Gov't must understand Welfare Reform Bill's impact on most vulnerable - charity

The proposed cut in Employment Support Allowance (ESA) payments to those deemed unfit to work would have a dramatic impact on the lives of many vulnerable people. Yesterday the House of Lords opposed this reduction of £30 a week. A sudden change of circumstances, such as cancer or mental health issues, can be devastating and this support provides a small but essential safety net so that those affected can focus on what is important, getting better. As a charity that exists to get support that is available to individuals and families, I hope that the prominence of this in today’s news reminds people that help does exist and we hope that this, alongside the outcome of Monday’s debate on child poverty measures, will encourage the government to reconsider the impact that the Welfare Reform Bill could have on those struggling financially.