on plans to cut UK disability benefits

Vulnerable people are experiencing trauma this week because of the planned cuts that have been announced by Liz Kendall, the work and pensions secretary of the UK government, to disability support through PIP and Universal Credit.

I hold energy for myself, my partner’s care needs, and those among my clients who are sick, disabled, or allied in voicing grave concern, in this time of upset and terror being experienced by many of the most vulnerable people in our society.

Intense fear is being shown in mental and physical, written and verbalised responses to the UK government’s assault on the sick and disabled by proposing to slash their financial support and, for millions, end it completely.

Of course, my energy is not limitless. I have disabilities myself. Mindful of the need for self-care, I also watch and read, not passively but accumulating awareness and knowledge.

These cuts will have knock-on effects such as the loss of direct payments for personal assistants; ending of social services payments for supportive placements to build confidence and prevent isolation; loss of blue badges and bus passes; unpaid carers losing eligibility for Carers Allowance if their loved ones lose PIP. They will not only end a financial lifeline but take away other essential supporting structures and enable tents from individuals with the greatest needs in society, leaving many stuck at home, isolated and unable to look after themselves or connect in person with others.

The UK government is wrong in my view, that’s obvious from what I’ve already written above. I acknowledge that others may think differently and, if they do, we might never reach agreement as I’m not going to change my mind on this and they could feel the same way.

When one considers, however, that a mere 2% tax on any money held by individuals and businesses that goes over £10million would generate at least five times what the cuts will, one wonders why such a tax is not being proposed as a response to any perceived need to ‘balance the books’. It’s better than pushing people into poverty who already struggle every day.

The risk of self-harm among those living with chronic illnesses and disabilities has already gone up since the announcement – how much more at risk will the vulnerable be, if these proposals are enacted?

I work as a counsellor from deeply held convictions to alleviate distress, prevent harm, and help people find their own ways forward in life. I believe it would be wrong, professionally and personally, not to be part of the huge swell of opposition to these cuts. They go beyond any party political allegiances one may have, or they should. These cuts are deeply unethical for any government to propose and harmful to the people they are elected to serve. When our concerns at government plans run deep, then peaceful yet vociferous and relentless opposition is absolutely right to pursue.

Get in touch with Xander for a free 30-minute initial assessment and to work out a fee that’s right for your circumstances should you decide to proceed further. Xander has spaces currently available to welcome new clients.

Xander, trading as xph therapy, offers integrative counselling, which means working with multiple therapy types, including CBT, psychotherapeutic and person-centred to develop a therapeutic pathway just for you, whatever outcome you’re hoping to achieve.