Thank you for writing to me concerning the cuts to disability benefits by the UK Labour Government.
I note that the Impact Assessment on the UK Government’s welfare Green Paper shows that an additional 200,000 people will be pushed into absolute poverty as a direct result of their policies, including over 50,000 children. Moreover, the cuts to the Winter Fuel Allowance would have impacted 11 million pensioners across the country, 1.6 million of which are disabled, meaning that 71% of disabled pensioners would have lost their Winter Fuel Payment. After tireless campaigning from Conservatives on this issue, I am pleased to see that the Labour Government have U-turned on much of their plans for this policy, meaning that 9 million of the 11 million pensioners who lost their support last year will now get it back.
The Labour Party were not transparent with the British public with their intentions regarding cuts to disability benefits prior to the General Election, so many people are understandably disappointed and feel deeply betrayed.
Whilst I recognise that the current benefits system in the UK is not fit for purpose, the callous and poorly thought-out approach that the Labour Party has taken to try to address the issue, both in Westminster and in Cardiff Bay, is reprehensible. My Welsh Conservative colleagues and I will continue to make this case for our constituents, particularly now that we know the Labour Party are capable of U-turns when enough pressure is applied.
I thank you again for taking the time to contact me.