Call for disabled people to write to their MSPs about welfare reform

Capability Scotland and Inclusion Scotland are calling on disabled people to contact their MSP immediately and let them know how the cuts being introduced in the Welfare Reform Bill will affect them.

The Scottish Parliament is currently looking closely at the impact that the UK Government's Welfare Reform Bill will have in Scotland. MSP's are considering it carefully ahead of a vote on whether or not the Scottish Parliament should give consent to parts of the Bill (called a 'Legislative Consent Motion').

It is therefore more important than ever that disabled people let their MSP know how cuts to the benefits they receive to assist with the additional costs involved with being disabled will affect them.  To assist disabled people to do this, Capability and Inclusion Scotland have put together a model letter which people can tailor to give details of their own circumstances, along with a briefing which explains why this is so important and advises on how people can contact their MSP.

Richard Hamer, Director of External Affairs said:

"It is crucial that disabled people tell their MSPs about the impact that the proposed changes will have on their lives and their ability to live independently.  It is only when people hear the real life experiences of disabled people that the abstract proposals in the Welfare Reform Bill can be seen for what they are - plans that will prevent many disabled people from being able to live any semblance of a full life".