DR UK Statement on Upcoming Spring Budget

Tue,5 March 2024
News Equality & Rights
As Jeremy Hunt stands in front of parliament this Wednesday to announce his Spring statement, he will do so having been in receipt of the frankest and most demanding letter sent by the Disability Poverty Campaign Group (DPCG) to a sitting chancellor.

There is much in this country which is not working for Disabled people and the chancellor has the power to put things right. He must address the deepening levels of poverty experienced by millions of citizens, including disproportionate numbers of Disabled citizens. 

Poverty is decimating the Disabled community, of this there is no doubt, the facts and reports speak for themselves, it is the unequivocal truth. From heat and food poverty, to benefits which barely scratch the surface, to social care that is inadequate or non-existent, to inaccessible and unaffordable housing. These issues are reported daily on the media and being passionately raised in MPs surgeries up and down the country. In short, MPs and the Government are fully aware of how bad things are, especially for Disabled citizens. It is vital that on the 6th of March the appalling living conditions of millions of citizens is acknowledged and that action is taken. Disabled people experiencing ever-deepening poverty and cuts to public services, should be able to look to Government to tackle the injustices we face, and to expect Government to provide us with essential incomes and support.

Disability Rights UK has long fought for the rights, services, and incomes of the Disabled community and as a leading member of DPCG, we call on the Chancellor to act now. Jeremy Hunt has a final chance to begin to reverse the social and economic damage done to Disabled people by considering the matters raised in the DPCG letter and acting to make a positive difference to the lives of Disabled citizens.

Disability Rights UK