population will be over 65 . The Hong Kong government has announced 30 measures to promote the silver economy . While targeting the consumption power of the elderly may provide a much-needed boost to the economy, it is far from a solution to the mounting challenges posed by our rapidly ageing society. Advertisement As a carer for two wheelchair-bound parents, I face daily struggles that underscore the urgent need for a more comprehensive approach to ageing. These struggles are not unique to me but reflect systemic gaps that demand immediate attention. Other cities and countries have tackled these issues with foresight and innovation, and Hong Kong has much to learn from their successes. Hong Kong is far from being a wheelchair-friendly city . Stairways, kerbs and narrow pathways make navigating urban spaces a daily ordeal for those with mobility challenges and their carers. Singapore, by contrast, was recognised as one of 10 most accessible cities in the world in a 2022 travel survey. Compared to Hong Kong's barrier-free access manual, Singapore's barrier-free accessibility code seems to place a stronger emphasis on universal design principles, seamless connectivity between indoor and outdoor spaces, and the incorporation of assistive technologies as part of its smart city initiatives. In Hong Kong, the health system also poses significant barriers. Elderly people often require regular medical appointments for chronic conditions, but they face a stark choice between expensive private care and long waits for public services. Outside regular clinic hours, the only option for most people is the overcrowded accident and emergency departments of public hospitals. Elderly patients at the Accident and Emergency Department of Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Yau Ma Tei during a flu alert on January 11. Photo: Nora Tam Hong Kong needs to embrace teleconsultations at scale to improve healthcare accessibility. In Asia, Singapore has mainstreamed telehealth in both public and private healthcare systems.
