Davey: welfare review must listen to the voice of carers

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

Ahead of the statement on the welfare bill later today, Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey has said the Government’s review of the Personal Independence Payments (PIP) must listen to groups representing family carers, as well as disability charities.

Under the Government’s plans, those caring for someone who doesn’t qualify for PIP in future will lose their Carer’s Allowance.

The Liberal Democrats said the Government’s welfare bill should be pulled until the full impact on disabled people and carers has been assessed and published.

Liberal Democrat Leader Ed Davey said:

“I remain deeply worried about the future impact of these cuts on family carers and the vulnerable people they look after.

"Ministers must ensure that this review listens carefully to carers’ charities to understand the impact these changes will have, on family carers themselves, on the NHS and social care.

“Carers have been ignored by the Government throughout this whole debacle, their voice must now be heard loud and clear.

“Liberal Democrats are clear that we cannot vote for anything that strips disabled people and those who care for them of vital support. The Government needs to go back to the drawing board and pull this bill until they have consulted carers and properly set out the full impacts of these changes.”

ENDS