MS charity criticises UK government for ‘squandering’ millions on benefit rule

Benefits cuts for people with Multiple Sclerosis will cost the UK government more money than they save, according to a leading charity.

The MS Society said that although benefit cuts for people with the illness are expected to save the government £83.3 million over three years, this will be outweighed by knock-on taxpayer costs amounting to more than £92.7m.

More than 100,000 people live with MS in the UK and nearly one in six will lose out on Personal Independence Payment (PIP) support because of the “20 metre rule”.

This rule says people who can walk one step over 20m do not need the highest rate of mobility component.

As a result of this rule, thousands with MS have been stripped of their Motability cars and left trapped in their homes and unable to work, seen their health deteriorate, and been forced to face stressful and lengthy appeals to get their benefits reinstated.

The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has insisted its 20 metre rule would not have “any significant additional cost implications” for other government departments. But the MS Society has found the rule has not only failed people with MS, it’s also had a disastrous impact on public finances.

Ahead of the UK government considering its spending plans within the Spending Review, the MS Society has sent a report to the DWP