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Revitalise calls for root
and branch overhaul of failing PIP benefit
DISABLED people's charity Revitalise;
which runs the
Sandpipers Respite Centre, in Southport;
has welcomed the news that 10,000 disabled people will be better off as a result
of their legal victory over Personal Independence Payment (PIP) rules. The
charity is calling for a root and branch overhaul of the entire PIP system to
prevent further confusion and ensure disabled people receive sufficient benefits
to play a meaningful role in society. As austerity bites ever deeper, the
respite break provider has had to quadruple its hardship funding in recent
years, in response to an unprecedented increase in demand from disabled people
and carers in financial hardship.
Revitalise CEO Chris Simmonds commented:- "This latest legal victory
simply adds weight to the argument that PIP is not fit for purpose and needs a
complete overhaul. This time last year the UN Committee on the Rights of
Disabled Persons (UNCRPD) found that the UK's welfare reforms amounted to 'grave
and systematic violations' of disabled people's rights. Then came the news that
many disabled people were being left with no choice but to purchase their own
wheelchairs in order to maintain their mobility, leaving many confined to their
homes. This government claims to be committed to the rights of disabled people,
but how can they lead dignified, productive, meaningful lives if they are not
given the financial support to do so?"
What your your views on this topic? Do
you agree with Revitalise on this issue or have you go other views? Email your
thoughts to:-
News24@SouthportReporter.Com.
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