United Kingdom: Cameron’s not-so-nice welfare cuts

Polly Toynbee

The Guardian

David Cameron is about to be reminded of an awkward truth, said Polly Toynbee: Voters “are nicer than he thinks.” Until now, the Tory leader has enjoyed a good deal of support for his much-vaunted welfare reforms, thanks to a widespread feeling that the system had become too open to fraud and waste. But just watch the “mood turn” when people see what his savage cuts do to the sick and unemployed.

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Come April 1, some 280,000 disabled people and countless others suffering from cancer and various chronic diseases will have their benefits slashed as part of an effort to cut an “unthinkable” $28 billion from the benefits bill. Despite Cameron’s promise that he would never “hurt disabled children,” most of them will lose benefits worth $42 a week. “Expect heartrending stories from the 25,000 young carers looking after disabled parents,” who will be losing $109 a week. Living allowances for the disabled are to be cut by 20 percent, removing funds for transportation and other services at a time when local communities are also reducing spending on such needs.

These welfare reforms have already received a rough ride from the House of Lords. Just wait until the voters wake up to them.