Define Fair

http://www.daa.org.uk/index.php?mact=Blogs,cntnt01,showentry,0&cntnt01entryid=323&cntnt01returnid=98

"A report commissioned by Norfolk Coalition of Disabled People (NCODP) found that due to cuts in benefits and local services the poorest 53% of disabled people in the county of Norfolk, around 100,000 people and their families, will see their living standards decline by a third over the next four years."


Well, firstly, well done NCODP. Reports like these help to crystallise just how unfair these cuts are in the minds of those still wavering over the "We're all in this together" "We will protect the most vulnerable" "There is no Alternative" rhetoric. 


What I really want to point out (and have been meaning to for ages!) is that sick and disabled people already live on very little money indeed. Here are the current levels of sickness and disability benefits from the DWPs own website:


Employment Support Allowance (ESA)

Weekly rate during the assessment phase

The assessment phase rate is paid for the first 13 weeks of your claim while a decision is made on your capability for work through the Work Capability Assessment.
Age of claimant                                                    Weekly amount
A single person aged under 25                                                        up to £51.85
A single person aged 25 and over                                                    up to £65.45
Weekly amount during the main phase
The main phase starts from week 14 of your claim, if the Work Capability Assessment shows that your illness or disability does limit your ability to work.
Type of Group
A single person in the Work Related Activity Group                    up to £91.40
A single person in the Support group                                            up to £96.85
 
Disability Living Allowance (DLA)
Care Component                                                              
Highest Rate                                                                       £71.40
Middle Rate                                                                        £47.80
Lowest Rate                                                                       £18.95
Mobility Component
Higher Rate                                                                        £49.85
Lower Rate                                                                        £18.95


Now, be under no illusion, DLA, Disability Living Allowance, the second set of figures, only apply to the most profoundly disabled people. Sickness and disability benefit fraud rates are less than 1% (DWP own figures) and the application process is stringent. Here are the DWP guidelines on who is likely to qualify for the benefit:

"Do any of the following apply to you? 


You need dialysis at home at least twice a week? 
You are 100% blind and 80% deaf? 
You have had both legs amputated above the ankle or were born without legs or feet
You are severely mentally impaired with severe behavioural problems and need help with personal care day and night?


If "no" you are not likely to qualify for DLA but may still claim."


So, only 9% of claimants are currently being found too ill to work and placed in the Support group of ESA. These claimants would be very likely to qualify for some level of DLA too, though not necessarily the top rates by any means. 


Therefore, most people unable to work because of severe illness get just £388.45 per month to live on. 


The most profoundly disabled - those unable to walk at all who need all of their care needs met might receive an absolute maximum of £903.76 per month. 


Please don't be fooled though. The higher amount must cover modified transport, wheelchairs, hoists, carers and extra dietary and equipment needs. Over 2.5 million sick and disabled people live on just under £400 per month.


Just to really put all of this in perspective, this chart shows that the UK actually has the lowest benefit rates anywhere in the developed world. (See last entry in table) http://www.dailykos.com/story/2011/1/11/935567/-Social-Security-rescue-needs-no-draconian-fixes


Cutting that by a third really tells us all we need to know about this coalition doesn't it?