Tim Farron has backed an amendment to the controversial welfare bill to protect disabled people and carers from “senseless” cuts.
The MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale announced his support for the Liberal Democrat’s amendment to the Government’s welfare bill, in a bid to protect carers and disabled people at risk of losing support from the planned cuts.
The Government estimates that 150,000 unpaid carers would lose Carers Allowance as a result of the proposed cuts, with many households also losing Personal Independence Payments for the person being cared for.
Mr Farron said: “The Government needs to urgently change course and scrap these senseless cuts. I have heard from countless constituents deeply worried that they will lose out on vital support, which is the only way many can stay in work or just get through their everyday lives.
“Unpaid carers do tremendous work in often the most challenging of circumstances, taking huge pressures off our health services and helping loved ones.
“We need to offer them more support, not less, and that is why I am proud to have signed this Liberal Democrat amendment that would protect carers and disabled people here in Westmorland from these damaging cuts.”
The Liberal Democrats claim that the Government’s planned welfare reforms would be a ‘false economy’ as carers affected by the cuts would become financially unable to look after their loved ones, therefore increasing pressure on the NHS, social care and local government services.
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The proposed amendments would address the problem by focussing on reducing waiting lists and getting people back into work.
If passed, the Liberal Democrat amendment would stop the welfare bill from becoming law.
According to the party, the Government’s own assessment predicts the welfare reform bill would push a further 250,000 people, including 50,000 children into poverty.
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