Linda Fabiani MSP
to feed themselves and their families. He said: “It is always the poorest and most vulnerable who are hit the hardest and the cuts – not just to disability payments – but to benefits as a whole have left many families in the town with no option but to rely on food banks, which is simply heartbreaking.
“No one wants to come to a food bank but all it takes is one missed payment or one change to benefits and families can find themselves in real difficulty – and the scandalous thing is the government would actually save themselves millions upon millions if they actually paid people what they were entitled to rather than sanctioning them or stopping benefits.”
The figures, which were obtained from the Department of Works and Pensions (DWP) through a Freedom of Information request by The Ferret, show the average loss per 100,000 of the population in East Kilbride Strathaven and Lesmahagow was £265.
“These figures clearly demonstrate the human cost of the UK Government’s welfare policies across my constituency,” Dr Cameron told the News.
“They are hitting the most vulnerable, disabled people and show no decency or compassion.
“As chair of the Disability All-Party Group since 2015, I have continually fought these policies, successfully overturning faulty decision after faulty decision.
“However, there is no escaping it. The overall impact is devastating and the policy itself must be scrapped.”
Ms Fabiani said the Tories were more about “cuts than caring”.
“It’s no secret that the UK Government’s so-called welfare reforms are plunging people into poverty,” she said.
“The switch from DLA to PIP has been difficult for many people – the fact that 16,970 claimants who have undergone a benefits reassessment are now without this benefit just shows how detrimental these changes are.
Ms Fabiani added: “The figure of 270 claimants from the East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow Westminster constituency maybe doesn’t sound like a lot at first, but that’s many worried local people.
“And it means that around £900,000 is lost in PIP payments to the area.
“People have every right to be angry about being rejected for PIP when they previously claimed Disability Living Allowance.
“The UK Government really should rethink their assessment procedures.”
Meanwhile, Labour Central Scotland list MSP Monica Lennon said: “These figures are clear evidence that the Universal Credit and PIP system is just not fit for purpose.
“The annual loss of almost £1m to disabled people in East Kilbride is not small change – it’s the difference between people facing destitution or being able to live with dignity.
“The Tories have continually failed to listen to the experiences of people and these figures reveal the appalling reality of their harmful austerity agenda on those in our communities who are in most need of help.”
The neighbouring Rutherglen and Hamilton West constituency lost nearly £1.4m while Motherwell and Wishaw suffered an annual loss of nearly £1.3m.
It is estimated that the annual loss to disabled people across the whole of Scotland is £56.4m.
Neil Cowan, policy and parliamentary officer with the Poverty Alliance, said the introduction of PIP has caused “widespread anxiety and alarm”.
“Cuts to disability benefits have contributed towards a tightening of the grip of poverty on many people’s lives and this cannot be right,” he said.
“With some social security powers now being devolved, the new Scottish social security system can act to loosen this grip. It can take different choices and show that a different approach is possible, and it must.”
However, the DWP said that PIP is a “fairer, more modern benefit than its predecessor, focusing support on those who most need it”.
“The UK Government spends more on disability benefits than ever before including £5.4bn more on PIP, DLA and Attendance Allowance than in 2010,” a DWP spokeswoman said. She added: “We are committed to ensuring that disabled people get the support they’re entitled to.
“Decisions for PIP are made following consideration of all the information provided by the claimant and their GP or medical specialist, and anyone who is unhappy with their decision can appeal.”
It’s no secret that the UK Government’s so-called welfare reforms are plunging people into poverty...
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