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A Coalition of Major Charities Have Spoken Out Against Government’s Controversial Welfare Reforms

A coalition of major charities and 1,600 individuals –known as the Campaign for a Fair Society – are proposing an alternative solution to the Government’s controversial welfare reforms
Lifestyle - 7 March 2012   Download IconContent available for download:  
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A coalition of major charities have spoken out against the Government’s controversial welfare reforms, cleared in parliament last week, saying they will lead to an increase in abuse of disabled people and leave those with learning difficulties significantly worse off.

Campaigners say ‘the new policy, along with several other government policies, disguises extreme cuts that target disabled people and people living in poverty.’ The claims are backed by new evidence, arising from an in-depth analysis of the cuts, showing that these will fall disproportionately on the most vulnerable groups in society. In fact £24 billion worth of cuts will hit older, disabled people and those living in poverty.
The Campaign for a Fair Society – consisting of over 100 charities and 1,600 members – say the new law will mean that vulnerable people won’t be able to gain access to the services they depend on, and will suffer as a result.

They agree that reform is necessary, but want reforms that are fair. Therefore the CfaFS have proposed an alternative solution to be presented at the House of Lords next Monday (12th). The detailed manifesto highlights how a different system could mean control can shift to citizens, families and communities, whilst still saving the Government money.

. Introduction:

A coalition of major charities and 1,600 individuals –known as the Campaign for a Fair Society – are proposing an alternative solution to the Government’s controversial welfare reforms which were passed in parliament last week. The group say the new laws are an attempt to disguise extreme cuts that target disabled people and people living in poverty.

Over half of the cuts will fall on these vulnerable groups of people, with campaigners arguing the cuts are unjust and illogical.

So, what exactly are the Government’s welfare reforms and what impact are they likely to have on the lives of people, who groups from the CfaFS, work with on a daily basis?

Joining us in studio is Dr. Simon Duffy, Director of the Centre for Welfare Reform, an independent think-tank that supports the campaign and the person responsible for analyzing all the numbers. He will outline what the Campaign for a Fair Society is proposing. We are also joined by Adrian, a person with learning disabilities supported by Brandon Trust, who can explain what these cuts will mean for him and others living with a learning disability.