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Just what do they have planned for the Disabled and Vulnerable

It seems simple right but one of the most tragic and reckless decisions during the pandemic was the release of elderly patients into care homes without proper testing or isolation. This led to widespread COVID-19 outbreaks, causing countless preventable deaths and clearly showing the then government’s inability to protect the most vulnerable. Given this kind of track record, how can we trust any politician, regardless of flavour, to handle any reform to the PIP process fairly? It's disabled people across the UK who will continue to bear the brunt. Labour is no better than the Tories and I strongly suspect they'll be just as incompetent. In fact, I’m convinced that both Starmer and especially Reeves have a few screws loose—Reeves is a complete basket case in my view and not up to the job. It might sound silly but why not have the United Nations Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities carry out the review? I wonder…

They expect us to believe that in an economy worth £2.27 trillion, the sixth largest in the world, the best way to balance the books is by taking back £1 to £1.5 billion from pensioners? To the government, that amount might seem like nothing but for those who rely on it, it means everything. It certainly won’t save the country, nor will further vilifying disabled people. This just proves again that those in power are more interested in cutting corners at the expense of the vulnerable, rather than making any real difference where it’s needed.

The PIP system has long been criticised for being excessively intrusive, requiring claimants to disclose deeply personal details about their health and their struggles. These details are often scrutinised by assessors who seem barely fit to boil a kettle, let alone understanding the nuances of someone’s condition and how it affects their life. After that, it’s passed on to so-called health professionals who may lack the relevant expertise, ignore your evidence or skim through it without proper consideration—and at worst, might simply dismiss the claim outright or even lie to deny support. Instead of offering genuine help, the process feels designed to withhold assistance from those who need it most.

The United Nations has repeatedly condemned the UK’s treatment of disabled people. In 2016, the UN’s Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) launched an inquiry, concluding in 2017 that the UK government had committed “grave and systematic violations” of disabled people’s rights, particularly through austerity measures and welfare reforms like the changes to PIP. The report criticised how these policies disproportionately affected disabled individuals, leaving many in financial hardship and struggling to live independently. Labour is no different to the Tories and will, I suspect, be equally incompetent and I believe there’s more austerity coming our way.

Despite these warnings from the UN, the situation has worsened in recent years. Disabled people continue to be marginalised, with lengthy waiting times for benefits and a PIP process that often feels designed to fail claimants rather than support them. While Labour leadership might have brought hope to some, many remain sceptical that positive change will come. Critics argue that both major political parties have consistently failed to address the needs of disabled people. With no signs of change, there is little hope that the system will improve for the better. Many fear that instead of easing the struggles faced by claimants, the current PIP process, already seen as intrusive and overly focused on denying support, will either stay the same or become even more restrictive. Disabled individuals are left navigating a system that seems designed to scrutinise and disqualify them, rather than offering the help they need. As new austerity measures inevitably begin, the situation is expected to worsen, further marginalising those most in need.

The fear is that this ‘new’ government will continue to overlook the needs of the disabled, using reforms to cut costs rather than provide necessary support. The PIP system, which has always been problematic, may become even more challenging for those who rely on it, adding to the distress of already vulnerable individuals.

As the UN and human rights groups have highlighted, this erosion of support reflects a broader failure of the UK government to uphold its commitments to disabled people under international law. The question remains: can we trust this government to have handled the pandemic differently from the Tories and do they have any desire to improve the lot of the disabled in the UK, or will they continue to prioritise austerity and bureaucracy over genuine care and compassion?

A New Government Appears Even Worse Than the Preceding One: How the Disabled and Vulnerable Are Not Suffering Enough

Another change in government from blue to red, yet this shift in colour appears to be the only difference. Any hopes of improvement were not based on promises of reform but more on an assumption—perhaps a desperate hope—that being a Labour government, they would show some compassion towards the unfortunate after 14 years of Tory rule. However, this hope is slowly, piece by piece, being whittled away.

Rather than offering even a slight reprieve, this new government seems intent on intensifying the hardships already faced by the disabled and other vulnerable groups. While the previous leadership was known for its harsh and uncaring policies, the current regime appears even more detached and indifferent, seemingly with plans to accelerating the erosion of support for those in need.

For years, austerity measures and relentless cuts to essential services have chipped away at the foundations that once provided security for the disabled and disadvantaged. Yet instead of addressing these long-standing issues, the new government seems to have chosen to continue down the same destructive path. Their approach conveys the message that those who are struggling have not suffered enough and should endure even more.

The disabled, in particular, are being vilified through rhetoric that portrays them as burdens, undeserving of the very support they rely on to live with dignity. Instead of increasing access to crucial assistance, the government is tightening the screws, making it increasingly difficult for people to receive help. Benefits assessments have become harsher and the safety net many rely on is becoming riddled with even bigger holes.

Public services, already under immense strain, are continuing to deteriorate. Promises of investment in the NHS, past and present, social care and community services all ring hollow, with little evidence that anything meaningful is being done. Waiting lists are growing longer, access to critical services is becoming more difficult and the quality of care is in decline. The disabled and those who depend on these services are being left to fend for themselves in an increasingly hostile system.

Worse still, this government has deliberately created an atmosphere of confusion and uncertainty. Clear communication is lacking and people are being left to speculate about their future. This creation of a vacuum allows fear and misinformation to flourish, keeping the public anxious and divided. Added to this is the right-wing press, having a field day with their relentless attacks on the disabled. It seems that the more disoriented people are, the less likely they are to organise and challenge what we suspect will be regressive strategies.

Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of this government is the complete lack of accountability. Time and time again, ministers make bold statements about getting disabled people back to work, despite these individuals having already been through the PIP sausage machine, one of the toughest processes on the planet. These people are undoubtedly sick and disabled, yet the government backtracks when it suits them. While ministers remain insulated from the consequences of their actions, the public, particularly the disabled and vulnerable, are forced to endure the fallout. Broken promises, disregard for the real-life struggles of ordinary people, and the ever-growing divide between those in power and the rest of society have left many feeling abandoned.

This government, far from being a force for change, is simply a continuation of the failures of the last but with even more apparent ruthlessness. By eroding support systems, vilifying the vulnerable and fostering an environment of fear and confusion, they have ensured that the most vulnerable are left in an even more precarious position.

For those who once hoped for something better, the disappointment is bitter. Instead of the positive change they rightly expected, they are faced with deeper cuts, more suffering and a government that seems increasingly detached from the realities faced by ordinary people. The disabled, the elderly and the disadvantaged are being pushed further to the margins, forgotten in a country that no longer seems to value compassion or care for its own people.

This government is failing in its most basic duty: to protect and support those who cannot fend for themselves. Instead, it appears likely to pursue policies that inflict more pain and deepen the divide between the powerful and the powerless. Until this government is made accountable for its actions, the disabled and vulnerable will continue to suffer in a system that has all but abandoned them.

Meanwhile, we wait for Rachel Reeves to return from the dance floor with trepidation, ready to do the dirty on 30th October.

I feel suicidal being constantly bombarded about being forced into work, Pip being taken away. I am so scared. I have bi polar, OCD, CPTSD and have just been diagnosed with Dilated cardiomyopathy, heart failure, bilateral valve disorder and Atrial Fibrillation. I won't live to pension age so the 30 years I paid in, they get to keep. Why do they have to torture me with the couple if years I have left. I am raising 2 teens on my own and my money goes on necessities not holidays and hot tubs. 

As there is also the Motability Scheme Question will this be Abolished as a pensioner On a very small Occupational pension my winter fuel allowance is no more and if this mad Voucher System would be a disaster for many as Catalogues for disability Equipment are already provided by my local county council adult care service.   

I was surprisingly awarded PIP for lifetime. Mine is like many far from straight forward my additional expenses revolve around extra water usage ( I am not on any benefit that entitles me to a water  bill reduction) the need to provide an additional bathroom and cleaning.

Pip entitles you to free bus pass, blue badge and disabled person railcard, which I need due my learning disabilities and the money to get to appointments because I don't drive. It also pays my rent and food. 

Let’s all hope they scrap it we need pip money as if we go voucher I will not be able to get to hospital appointments at all  pip pays for my  taxi to hospital and home asi. Can not follow a simple rut due to learning disability 

Part of my disability is caused by my eating disorder. Are these vouchers going to cover food costs? If not I will not be able to buy food, meaning my eating disorder and therefore my disability will worsen. I can't drive, will the vouchers cover public transport? If not, I will be unable to attend therapy and other healthcare appointments. 

Absolutely repulsive proposals. The tax breaks they give big business and the deals MPs have with private companies that are to do with private masonic handshakes are vile.

Would I be correct in saying that treating disabled people differently than able bodied people would be illegal? One of the government’s own laws was made so that disabled people would not be discriminated against. Yet that’s EXACTLY what the government would be doing by stopping cash payments only for the disabled and not other benefit claimants. Test case would have to be brought to the courts. I think it could cost millions more. 

I hate to say it but I think those with more severe issues will be less affected than those without, and those with more paperwork supporting their claims will find it easier. I have been trapped in a cycle for 20 years of being told I am unfit for work one minute, then fit for work the next. Every job I've had hasn't worked out, and not from the lack of trying either. 

Heartbreaking, and frankly, disgusting! Words escape me, because, let's be honest, we are not listened to!!!!!

Vouchers will leave me and my wife homeless.. we don't qualify for UC.. we don't work due to disabilities.. we live off PIP & Carers allowance.. and the PIP helps pay the rent.. without that we are homeless.. 

Vouchers will just confine me to the house permanently. I rely on taxis to get around and will no longer afford them.

This is the personal statement I gave at my PIP Tribunal. I hope others can relate?

I don't understand, PIP is Personal INDEPENDENCE payment, but a voucher system takes away our Independence. It seems that I cannot be trusted to spend my allowance... I don't feel that I have to justify to anyone how I spend my allowance (I assume people think I spend it in booze, fags and Shein?). The voucher system just adds to the shame I am made to feel. You can't see my bi polar (diagnosed by a psychiatrist, not tik tok, and my heart failure with a 19% survival rate at 5 years) I lied about my mobility car to neighbours, and said my parents brought it, just to avoid the nasty comments. I get UC and PIp, I paid into the system for 30+ years and won't make it to my old age pension (That will save the government over £250,000 if I had lived to 80).

Not feaseable, will not work ,how are we the disabled who have a mobility vehicle, going to get around ,on the local bus ? trains?taxes? Why are the dianled being attacked in this way ,it was brought in by a labour government for the very reason people NEEDED IT, we know the tories hate the disabled, but not to come out and say NO! How hard is that .

Pip is only for money only not voucher voucher will never work so keep it as money 

Only people with no experience of severe disability would suggest a voucher scheme instead of cash payments for PIP. For so many people it just wouldn't work, due to the nature of their disability. It's just one more slice of hell for people with severe disabilities to be force fed by the government. It's about time the government stopped treating us like easy targets, got off our backs, gave us the support we needed and allowed us to get on with our lives in peace, free from the continual burden of stress consecutive governments have put us under. 

A voucher scheme may amount to discrimination for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.  However, the government may over come this with primary legislation.  A voucher scheme would not be inline with obligations under the Human Rights Convention and there is nothing the government can do to overcome that.  *Probation form toucher, humiliating and degrading treatment," a voucher scheme is humiliating and degrading, for vulnerable people.